Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/238

 their dissatisfaction; and though I do not hear, I am made to know the cause of their offence. As, therefore, it is the desire of my heart to reign in peace, I have resolved to remove my son and dispose of him as I formerly did of his sister; of which determination I give you warning, in order that you may be prepared for the event, and not give way to any sudden grief, but endure all my decrees with your promised patience and steadfastness.'

'I have said,' she replied, 'and I will never repeal my oath, that nothing which you may command will I gainsay. Though my children be both slain, you are my Lord and their Lord, and may do with your own as you list: their mother has had no part in their lot, but pain in the first instance, and unavailing sorrow ever after. As when I first left my home to come to you, I left my all, even to my clothing; so I then left my will and my liberty when I put on your array. Follow, therefore, the inclination of your heart. If I had the prescience to know that my death would give you ease, of a surety would I die forthwith―Death can bear no comparison with my love.'