Page:Tales from Chaucer.djvu/245

 clad me in an array suitable to my altered fortune: to you I brought nothing but faith, and nakedness, and a maidenly purity:—here again I restore your clothing, and your wedding-ring—for ever. The remnant of your jewels are in your chamber. Naked I came from my father's house, and naked must I return. Yet I would hope that it is not your intention to send me forth utterly destitute: you could not do so dishonest a thing as to expose her who had borne your children to the stare of the ruthless multitude—let me not like a worm go by the way—remember, however unworthy, I was your wife. Therefore, in return for that unspotted chastity—the only dowry I could bring to you—vouchsafe to me the simple under garment I was wont to wear. And now, my Lord, I take my leave.'

' The under-coat,' said he, 'which is now upon your back, you may take away with you:' but scarcely had he spoken the words than he left the place, for he could not look upon her for compassion. In the presence of the Court she stripped herself of her noble robes, and in her under-dress, bare-headed and bare-footed,