Is this the custom of King Arthur's Court? Is every Knight in his train so sparing of courtesy and tenderness? I am your own love and your wife; I saved you from destruction; and, of a truth, never wronged you: why then behave thus to me? your conduct is like one insane. What is my crime—my offence? Tell me, and if I can, I will amend it.'
'Amend it!' said the Knight, 'No! no! you never can amend it. You are so old, so loathsome, and born of so low degree, that little should you wonder at my distress and horror. Would to heaven my heart would break at once!'
'Is this then,' said she, 'the cause of your uneasiness?'
'Certainly; and what wonder that it is.'
'Now, Sir,' said she, 'in three days, if I chose, I could amend all this, so that you would bear yourself towards me as you ought. But since you Knights speak of such high birth as is descended from ancient wealth, and presume that therefore you are Gentlemen;[1] I tell you
- ↑ The reader will recollect the note at page 111, explaining the original meaning of the word 'gentle.'
