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THE WIFE OF BATH'S TALE:

that such arrogance is not worth a straw. He who secretly, and in the open face of day is most virtuous, who seeks to perform all the noble deeds in his power, is the most perfect gentleman. Jesus Christ commands that we claim our gentle birth from Him, who was "meek and lowly of heart;" not from our ancestors, because of their riches. For, though they leave us the whole of their inheritance, and to boast of our high kindred; yet can they not bequeath to us their virtuous lives which procured them the title of Gentlemen. Integrity of character seldom springs of its own accord in a man's descendants. We derive our gentle birth from the goodness of God only; from our ancestors we claim nothing but temporal benefits, which man may destroy. If gentleness of demeanour were implanted in a certain lineage, then would no one of that descent commit an act of villany. But we know that the sons of Lords will often shame their parentage. And he who demands praise of his gentility because he comes of a high family, having noble and virtuous ancestors, yet himself performs no deeds of gentleness, is