courtesy that King Arthur's knights show to their brides? Have I not
saved your life, and can you not welcome me in better fashion to your
home?" The knight answered, "How could I welcome you when you are so
ugly, so poor and of such low birth?" "If that be all your
complaint," said she, "I can prove that I am in no way to blame for
it. How is a man noble save by noble deeds? Though a man can bequeath
his wealth to his heirs he cannot leave them his own virtuous way of
life. Each man makes his nobility for himself. And as to poverty--did
not our Lord Jesus choose the life of a poor man, and can you blame
that which God Himself chose? Poverty cheerfully borne is a noble
thing and no disgrace. What we _do_ matters! 'Gentle is as gentle
does!' You say I am old and ugly! Would you rather have me as I am
and your dutiful and obedient wife, or so young and gay that you are
disregarded? Choose which you wish, you can have your choice!" Then
the knight did not know what to say, but bade his wife choose
herself. "Then you trust me," she said. "Why yes, truly, dear wife,"
he answered. At that she laughed and said, "Husband, I have my wish.
Kiss me and you shall find me, by to-morrow's dawn, as fair as any
woman in all the length and breadth of the land, and moreover, I will
be to you a true and loving wife and obedient all my life long."...
So it fell out, and never was there a happier couple in all the land.
Now, I say, may fate send us all young and handsome husbands who will
love us and trust us, but as for morose, perverse old greybeards, a
plague on them!


All the way along, the Friar had been scowling at the Summoner. So
far he had said nothing, but as the Wife of Bath finished her tale he
began, "Dame, yours was a good tale, but in some matters it went
rather deep. We only want amusement on this journey, not scoffing. If