WIFE. (_to_ HIPPOLYTA)
Say something quick, that we may hold her still.


EMILY. Hark, did I hear a pleading little voice?
Ah, ladies, in her punishment rejoice!


JUNIOR. (_meekly, in a weak, timid tone from behind the curtain_)
Dear ladies all, whom Father Chaucer loved, Hippolyta, and Emily, Mrs.
Wife of Bath and Sister Prioress, and the two nuns, and Griselda and
anybody else I haven't mentioned, I'm sorry, and I'll never do it again.


HIPPOLYTA. Justice and law demand your punishment.


PRIORESS. My tender heart would bid me cry "relent".


JUNIOR. (_crying_)
Please, ladies, for sweet Chaucer's sake.


(_They look at each other, moved by the mention of Chaucer's name_.)


JUNIOR. O Chaucer, you who loved all people, come to my aid!