English Literature for Boys and Girls by H. E. (Henrietta Elizabeth) Marshall
page 138 of 806 (17%)
page 138 of 806 (17%)
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Usury were granted as marriage gifts to the pair. But Theology
was angry. He would not permit the wedding to take place. "Ere this wedding be wrought, woe betide thee," he cried. "Meed is wealthy; I know it. God grant us to give her unto whom Truth wills. But thou hast bound her fast to Falseness. Meed is gently born. Lead her therefore to London, and there see if the law allows this wedding." So, listening to the advice of Theology, all the company rode off to London, Guile leading the way. But Soothness pricked on his palfrey and passed them all and came to the King's court, where he told Conscience all about the matter, and Conscience told the King. Then quoth the King, "If I might catch False and Flattery or any of their masters, I would avenge me on the wretches that work so ill, and would hang them by the neck and all that them abet." So he told the Constable to seize False and to cut off Guile's head, "and let not Liar escape." But Dread was at the door and heard the doom. He warned the others, so that they all fled away save Meed the maiden. "Save Meed the maiden no man durst abide, And truly to tell she trembled for fear, And she wept and wrung her hands when she was taken." But the King called a Clerk and told him to comfort Meed. So Justice soon hurried to her bower to comfort her kindly, and many |
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