Cligesstayswiththekinguntilthebeginningofsummer;bythattimehehasbeenoverallBritainandoverFranceandoverNormandy，andhaswroughtmanyaknightlydeed，sothathehaswellprovedhimself。Butthelovewithwhichheiswoundedgrowsneitherlighternoreasier。Thewishofhisheartkeepshimeverconstanttoonethought：heremembersFenicewhofarfromhimistorturingherheart。Alongingseizeshimtoreturnhome;fortoolonghasheabstainedfromseeingtheladymoreyearnedforthananylady，thateverheardofmanhasyearnedfor。Andhewillnotabstainlongerfromher。HepreparesforthejourneytoGreece;
　　hehastakenleaveandreturns。Much，Iween，diditgrievemylordGawainandthekingwhentheycannolongerkeephim。Buthelongstoreachherwhomhelovesanddesires;andhehastenso’erseaandland;andthewayseemsverylongtohim，soeagerlydoesheyearntoseeherwhotakesawayandpurloinshisheartfromhim。Butsheyieldshimafairreturn;andwelldoesshepayandcompensatehimforthetollshehasextortedfromhim;forsheinherturngivesherownheartinpaymenttohim，whomshelovesnoless。Butheisnotawhitcertainaboutit;neverhadhepledgeorpromiseinthematter;andhegrievescruelly。Andshealsolaments;forherloveofhimistormentingandkillingher;andnothingcangivepleasureorjoyinhereyessincethathourwhensheceasedtoseehim。Shedoesnotevenknowifheisalive，whereofgreatsorrowstrikeshertotheheart。ButCligesgetsnearereachday，andinhisjourneyhehashadgoodluck;forhehashadafairwindandcalmweather，andhasanchoredwithjoyanddelightbeforeConstantinople。Thenewsreachedthecity;itwaswelcometotheemperorandahundredtimesmorewelcometotheempress。Ifanyonedoubtthisitwillbetohisownsorrow。
　　CligesandhiscompanyhaverepairedtoGreece，straighttotheportofConstantinople。Allthemostpowerfulandnoblecometotheporttomeethim。Andwhentheemperorwhohadadvancedinfrontofallmeetshim，andtheempresswhowalksbyhisside，theemperor，beforeall，runstofallonhisneckandtogreethim。AndwhenFenicegreetshim，theonechangescolourbecauseoftheother;andthemarvelishowwhentheycomeclosetoeachothertheykeepfromembracingandkissingeachotherwithsuchkissesaspleaseLove。Butfollywouldithavebeenandmadness。
　　Thefolkrunupinalldirectionsanddelighttoseehim。Theyallleadhimthroughthemidstofthetown，someonfootandsomeonhorseback，asfarastheimperialpalace。Ofthejoythattherewasmadewillneverwordherebetold，norofthehonour，norofthehomage;buteachhasstriventodowhateverhethinksandbelieveswillpleaseCligesandbewelcometohim。Andhisuncleyieldstohimallthathehassavethecrown。HeisrightwillingthatCligestakeathispleasurewhatsoeverheshallwishtoobtainfromhim，beitlandortreasure;butCligesmakesnoaccountofsilverorofgold，sincehedarenotdisclosehisthoughttoherforwhomheloseshisrest;andyethehasleisureandopportunityfortellingherifonlyhewerenotafraidofbeingrefused;foreverydayhecanseeherandsitalonebyhersidewithoutanyonegainsayingorforbidding;fornobodyimaginesorthinksevilofit。
　　Aspaceoftimeafterhehadreturned，onedayhecameunattendedintotheroomofherwhowasnotforsoothhisenemy，andbewellassuredthatthedoorwasnotshutagainstthemeeting。Hewasclosebyhersideandalltheresthadgoneaway，sothatnoonewassittingnearthemwhocouldheartheirwords。FenicefirstofallquestionedhimaboutBritain。SheaskshimconcerningthedispositionandcourtesyofmylordGawain，andatlastsheventurestospeakofwhatshedreaded。Sheaskedhimifheloveddameormaideninthatland。TothisCligeswasnotunwillingorslowtoreply。Quicklywasheabletoexplainalltoher，assoonasshechallengedhimonthepoint。"Lady，"quothhe，"Iwasinlovewhileyonder;butIlovednonewhowasofyonderland。InBritainmybodywaswithoutaheartlikebarkwithouttimber。
　　WhenIleftGermany，Iknewnotwhatbecameofmyheart，savethatitwentawayhitherafteryou。Herewasmyheartandtheremybody。IwasnotabsentfromGreece，formyhearthadgonethither，andtoreclaimithaveIcomebackhere;butitneithercomesnorreturnstome，andIcannotbringitbacktome，andyetIseekitnotandcannotdoso。Andhowhaveyoufaredsinceyouhavecomeintothisland？Whatjoyhaveyouhadhere？Dothepeople，doesthelandpleaseyou？Ioughttoaskyounothingfurthersavethis——whetherthelandpleaseyou。""Formerlyitpleasedmenot;butnowtheredawnsformeajoyandapleasurethatIwouldnotlose，beassured，forPaviaorforPlacentia;
　　forIcannotdissevermyheartfromit，norshallIeveruseforcetodoso。Inmeistherenoughtsavethebark，forwithoutmyheartIliveandhavemybeing。NeverwasIinBritain，andyetmyhearthasmadeIknownotwhatcontractinBritainwithoutme。""Lady，whenwasyourheartthere？Tellmewhenitwent，atwhattimeandatwhatseason，ifitisamatterthatyoucanreasonablytellmeoranother。WasittherewhenIwasthere？"
　　"Yes，butyouknewitnot。Itwasthereaslongasyouwerethereanddepartedwithyou。""God！andIneitherknewnorsawitthere。God！whydidIknowitnot？IfIhadknownit，certainly，lady，Iwouldhaveborneitgoodcompany。""Muchwouldyouhavecomfortedmeandwellwouldithavebecomeyoutodoso，forI
　　wouldhavebeenverygracioustoyourheart，ifithadpleasedittocometherewhereitmighthaveknownmetobe。""Ofasurety，lady，itcametoyou。""Tome？Thenitcamenotintoexile，forminealsowenttoyou。""Lady，thenarebothourheartsherewithusasyousay;formineiswhollyyours。""Friend，andyouonyoursidehavemine，andsowearewellmatched。Andknowwellthat，somayGodguardme，neverhadyouruncleshareinme，forneitherdiditpleasemenorwasitpermittedtohim。NeveryetdidheknowmeasAdamknewhiswife。WronglyamIcalleddame;
　　butIknowwellthathewhocallsmedameknowsnotthatIamamaid。Evenyouruncleknowsitnot，forhehasdrunkofthesleepingdraughtandthinksheisawakewhenhesleeps，andhedeemsthathehashisjoyofme，justashefainwouldhaveit，andjustasthoughIwerelyingbetweenhisarms;butwellhaveI
　　shuthimout。Yoursismyheart，yoursismybody，norindeedwillanyonebymyexamplelearntoactvilely;forwhenmyheartsetitselfonyou，itgaveandpromisedyoumybody，sothatnobodyelseshallhaveashareinit。LoveforyousowoundedmethatneverdidIthinktorecoveranymorethantheseacandryup。IfIloveyouandyouloveme，nevershallyoubecalledTristram，andnevershallIbeIseult，forthenthelovewouldnotbehonourable。ButImakeyouavowthatnevershallyouhaveothersolaceofmethanyounowhave，ifyoucannotbethinkyourselfhowImaybestolenfromyouruncleandfromhisbed，sothathemayneverfindmeagain，orbeabletoblameeitheryouormeorhaveanythinghemaylayholdofherein。To-nightmustyoubendyourattentiontothematterandto-morrowyouwillbeabletotellmethebestdevicethatyouwillhavethoughtof，andIalsowillponderonthematter。To-morrow，whenIshallhaverisen，comeearlytospeaktome，andeachwillsayhisthought，andwewillcarryoutthatwhichweshallconsiderbest。"
　　WhenCligesheardherwish，hehasgrantedherall，andsaysthatitshallberightwelldone。Heleavesherblithe，andblithehegoesaway，andeachliesawakeinbedallnightandtheythinkwithgreatdelightoverwhatseemsbesttothem。Themorrowtheycomeagaintogether，assoonastheywererisen，andtheytookcounselinprivate，astherewasneedforthemtodo。FirstCligessaysandrecountswhathehadthoughtofinthenight。
　　"Lady，"quothhe，"IthinkandbelievethatwecouldnotdobetterthangoawaytoBritain：thitherhaveIdevisedtotakeyouaway。Nowtakeheedthatthematterfallnotthroughonyourside。ForneverwasHelenreceivedatTroywithsuchgreatjoy，whenParishadbroughtherthither，thattherewillnotbeyetgreaterjoyfeltthroughoutthewholelandoftheking，myuncle，anentyouandme。Andifthispleaseyounotwell，tellmeyourthought;forIamready，whatevercomeofit，tocleavetoyourthought。"Shereplies："AndIshallspeakit。NeverwillIgowithyouthus，forthen，whenwehadgoneaway，weshouldbespokenofthroughouttheworldastheblondeIseultandTristramarespokenof;buthereandthereallwomenandmenwouldblameourhappiness。Noonewouldbelieveorcouldbeexpectedtobelievetheactualtruthofthematter。WhowouldbelievethenasregardsyourunclethatIhavegoneoffandescapedfromhimstillamaid，butamaidtonopurpose？Folkwouldholdmealight-of-loveandawanton，andyouamadman。ButitismeettokeepandobservethecommandofSt。Paul，forSt。Paulteacheshimwhodoesnotwishtoremaincontinenttoactsowiselythathemayneverincuroutcrynorblamenorreproach。Itiswelltostopanevilmouth，andthisIthinkIcanfullyaccomplish，ifitbenottoogrievousforyou;forifIactasmythoughtsuggeststome，Iwillpretendtobedead。Iwillshortlyfeignsickness，anddoyouonyoursidelavishyourpainstoprovideformytomb。Setyourattentionandcareonthis，thatbothtombandbierbemadeinsuchfashionthatIdienottherenorsuffocate，andletnooneperceiveyouthatnightwhenyouwillbereadytotakemeaway。Andyouwillfindmearefuge，suchthatneveranysaveyoumayseeme;andletnooneprovidemewithanythingofwhichIhaveneedorrequirement，saveyoutowhomIgrantandgivemyself。NeverinallmylifedoIseektobeservedbyanyotherman。Youwillbemylordandmyservant，goodwillbetomewhatsoeveryouwilldotome，norshallIeverbeladyoftheempire，ifyoubenotlordofit。Apoor，dark，andsordidplacewillbetomemoresplendidthanallthesehalls，whenyoushallbetogetherwithme。IfIhaveyouandseeyou，Ishallbeladyofallthewealthintheworld，andthewholeworldwillbemine。Andifthethingisdonewisely，neverwillitbeinterpretedill，andnonewilleverbeabletopointthefingerofscornatme，forthroughthewholeempirefolkwillbelievethatIhaverottedinthegrave。AndThessala，mynurse，whohasbroughtmeupandinwhomIhavegreattrust，willaidmeingoodfaith，forsheisverywiseandIhavegreatconfidenceinher。"AndCliges，whenheheardhislove，replies："Lady，ifsoitcanbe，andifyouthinkthatyournurseislikelytocounselyourightlyinthematter，allyouhavetodoistomakepreparationsandtocarrythemoutspeedily;butifweactnotwisely，wearelostbeyondrecovery。Inthistownthereisacraftsmanwhocarvesandworksinwoodwondrouswell;thereisnolandwhereheisnotfamedfortheworksofartthathehasmadeandcarvedandshaped。Johnishisname，andheismyserf。Nohandicraftisthere，howeverpeculiaritbe，inwhichanyonecouldrivalhim，ifJohnsethismindtoitwithawill。Forcomparedwithhimtheyareallnoviceslikeachildatnurse。ItisbyimitatinghisworksthattheinhabitantsofAntiochandofRomehavelearnedtodowhatevertheycanaccomplish，andnomoreloyalmanisknown。ButnowwillIputhimtothetest，andifI
　　canfindloyaltyinhim，Iwillfreehimandallhisheirs，andI
　　willnotfailtotellhimourplan，ifheswearsandvowstomethathewillaidmeloyallythereinandwillneverbetraymeinthismatter。"Shereplies："Nowbeitso。"
　　ByherleaveCligescameforthfromthechamberanddeparted。AndshesendsforThessala，hernurse，whomshehadbroughtfromthelandwhereshewasborn。AndThessilacameforthwith，forsheneitherlingersnordelays：butsheknowsnotwhyhermistresssendsforher。Feniceasksherinprivateconferencewhatshecounselsandwhatseemsgoodtoher。SheneitherhidesnorconcealsfromThessalaeventhesmallestpartofherthought。
　　"Nurse，"saysshe，"IknowwellthatneverathingthatItellyouwillafterwardsbecomeknownthroughyou，forIhaveprovedyourightwellandhavefoundyouverywise。YouhavedonesomuchformethatIloveyou。OfallmyevilsIcomplaintoyou，nordoItakecounselelsewhere。YouknowwellwhyIlieawakeandwhatIthinkandwhatIwish。Myeyescanseenothingtopleaseme，saveonething，butIshallhavefromitneitherenjoymentnorcomfort，ifIdonotpayverydearlyforitbeforehand。AndyetIhavefoundmymate;forifIdesirehim，he，onhisside，desiresmetoo;ifIgrieve，he，onhisside，grieveswithmysorrowandmyanguish。NowImustconfesstoyouathoughtandaparley，inwhichwetwoinsolitudehaveresolvedandagreed。"Thenshehastoldandrelatedtoherthatsheintendstofeignherselfill，andsaysthatshewillcomplainsomuchthatfinallyshewillappeardead，andCligeswillstealherawayinthenight，andtheywillbealwayshenceforthtogether。
　　Innootherway，itseemstoher，couldshecontinuefirminherresolve。ButifshewereassuredthatThessalawouldhelpherinit，thethingcouldbedoneaccordingtoherwish;"Buttoolongdojoyandgoodfortuneformedelayandtarry。"Forthwithhernurseassuresherthatshewilllendallheraidtotheenterprise，lethernowhaveneitherfearnordreadinregardtoaught;andshesaysshewilltakesomuchpainsaboutthematter，assoonassheshallundertakeit，thatneverwilltherebeanymanwhoseesherwhowillnotbelievequitesurelythathersoulisseveredfromthebody，whenThessalashallhavegivenheradrinkthatwillmakehercoldandwanandpaleandstiff，withoutspeechandwithoutbreath;andyetshewillbequitealiveandsound，andwillfeelneithergoodnorill，norwillshesufferanyharmduringadayandawholenightinthetombandinthebier。
　　WhenFenicehadheardit，thushasshespokenandreplied：
　　"Nurse，Iputmyselfinyourcare，Igiveyoufreeleavetodowhatyouwillwithme。Iamatyourdisposal;thinkforme，andbidthefolkherethattherebenonewhodoesnotgoaway。Iamillandtheydisturbme。"Thenursetellsthemcourteously："Mylords，myladyisunwellandwishesyoualltogoaway，foryouspeaktoomuchandmaketoomuchnoise，andnoiseisbadforher。
　　Shewillhaveneitherrestnorcaseaslongasyouareinthisroom。NeverheretoforethatIrememberhadsheillnessofwhichI
　　heardhercomplainsomuch，soverygreatandgrievousishersickness。Depart，anditvexyounot。"Theyspeedilygo，oneandall，assoonasThessalahadcommandedit。AndCligeshasquicklysentforJohntohislodging，andhassaidtohimprivily："John，knowestthouwhatIwillsay？Thouartmyserf，Iamthylord，andICangivetheeorselltheeandtakethybodyandthygoodsasathingthatismyown。ButifIcouldtrusttheeconcerninganaffairofminethatIamthinkingof，thouwouldstforevermorebefree，andlikewisetheheirswhichshallbebornofthee。"John，whomuchdesiresfreedom，forthwithreplies："Sir，"
　　sayshe，"thereisnothingthatIwouldnotdowhollyatyourwill，providedthattherebyImightseemyselffreeandmywifeandchildrenfree。Tellmeyourwill;neverwilltherebeanythingsogrievousthatitwillbetoilorpunishmenttome，norwillitbeanyburdentome。Andwereitnotso，yetitwillbehovemetodoitevenagainstmywill，andsetasideallmyownbusiness。""True，John，butitissuchathingthatmymouthdarenotspeakit，unlessthouwarrantmeandsweartome，andunlessthoualtogetherassuremethatthouwiltfaithfullyaidmeandwillneverbetrayme。""Willingly，Sir，"quothJohn，"neverbedoubtfulofthat。ForthisIswearyouandwarrantyouthataslongasIshallbealivingmanIwillneversayaughtthatI
　　thinkwillgrieveorvexyou。""Ah，John！notevenonpainofdeathisthereamantowhomIshoulddaretosaythatconcerningwhichIwishtoseekcounselofthee;ratherwouldIletmyeyesbepluckedout。RatherwouldIthatthoushouldstkillmethanthatthoushouldstsayittoanyotherman。ButIfindtheesoloyalandprudent，thatIwilltelltheewhatisinmyheart。
　　Thouwiltaccomplishmypleasurewell，asIthink，asregardsboththyaidandthysilence。""Truly，Sir！soaidmeGod！"
　　ForthwithCligesrelatestohimandtellshimtheenterprisequiteopenly。Andwhenhehasdisclosedtohimthetruth，asyeknowitwhohaveheardmetellit，thenJohnsaysthathepromiseshimtomakethetombwellandputthereinhisbestendeavour，andsaysthathewilltakehimtoseeahouseofhisownbuilding，andhewillshowhimthisthathehasmade，whichneveranyman，woman，orchildyetsaw，ifitpleaseshimtogowithhimtherewhereheisworkingandpaintingandcarvingallbyhimselfwithoutanyotherfolk。Hewillshowhimthefairestandmostbeautifulplacethatheeversaw。Cligesreplies："Letusthengo。"
　　BelowthetowninasequesteredspothadJohnbuiltatower，andhehadtoiledwithgreatwisdom。ThitherhasheledCligeswithhim，andleadshimovertherooms，whichwereadornedwithimagesfairandfinelypainted。Heshowshimtheroomsandthefireplaces，andleadshimupanddown。Cligesseesthehousetobelonely，fornoonestaysordwellsthere。Hepassesfromoneroomtoanothertillhethinkstohaveseenall，andthetowerhaspleasedhimwell，andhesaidthatitwasverybeautiful。Theladywillbesafethereallthedaysthatshewilllive;fornomanwilleverknowhertobethere。"No，truly，lord，shewillneverbeknowntobehere。Butthinkyoutohaveseenallmytowerandallmypleasaunce？Stillaretherelurking-placessuchasnomanwouldbeabletofind。Andifitisallowedyoutotryyourskillinsearchingaswellasyoucan，neverwillyoubeabletoransacksothoroughlyastofindmoreroomshere，howeversubtleandwiseyouare，ifIdonotshowandpointthemouttoyou。Knowthatherebathsarenotlacking，noranythingthatI
　　rememberandthinkofassuitableforalady。Shewillbewellathereasehere。Thistowerhasawiderbaseunderground，asyoushallsee，andneverwillyoubeabletofindanywheredoororentrance。Withsuchcraftandsuchartisthedoormadeofhardstonethatneverwillyoufindthejointhereof。""NowhearI
　　marvel，"quothCliges;"goforward;Ishallfollow，forIlongtoseeallthis。"ThenhasJohnstartedoff，andleadsCligesbythehandtoasmoothandpolisheddoor，whichisallpaintedandcoloured。AtthewallhasJohnstopped，andheheldCligesbytherighthand。"Lord，"quothhe，"nomanistherewhocouldhaveseendoororwindowinthiswall，andthinkyouthatonecouldpassitinanywisewithoutdoingitinjuryandharm？"Cligesanswersthathedoesnotthinkhecould，noreverwillthinkit，unlessheseesitwithhisowneyes。ThensaysJohnthathislordshallseeit，forhewillopenforhimthedoorofthewall。
　　John，whohimselfhadwroughtthework，unlocksandopenstohimthedoorofthewall，sothatheneitherhurtsitnorinjuresit，andtheonepassesbeforetheother，andtheydescendbyaspiralstaircasetoavaultedroomwhereJohnwroughtathiscraft，whenitwashispleasuretoconstructaught。"Lord，"quothhe，"herewherewearewasneveroneofallthemenwhomGodcreatedsaveustwo;andtheplacehasallthatmakesforcomfort，asyouwillseeinatrice。Iadvisethatyourretreatbehere，andthatyourlady-lovebehiddeninit。Suchalodgingismeetforsuchaguest，forthereareroomsandbathsandinthebathshotwater，whichcomesthroughapipebelowtheearth。Thatmanwhowouldseekaconvenientspottoplaceandhidehisladywouldhavetogofarbeforehefoundonesodelightful。Youwilldeemitaveryfittingrefugewhenyouhavebeenalloverit。"ThenhasJohnshownhimall，fairchambersandpaintedvaults，andhehasshownhimmuchofhisworkmanship，whichpleasedhimmightily。Whentheyhadseenthewholetower，thensaidCliges："John，myfriend，Ifreeyouandyourheirsoneandall，andIamwhollyyours。Idesirethatmyladybehereallalone，andthatnooneeverknowitsavemeandyouandher，andnotanothersoul。"Johnreplies："Ithankyou。Nowwehavebeenherelongenough，nowwehavenomoretodo，soletusstartonthereturnjourney。""Youhavesaidwell，"Cligesreplies，"letusdepart。"Thentheyturnandhaveissuedforthfromthetower。Ontheirreturntheyhearinthetownhowonetellsanotherinconfidence："Youknownotthegravenewsaboutmyladytheempress。MaytheHolySpiritgivehealthtothewiseandnoblelady，forsheliesinverygreatsickness。"
　　WhenCligeshearsthereport，hewenttothecourtatfullspeed;
　　butneitherjoynorpleasurewasthere;forallweresadanddejectedonaccountoftheempress，whofeignsherselfill;
　　feigns——fortheevilwhereofshecomplainsgiveshernopainorhurt;shehassaidtoallthataslongasthemaladywherebyherheartandheadfeelpainholdshersostrongly，shewillhavenomansavetheemperororhisnephewenterherchamber;forshewillnotdenyherselftothem;thoughiftheemperor，herlord，comenot，littlewillitirkher。ShemustneedsriskgreatsufferingandgreatperilforCliges’sake，butitweighsonherheartthathecomesnot;shedesirestoseenaughtsavehim。
　　Cligeswillsoonbeinherpresenceandstaytheretillheshallhaverelatedtoherwhathehasseenandfound。Hecomesbeforeherandhastoldher;butheremainedthereashorttimeonly，forFenice，inorderthatpeoplemaythinkthatwhatpleasesherannoysher，hassaidaloud："Away！Away！Youtiremegreatly，youwearymemuch;forIamsooppressedwithsicknessthatnevershallIberaisedfromitandrestoredtohealth。"Cliges，whomthisgreatlypleases，goesaway，makingadolefulcountenance——forneverbeforedidyouseeitsodoleful。
　　Outwardlyheappearsfullsad;buthisheartisblithewithin，foritlookstohaveitsjoy。
　　Theempress，withouthavinganyillness，complainsandfeignsherselfill;andtheemperor，whobelievesher，ceasesnottomakelamentation，andsendstoseekleechesforher;butshewillnotletthatoneseeher，nordoessheletherselfbetouched。
　　Thisgrievestheemperor，forshesaysthatneverwillshehaveleechexceptone，whowillknowhowtogiveherhealthquickly，whenitshallbehiswill。Hewillmakeherdieorlive;intohiskeepingsheputsherselfforhealthandforlife。TheythinkthatsheisspeakingofGod，butaverydifferentmeaninghasshe，forshemeansnoneotherthanCliges。HeisherGod，whocangiveherhealthandwhocanmakeherdie。
　　Thustheempressprovidesthatnoleechattendher，andshewillnoteatordrink，inorderthebettertodeceivetheemperor，untilsheisbothpaleandwanallover。Andhernursestaysnearher，whowithverywondrouscraftsoughtsecretlythroughallthetown，sothatnooneknewit，untilshefoundawomansickofamortalsicknesswithoutcure。Inorderthebettertocarryoutthedeception，shewentoftentovisitherandpromisedherthatshewouldcureherofherill，andeachdayshewouldbringaglasstoseeherwater，tillshesawthatmedicinewouldnolongerbeabletoaidherandthatshewoulddiethatveryday。
　　Shehasbroughtthiswaterandhaskeptitstraitlyuntiltheemperorrose。Nowshegoesbeforehimandsaystohim："Ifyouwill，sire，sendforallyourleeches，formylady，whoissufferingfromasoresickness，haspassedwaterandwishesthattheleechesseeit，butthattheycomenotinherpresence。"Theleechescameintothehall;theyseethewaterverybadandpale，andeachsayswhatseemstohimthetruth，tilltheyallagreetogetherthatneverwillsherecover，andwillnotevenseethehourofNone，andifshelivessolong，thenatthelatestGodwilltakehersoultohimself。Thishavetheymurmuredsecretly。
　　Thentheemperorhasbiddenandconjuredthemthattheytellthetruthofthematter。Theyreplythattheyhavenohopeatallofherrecovery，andthatshecannotpassthehourofNone，forbeforethathourshewillhavegivenuptheghost。Whentheemperorhasheardtheword，scarcelycanherefrainfromswooningtotheground，andlikewisemanyaoneoftheotherswhoheardit。Neverdidanyfolkmakesuchmourningasthenprevailedthroughallthepalace。Ispareyoutheaccountofthemourning，andyoushallhearwhatThessalaisabout，whomixesandbrewsthedraught。Shehasmixedandstirredit，forlongbeforehandshehadprovidedherselfwithallthatsheknewwasneededforthedraught。AlittlebeforethehourofNoneshegivesherthedraughttodrink。Assoonasshehaddrunkit，hersightgrewdim，andherfacewasaspaleandwhiteasifshehadlostherblood，norwouldshehavemovedhandorfootevenifonehadflayedheralive;sheneitherstirsnorsaysaword，andyetshehearkenstoandhearsthemourningwhichtheemperormakes，andthewailingwithwhichthehallisfull。Ando’erallthecitythefolkwailwhoweepandsay："God！whatasorrowandacalamityhasaccurseddeathdealtus！Greedydeath！Covetousdeath！Deathisworsethananyshe-wolf，fordeathcannotbesated。Nevercouldstthougiveaworsewoundtotheworld。Death，whathastthoudone？MayGodconfoundtheewhohastextinguishedallbeauty。Thouhastslainthechoicestcreatureandthefairestpicture——ifshehadbutremainedalive！——thatGodeverlabouredtofashion。ToopatientisGod，sinceHesufferstheetohavethepowertoruinHishandiwork。NowshouldGodbewrothwiththeeandcasttheeforthfromthydominion，forthouhastcommittedtoowantonandgreatarroganceandgreatinsult。"Thusallthepeoplestorm，theywringtheirhandsandbeattheirpalms，andtheclerksreadtheretheirpsalms，whoprayforthegoodladythatGodmayshowmercytohersoul。
　　Amidthetearsandthewails，asthewritingstellus，havecomethreeagedphysiciansfromSalerno，wheretheyhadbeenalongtime。Theyhavestoppedonaccountofthegreatmourning，andaskandinquirethereasonofthewailsandtears，whyfolkarethusdementedanddistressed。Andtheytellthemandreply："God！
　　Lords，knowyenot？Atthisoughtthewholeworld，eachplaceinturn，tobecomefrenziedtogetherwithus，ifitknewthegreatmourningandgriefandhurtandthegreatlosswhichthisdayhasopenedtoourken。God！whencethenareyoucome，sinceyouknownotwhathashappenedbutnowinthecity？Wewilltellyouthetruth，forwewishtojoinyouwithusinthemourningwherewithwemourn。Knowyounoughtofravenousdeath，whodesiresallandcovetsallandinallplacesliesinwaitforthebest，andhowgreatanactoffollyhehathto-daycommitted，asheiswont？
　　Godhadlittheworldwithabrilliance，withalight。ButDeathcannotchoosebutdowhatheiswonttodo。Everwithhismightheblotsoutthebestthathecanfind。Nowdothhewilltoprovehispower，andhastakeninonebodymoreworththanhehasleftintheworld。Ifhehadtakenthewholeworld，hecouldnothavedoneonewhitworse，providedthatheleftaliveandsoundthatpreywhomhenowleadsaway。Beauty，courtesy，andknowledge，andwhatsoeverappertainingtogoodnessaladycanhave，hasDeath，whohasdestroyedallgoodinthepersonofmyladytheempress，snatchedfromusandcheatedusof。ThushathDeathslainus。"
　　"Ah，God！"saytheleeches，"thouhatestthiscity，weknowitwell，forthatwecamenotherealittlespaceago。Ifwehadcomeyesterday，Deathmighthaveesteemedhimselfhighly，ifhehadtakenaughtfromusbyforce。""Lords，myladywouldnotforaughthaveallowedthatyoushouldhaveseenherortroubledyourselfabouther。Therewereenoughandtospareofgoodleeches，butneverdidmyladypleasethatoneorotherofthemshouldseeherwhocouldmeddlewithherillness。""No？""Bymyfaith，thatdidshetrulynot。"ThentheyrememberedSolomon，andthathiswifehatedhimsomuchthatshebetrayedhimunderapretenceofdeath。Perhapsthisladyhasdonethesamething;butiftheycouldbyanymeanssucceedintouchingher，thereisnomanbornforwhosesaketheywouldhaveliedorwouldrefrainfromspeakingthewholetruthaboutit，iftheycanseedeceitthere。Towardsthecourttheygoforthwith，whereonewouldnothaveheardGodthundering，suchnoiseandwailingtherewas。Themasterofthem，whoknewthemost，hasapproachedthebier。Nonesaystohim："Youtouchitatyourperil。"Nordoesanyonepullhimbackfromit。Andheputshishandonherbreastandonhersideandfeelsbeyondadoubtthatshehasherlifewholeinherbody;wellheknowsitandwellheperceivesit。Heseesbeforehimtheemperor，whoisfrenziedandreadvtokillhimselfwithgrief。Hecriesaloudandsaystohim："Emperor，comfortthyself。
　　Iknowandseeforacertaintythatthisladyisnotdead。Leavethymourningandconsolethyself。IfIgivehernotbacktotheealive，eitherslaymeorhangme。"Nowallthewailingthroughoutthepalaceiscalmedandhushed，andtheemperortellstheleechthatnowitispermittedhimtogiveordersandtospeakhiswillquitefreely。Ifhebringsbacktheempresstolife，hewillbelordandcommanderoverhim;buthewillbehangedasarobber，ifhehasliedtohiminaught。Andhesaystohim："Iacceptthecondition;neverhavemercyonme，ifIdonotmaketheladyherespeaktoyou。Withouthesitationordelayhavethepalaceclearedforme。Letnotoneoranotherstayhere。Imustseeprivatelytheevilfromwhichtheladysuffers。Thesetwoleechesalone，whoareofmycompany，shallstayherewithme，andletalltheothersgowithout。"ThisthingCliges，John，andThessalawouldhavegainsaid：butallthosewhoweretherewouldhaveinterpretedittotheirharm，iftheyhadattemptedtopreventit。Thereforetheykeepsilenceandgivethecounselthattheyheartheothersgive，andhavegoneforthfromthepalace。Andthethreeleecheshavebyforcerippedupthelady’swinding-sheet，fortherewasneitherknifenorscissors：thentheysay："Lady，havenofear，benotdismayed，butspeakinallsafety。Weknowforasuretythatyouarequitesoundandwell。
　　Nowbewiseandamenable，anddespairofnought;forifyouseekadvicefromus，wewillassureyouallthreeofus，thatwewillhelpyouwithallourpower，whereitbeconcerninggoodorconcerningevil。Wewillberightloyaltowardsyou，bothinkeepingyoursecretandinaidingyou。Donotcompelustoreasonlongwithyou。Fromthemomentthatweplaceourpowerandservicesatyourdisposal，yououghtnottorefuseuscompliance。"Thustheythinktobefoolandtocheather，butitavailsnought;forshecaresandrecksnoughtoftheirservice，sothatwhenthephysiciansseethattheywillavailnothingwithregardtoherbycajoleryorbyentreaty，thentheytakeheroffthebierandstrikeherandbeather;buttheirfuryistonopurpose，sinceforallthistheydrawnotawordfromher。Thentheythreatenandfrightenherandsaythat，ifshedoesnotspeak，shewillthatverydayfindoutthefollyofheraction;
　　fortheywillinflictonhersuchdiretreatmentthatneverbeforewasitslikeinflictedonanybodyofcaitiffwoman。"Wellweknowthatyouarealiveanddonotdeigntospeaktous。Wellweknowthatyouarefeigningandwouldhavedeceivedtheemperor。Havenofearofusatall。Butifanymanhasangeredyou，discloseyourfolly，beforewehavefurtherwoundedyou，foryouareactingverybasely;andwewillaidyou，alikeinwisdomorinfolly。"Itcannotbe，itavailsthemnought。Thenoncemoretheydealherblowsonthebackwiththeirstraps，andthestripesthatrundownwardsbecomevisible，andsomuchdotheybeathertenderfleshthattheymakethebloodgushoutfromit。
　　Whentheyhavebeatenherwithstrapstilltheyhavelaceratedherflesh，andtillthebloodwhichissuesthroughherwoundsrunsdownfromthem，andwhenforallthattheycandonothingnorextortsighorwordpromiseher;theyaremeddlingtonopurpose。Andfromher，andshenevermovesnorstirs，thentheytellherthattheymustseekfireandlead，andthattheywillmeltitandwillpouritintoherpalmsratherthanfailtomakeherspeak。Theyseekandsearchforfireandlead;theykindlethefire;theymeltthelead。Thusthebasevillainsmaltreatandtorturethelady，fortheyhavepouredintoherpalmsthelead，allboilingandhotjustastheyhavetakenitfromthefire。Noryetisitenoughforthemthattheleadhaspassedthroughandthroughthepalms，butthereprobatevillainssaythat，ifshespeaknotsoon，straightwaytheywillroasthertillsheisallgrilled。Sheissilentandforbidsthemnottobeatorill-treatherflesh。Andevennowtheywereabouttoputhertothefiretoroastandgrill，whenmorethanathousandoftheladies，whowereinfrontofthepalace，cometothedoorandseethroughatinychinkthetortureandtheunhappyfatethattheywerepreparingforthelady，fortheyweremakinghersuffermartyrdomfromthecoalandfromtheflame。Tobreakinthedoorandshatterittheybringhatchetsandhammers。Greatwasthedinandtheattacktobreakandsmashthedoor。Ifnowtheycanlayholdontheleeches，withoutdelayalltheirdesertshallberenderedthem。Theladiesenterthepalacealltogetherwithonebound，andThessalaisamongthepress，whoseoneanxietyistogettoherlady。Shefindsherallnakedatthefire，muchinjuredandmuchmishandled。Shehaslaidherbackonthebierandcoveredherbeneaththepall。Andtheladiesproceedtotenderandpaytothethreeleechestheirdeserts;theywouldnotsendfororawaitemperororseneschal。Theyhavehurledthemdownthroughthewindowsfullintothecourt，sothattheyhavebrokenthenecksandribsandarmsandlegsofallthree;betterneverwroughtanyladies。Nowthethreeleecheshavereceivedfromtheladiesrightsorrypaymentfortheirdeeds;butCligesismuchdismayedandhasgreatgrief，whenhehearstellofthegreatagonyandthetorturethathisladyhassufferedforhim。Almostdoeshelosehisreason;forhefearsgreatlyandindeedwithjustice——thatshemaybekilledormaimedbythetorturecausedherbythethreeleeches，whohavediedinconsequence;andheisdespairinganddisconsolate。AndThessalacomesbringingaveryprecioussalvewithwhichshehasanointedfullgentlythelady’sbodyandwounds。TheladieshaveenshroudedheragaininawhiteSyrianpall，whereintheyhadshroudedherbefore，buttheyleaveherfaceuncovered。Neverthatnightdotheyabatetheirwailingorceaseormakeanendthereof。Throughallthetowntheywaillikefolkdemented-highandlow，andpoorandrich-anditseemsthateachsetshiswillonoutdoingalltheothersinmakinglamentation，andonneverabandoningitofhisownwill。Allnightisthemourningverygreat。OnthemorrowJohncametocourt，andtheemperorsendsforhimandbidshim，requestsandcommandshim："John！ifeverthoumadestagoodwork，nowsetallthywisdomandthyinventiontomakingatomb，suchthatonecannotfindonesofairandwelldecorated。"AndJohn，whohadalreadydoneit，saysthathehaspreparedaveryfairandwell-carvedone;butnever，whenhebegantomakeit，hadheintentionthatanybodyshouldbelaidtheresaveaholyone。
　　"Now，lettheempressbeenclosedwithininlieuofrelics;forsheis，Iween，averyholything。""Wellsaid，"quoththeemperor，"intheminsterofmylordSaintPetershallshebeburied，thereoutsidewhereoneburiesotherbodies;forbeforeshedied，shebeggedandprayedmewithallherheartthatI
　　wouldhaveherlaidthere。Nowgoandbusyyourselfaboutit，andsetyourtomb，asisrightandmeet，inthefairestplaceinthecemetery。"Johnreplies："Gladly，sire。"ForthwithJohndeparts，prepareswellthetomb，anddidthereatwhatamasterofhiscraftwoulddo。Becausethestonewashard，andevenmoreonaccountofthecold，hehasplacedthereinafeatherbed;andmoreover，thatitmaysmellsweettoher，hehasstrewnthereonbothflowersandfoliage。Buthediditevenmoreforthis，thatnoneshouldspythemattressthathehadplacedinthegrave。Nowhadthewholeofficebeensaidinchapelsandinparishchurches，andtheywerecontinuallytollingasitismeettotollforthedead。Theybidthebodybebrought，anditwillbeplacedinthetomb，whereatJohnhasworkedtosucheffectthathehasmadeitverymagnificentandsplendid。InallConstantinoplehasbeenleftneithergreatnorsmallwhodoesnotfollowthecorpseweeping，andtheycurseandrevileDeath;knightsandsquiresswoon，andthedamesandthemaidensbeattheirbreastsandhaverailedagainstDeath。"Death！"quotheach，"whytook’stthounotaransomformylady？Forsooth，butasmallbootyhastthougained，andforusthelossisgreat。"AndCliges，ofatruth，mournssomuchthathewoundsandmaltreatshimselfmorethanalltheothersdo，anditisamarvelthathedoesnotkillhimself;
　　butstillhepostponessuicidetillthehourandthetimecomeforhimtodisinterherandholdherinhisarms，andknowwhethersheisaliveornot。Aboutthegravearethelords，wholaythebodythere;buttheydonotmeddlewithJohninthesettingupofthetomb，andindeedtheycouldseenoughtofit，buthaveallfallenswooningtotheearth，andJohnhashadgoodleisuretodoallhelisted。Hesosetupthetombthattherewasnoothercreatureinit;welldoeshesealandjoinandcloseit。
　　Thenmightthatmanwellhaveboastedhimselfwho，withoutharmorinjury，wouldhavebeenabletotakeawayordisjoinaughtthatJohnhadputthere。
　　Feniceisinthetomb，untilitcametodarknight;butthirtyknightsguardher，andtherearetentapersburning，andtheymadeagreatlight。Theknightsweresatedandwearywithmourning，andhaveeatenanddrunkinthenighttilltheyalllayasleeptogether。AtnightCligesstealsforthfromthecourtandfromallthefolk。Therewasnotknightorservantwhoeverknewwhathadbecomeofhim。HedidnotresttillhecametoJohn，whogiveshimallthecounselthathecan。Heputsonhimasuitofarmour，whichhewillneverneed。Bothallarmedgoforthtothecemeteryatposthaste;butthecemeterywasenclosedallaroundbyahighwall;andtheknights，whoweresleeping，andhadclosedthedoorwithinthatnonemightenter，thoughttheyweresafe。Cligesseesnothowhemaypass，forhecannotenterbythedoor，andyetbyhookorbycrookhemustenter，forloveexhortsandadmonisheshim。Hegripsthewallandmountsup，forrightstrongandagilewashe。Withinwasanorchardandthereweretreesinplenty。Nearthewallonehadbeenplantedsothatittouchedthewall。NowhasCligeswhathewishedfor;helethimselfdownbythistree。ThefirstthingthathedidwastogoandopenthedoortoJohn。Theyseetheknightssleepingandtheyhaveextinguishedallthetapers，sothatnolightremainsthere。
　　AndnowJohnuncoversthegraveandopensthetomb，sothatheinjuresitnotatall。Cligesleapsintothegraveandhascarriedforthhislady，whoisveryweakandlifeless，andhefallsonherneckandkissesandembracesher。Heknowsnotwhethertorejoiceormourn;forshemovesnotnorstirs。AndJohnhasclosedagainthetombwithallthespeedhemay，sothatitdoesnotinanywiseappearthatithadbeentouched。Theyhaveapproachedthetowerasquicklyasevertheycould。Whentheyhadputherwithinthetowerintheroomsthatwereunderground，thentheytookoffthegrave-clothes，andCliges，whoknewnothingofthedraughtthatshehadwithinherbody，whichmakesherdumbandpreventsherstirring，thinksinconsequencethatsheisdead，andheloseshopeandcomfortthereat，andsighsdeeplyandweeps。Butsoonthehourwillhavecomethatthedraughtwillloseitsforce。AndFenice，whohearshimlament，triesandstrainsthatshemaybeabletocomforthimeitherbywordorbylook。Herheartnearlybreaksbecauseofthemourningshehearshimmake。"Ha！Death，"quothhe，"howbasethouart，inthatthousparestandpassestbyworthlessandoutcastcreatures！Suchthoudostallowtolastandlive。Death！
　　artthoumadordrunkthatthouhaskilledmylovewithoutkillingme？ThisthatIseeisamarvel：myloveisdeadandIamalive。Ah，sweetlove！whydoesyourloverliveandseeyoudead？
　　Nowmightonerightlysaythatyouaredeadformysake，andthatIhavekilledandslainyou。Lovedlady！thenamItheDeathwhohaskilledyou;isnotthatunjust？ForIhavetakenawaymylifeinyouandyethavekeptyoursinme。Forwerenotyourhealthandyourlifemine，sweetfriend？Andwerenotmineyours？ForI
　　lovednoughtbutyou：wetwainwereonebeing。NowhaveIdonewhatIought，forIkeepyoursoulinmybody，andmineisgoneforthofyours;andyettheonewasboundtobeartheothercompany，whereveritwas，andnothingoughttohavepartedthem。"
　　Atthissheheavesasighandsaysinaweak，lowvoice："Friend！
　　friend！Iamnotwhollydead，butwell-nighso。ButIhopenoughtaboutmylife。Ithoughttohaveajestandtofeign：butnowmustIneedscomplain，forDeathlovesnotmyjest。Amarvel’twillbeifIescapealive，formuchhavetheleecheswoundedme，brokenandlaceratedmyflesh;andnevertheless，ifitcouldbethatmynursewereherewithme，shewouldmakemequitewhole，ifcarecouldavailaughtherein。""Friend！thenletitnotdistressyou，"quothCliges，"forthisverynightIwillbringherhereforyou……Friend！ratherwillJohngo。"Johngoesthitherandhassoughttillhefoundher，andheimpartstoherhowgreatlyhedesireshertocome;neverletanyexcusedetainher;forFeniceandCligessummonhertoatowerwheretheyawaither;forFeniceissoremishandled，andshemustcomeprovidedwithsalvesandelectuaries，andletherknowthattheladywilllivenolongerifshesuccourhernotspeedily。
　　Thessalaforthwithrunsandtakesointmentandplasterandanelectuarythatshehadmade，andhasjoinedcompanywithJohn。
　　Thentheyissuefromthetownsecretlyandgotilltheycomestraighttothetower。WhenFeniceseeshernurse，shethinkssheisquitecured，somuchshelovesherandbelievesinherandtrustsher。AndCligesembracesandgreetsherandsays：
　　"Welcome，nurse！forIloveandesteemyougreatly。Nurse，inGod’snamewhatthinkyouofthisdamsel’sillness？Whatisyouropinion？Willsherecover？"Ay，sir！fearnotthatIcannotcureherrightwell。AfortnightwillnothavepassedbeforeImakeherwhole，sothatneveratanytimewasshemorewholeandgay。"
　　Thessalasetshermindoncuringthelady，andJohngoestoprovidethetowerwithwhatsoeverstoreismeet。Cligescomesandgoestothetowerboldly，inviewofall，forhehasleftthereagoshawkmoulting，andsaysthathecomestoseeit，andnonecanguessthathegoesthereforanyotherreasonsaveonlyonaccountofthehawk。Muchdoeshetarrytherebothnightandday。
　　HemakesJohnguardthetower，thatnoonemayenterthereagainsthiswill。Fenicehasnohurtwhereofsheneedgrieve，forwellhasThessalacuredher。IfnowCligeshadbeendukeofAlmeriaorofMoroccoorofTudela，hewouldnothaveprizedsuchhonouraberryincomparisonofthejoyhehas。Certes，Loveabasedhimselfnowhitwhenheputthemtogether;foritseemstobothwhenoneembracesandkissestheotherthatthewholeworldismadebetterfortheirjoyandtheirpleasure。Askmenomoreaboutit;Iwillbutsaythatthereisnoughtthatonewillsthattheotherdoesnotwelcome。Soistheirwillatoneasiftheytwainwerebutone。Allthisyearandsomespaceofthenext，twomonthsandmore，Iween，hasFenicebeeninthetower，untilthespringoftheyear。Whenflowersandfoliagebudforth，andthelittlebirdsaremakingmerry——fortheydelightintheirbird-language——ithappenedthatFeniceheardonemorningthenightingalesing。Cligeswasholdinghergentlywithonearmaboutherwaistandtheotheraboutherneck，andshehiminlikemanner，andshehassaidtohim："Fair，dearfriend，muchjoywouldanorchardaffordme，whereIcouldtakemypleasure。I
　　haveseenneithermoonnorsunshineformorethanfifteenwholemonths。Ifitmightbe，fullgladlywouldIsallyforthintothedaylight，forIampentupinthistower。IfnearbytherewereanorchardwhereIcouldgotodisportmyself，greatgoodwouldthisdomeoften。ThenCligespromisesthathewillseekcounselofJohnassoonasheshallseehim。Andnowithashappenedthatlo！Johnhascomethither，forhewasoftenwonttocome。CligeshasspokenwithhimofFenice’sdesire。"Allispreparedandalreadyathand，"quothJohn，"whatsoeversheorders。Thistoweriswellprovidedwithallthatshewishesandasksfor。"ThenisFenicerightblitheandbidsJohnleadherthither，andJohnmakesnodemur。ThengoesJohntoopenadoor，suchthatIhaveneitherskillnorpowertotellordescribethefashionofit。
　　NonesaveJohncouldhavehadtheskilltomakeit，norcouldanyoneeverhavetoldthattherewasdoororwindowthere，aslongasthedoorwasnotopened，sohiddenandconcealedwasit。
　　WhenFenicesawthedooropenandthesunwhichshehadnotseenforalongtimeshinein，shehasallherbloodawhirlwithjoyandsaysthatnowsheseeksnothingmore，inasmuchasshecancomeforthoutofthehiding-place，andseeksnorefugeelsewhere。Bythedoorshehasenteredtheorchard，andthisgreatlypleasesanddelightsher。Inthemidstoftheorchardtherewasagraftedtreeloadedwithflowersandveryleafy，anditformedacanopyabove。Thebranchesweresotrainedthattheyhungtowardsthegroundandbentalmosttotheearth，allsavethetopfromwhichtheysprang，forthatrosestraightupwards。
　　Fenicedesiresnootherplace。Andbelowthegraftedtreethemeadowisverydelectableandveryfair，noreverwillthesunbesohighevenatnoon，whenitishottest，thateveraraycanpassthatway，soskilledwasJohntoarrangethingsandtoguideandtrainthebranches。ThereFenicegoestodisportherself，andalldayshemakeshercouchthere;theretheyareinjoyanddelight。Andtheorchardisenclosedaroundwithahighwallwhichjoinsthetower，sothatnocreaturecouldenterit，unlesshehadclimbedtothetopofthetower。
　　NowisFeniceingreatdelight：thereisnoughttodispleaseher，norlackssheaughtthatshecouldwish，when’neaththeflowersandleavesitlistsherembraceherlover。Atthetimewhenfolkgohuntingwiththesparrow-hawkandwiththehound，whichseeksthelarkandthestonechatandtracksthequailandthepartridge，ithappenedthataknightofThrace，ayoungandsprightlynoble，esteemedforhisprowess，hadonedaygonea-hawkingquiteclosebesidethistower;Bertrandwastheknight’sname。Hissparrow-hawkhadsoaredhigh，forithadmissedthelarkthatwasitsaim。NowwillBertrandconsiderhimselfillservedbyfate，ifhelosehissparrow-hawk。Hesawitdescendandsettlebelowthetowerinanorchard，anditpleasedhimmuchtoseethis，fornowhereckonsthathewillnotloseit。Forthwithhegoestoscalethewall，andwinstogetoverit。UnderthegraftedtreehesawFeniceandCligessleepingtogethersidebyside。"God！"quothhe，"whathasbefallenme？
　　WhatkindofmiracleisitthatIsee？IsitnotCliges？Yea，faith。Isnotthattheempressbyhisside？Nay，butsheresemblesher，fornootherbeingeverwassolike。Suchanose，suchamouth，suchabrowshehasastheempress，mylady，had。
　　Neverdidnaturebettersucceedinmakingtwobeingsofthesamecountenance。InthisladyseeInoughtthatIshouldnothaveseeninmylady。Ifshehadbeenalive，trulyIshouldhavesaidthatitwasshe。"AtthatmomentapeardropsandfallsjustbesideFenice’sear。Shestarts，awakes，seesBertrandandcriesaloud："Friend，friend，wearelost！HereisBertrand！Ifheescapesyou，wehavefallenintoaneviltrap。Hewilltellfolkthathehasseenus。"ThenhasBertrandperceivedthatitistheempressbeyondalldoubt。Needisthereforhimtodepart，forCligeshadbroughthisswordwithhimintotheorchard，andhadlaiditbesidethecouch。Hespringsupandhastakenhissword，andBertrandfleesswiftly。Withallthespeedhemighthegripsthewall，andnowhewasallbutoverit，whenCligeshascomeafter，raisesnowhissword，andstrikeshim，sothatbeneaththekneehehascutoffhislegascleanasastalkoffennel。
　　Nevertheless，Bertrandhasescapedill-handledandcrippled，andontheothersideheisreceivedbyhismen，whoarebesidethemselveswithgriefandwrath，whentheyseehimthusmaimed;
　　theyhaveaskedandinquiredwhoitisthathaddoneittohim。
　　"Questionmenotaboutit，"quothhe，"butraisemeonmyhorse。
　　Neverwillthisstoryberecountedtillitistoldbeforetheemperor。Hewhohasdonethistomeoughtnotforsoothtobewithoutfear——norishe，forheisnightodeadlyperil。"Thentheyhaveputhimonhispalfrey，and，mourning，theyleadhimawayingreatdismaythroughthemidstofthetown。Afterthemgomorethantwentythousand，whofollowhimtothecourt。Andallthepeopleflockthere，theoneaftertheother，andthedeviltakethehindmost。
　　NowhasBertrandmadehispleaandcomplainttotheemperorinthehearingofall，buttheyconsiderhimanidlebabblerbecausehesaysthathehasseentheempressstarknaked。Allthetownisstirredthereat;some，whentheyhearthisnews，esteemitmerefolly，othersadviseandcounseltheemperortogotothetower。
　　Greatistheuproarandthetumultofthefolkwhosetoutafterhim。Buttheyfindnothinginthetower，forFeniceandCligesareontheirway，andhavetakenThessalawiththem，whocomfortsandassuresthem，andsaysthat，evenifperchancetheyseefolkcomingafterthemwhocometotakethem，theyneedhavenofearforaught，fornevertodothemharmorinjurywouldtheycomewithinthedistancethatonecouldshootwithastrongcrossbowstretchedbywindlass。
　　NowtheemperorisinthetowerandhehasJohnsoughtoutandfetched：hebidsthathebetiedandbound，andsaysthathewillhavehimhangedorburnedandtheashesscatteredtothewind。
　　Fortheshamethattheemperorhassuffered，Johnshallpaythepenalty（butitwillbeabootlesspenalty！）becausehehassecretedinhistowerthenephewandthewifeoftheemperor。
　　"I’faithyouspeakthetruth，"quothJohn;"Iwillnotlieinthematter;Iwillsticktothetruththroughout，andifIhavedonewronginanypoint，rightmeetisitthatIbetaken。ButonthisscoreIcouldwellexcusemyself，thataserfoughttorefusenoughtthathisrightfullordcommandshim。AnditisknownfullsurelythatIamhisandthetowerishis。""Nay，John，ratherisitthine。""Mine，sire？Truly，ashisserfIamnotevenmyown，norhaveIanythingthatismine，saveinsofarashegrantsittome。Andifyouwouldsaythatmylordhasdoneyouwrong，Iamreadytodefendhimfromthechargewithouthisbiddingmesotodo。ButtheknowledgethatImustdiemakesmeboldtospeakoutfreelymywillandmymindasIhavefashionedandmouldedit。
　　Now，bethatasitmaybe，forifIdieformylord，Ishallnotdieindishonour。Surelywithoutadoubtisknowntheoathandpromisethatyoupledgedtoyourbrother，thatafteryou，Cliges，whoisgoingawayintoexile，shouldbeemperor。AndifitpleaseGod，hewillyetbeemperor。Andyouaretobeblamedforthis，foryououghtnottohavetakenwife，butallthesameyoutookoneandwrongedCliges，andhehaswrongedyouinnought。AndifIamdonetodeathbyyouanddieforhimunjustly，ifhelives，hewillavengemydeath。Nowdoyourutmost，forifIdie，youwilldietoo。
　　Beadsofwrathbreakoutontheemperor’sbrowwhenhehasheardthewordsandtheinsultthatJohnhasutteredagainsthim。
　　"John，"quothhe，"thoushalthaverespiteuntilwhattimethylordbefound，forbasehasheprovedhimselftowardsme，whoheldhimrightdear，northoughttodefraudhim。Butthoushaltbekeptfastinprison。Ifthouknowestwhathasbecomeofhim，tellmestraightway，Ibidthee。""Tellyou？AndhowshouldI
　　commitsogreatatreason？Ofasurety，Iwouldnotbetraytoyoumylord，notthoughyouweretorendmylifeoutofmybody，ifI
　　knewit。Andbesidesthis，somayGodbemyguard，Icannotsayanymorethanyouinwhatdirectiontheyhavegone。Butyouarejealouswithoutacause。ToolittledoIfearyourwrathnottotellyoutrulyinthehearingofallhowyouaredeceived，andyetIshallneverbebelievedinthismatter。Byapotionthatyoudrank，youweretrickedanddeceivedthenightthatyoucelebratedyourwedding。Neveratanytime，savewhenyousleptandithappenedtoyouinyourdreams，didanyjoycometoyouofher;butthenightmadeyoudream，andthedreampleasedyouasmuchasifithadhappenedinyourwakinghoursthatsheheldyouinherarms;andnootherbooncametoyoufromher。HerheartclavesostraitlytoCligesthatforhissakeshepretendedtobedead;andhetrustedmesomuchthathetoldmeandplacedherinmyhouse，ofwhichheislordbyright。Yououghtnottolaytheblameonmeforit;Ishouldhavemeritedtobeburntorhanged，ifIhadbetrayedmylordandrefusedtodohiswill。"
　　Whentheemperorheardtellofthepotionwhichitdelightedhimtodrink，andbywhichThessaladeceivedhim，thenfirstheperceivedthathehadneverhadjoyofhiswife——wellheknewit——unlessithadhappenedtohiminadream，andthatsuchjoywasillusory。Hesaysthat，ifhetakenotvengeancefortheshameandthedisgracebroughtonhimbythetraitorwhohascarriedofffromhimhiswife，neveragainwillhehavejoyinhislife。"Now，quick！"quothhe，"toPavia，andfromtheretoGermany，letneithercastle，town，norcitybeleftwherehebenotsought。Hewhoshallbringthembothprisonerswillbemorecherishedbymethananyotherman。Now，setwelltoworkandsearchbothupanddownandnearandfar！"Thentheystartwithgreatzeal，andtheyhavespentallthedayinsearching;butCligeshadsuchfriendsamongthemthat，iftheyfoundthelovers，theyratherwouldleadthemtoaplaceofrefugethanbringthemback。Throughoutawholefortnightwithnosmallpainstheyhavepursuedthem，butThessala，whoisguidingthem，leadsthemsosafelybyartandbyenchantmentthattheyhavenofearoralarmforalltheforcesoftheemperor。Innotownorcitydotheylie，andyettheyhavewhatsoevertheywishanddesire，asgoodasorbetterthantheyarewonttohave，forThessalaseeksandprocuresandbringsforthemwhatsoevertheywish，andnoonefollowsorpursuesthem，forallhaveabandonedthequest。ButCligesdoesnotdelay;hegoestohisuncle，KingArthur。Hesoughthimtillhefoundhim，andhasmadetohimacomplaintandanoutcryagainsthisuncletheemperor，who，inordertodisinherithim，hadtakenwifedishonourably，whenheshouldnothavedoneso，seeingthathehadpledgedhiswordtoCliges’
　　fatherthatneverinhislifewouldhehaveawife。AndthekingsaysthatwithanavywillhesailtoConstantinople，andfillathousandshipswithknightsandthreethousandwithinfantry，suchthatnorcitynorboroughnortownnorcastle，howeverstrongorhighitbe，willbeabletoenduretheironset。AndCligeshasnotforgottentothankthekingthenandtherefortheaidwhichheisgrantinghim。Thekingsendstoseekandtosummonallthehighbaronsofhisland，andhasshipsandboats，cuttersandbarquessoughtoutandequipped。Withshields，withlances，withtarges，andwithknightlyarmourhehasahundredshipsfilledandladen。ThekingmakessogreatapreparationtowagewarthatneverhadevenCesarorAlexanderthelike。HehascausedtobesummonedandmusteredallEnglandandallFlanders，Normandy，France，andBrittany，andalltribes，evenasfarastheSpanishpasses。NowweretheyabouttoputtoseawhenmessengerscamefromGreece，whostayedtheexpeditionandkeptbackthekingandhismen。WiththemessengerswhocamewasJohn，whowaswellworthytobebelieved，forhewaswitnessandmessengerofnoughtthatwasnottrueandthathedidnotknowforcertain。ThemessengerswerehighmenofGreece，whowereseekingCliges。Theysoughtandaskedforhimuntiltheyfoundhimatthecourtoftheking，andtheyhavesaidtohim："Godsaveyou，sire。Onthepartofalltheinhabitantsofyourempire，GreeceisyieldedandConstantinoplegiventoyou，becauseoftherightthatyouhavetoit。Youruncle——asyetyouknowitnot——isdeadofthegriefthathehadbecausehecouldnotfindyou。Hehadsuchgriefthathelosthissenses：neverafterwardsdidheeithereatordrink，andhediedamadman。Fairsire，returnnowhence，forallyourbaronssendforyou。Greatlydotheydesireandaskforyou，fortheywilltomakeyouemperor。"Manytherewerewhowereblitheatthismessage，butontheotherhandthereweremanwhowouldgladlyhavelefttheirhomes，andwhowouldhavebeenmightilypleasedifthehosthadsetoutforGreece。Buttheexpeditionhasfallenthroughaltogether，forthekingsendsawayhismen，andthehostdispersesandreturnshome。ButCligeshastensandprepareshimself，forhiswillistoreturnintoGreece，nocarehashetotarrylonger。Hehaspreparedhimself，andhastakenleaveofthekingandallhisfriends：hetakesFenicewithhim，andtheydepartanddonotresttilltheyareinGreece，wheremenreceivehimwithgreatjoy，astheyoughttodotheirlord，andgivehimhislady-lovetowife;theycrownthembothtogether。Hehasmadehislady-lovehiswife，buthecallsherlady-loveanddame，nordoessheforthatceasetobecherishedashislady-love，andshecherisheshimeverywhitasmuchasoneoughttocherishone’slover。Andeachdaytheirlovegrew;neverdidhemistrusthernorchideherforaught。Shewasneverkeptinseclusion，asthosewhocameafterherlaterhavebeenkept（forhenceforththerewasnoemperorwhowasnotafraidlesthiswifemightdeceivehim，whenheheardtellhowFenicedeceivedAlis，firstbythepotionthathedrankandthenbytheothertreason）。Forwhichreasontheempress，whoevershebe，besheofneversosplendidandhighdegree，isguardedinConstantinople;fortheemperortrustshernotaslongasheremembersFenice。
　　HereendstheworkofChretien。