The Man of Law's Tale
Folio 49r
11 of 16 folios
He bryngeth hir to Rome and to his wyf
He yaf hir and hir yonge sone also
And wyth the senatour she lad hir lyf
Thus kan our lady brynge out wo
880
Woful Custance and many an other mo
And longe tyme dwelled she in that place
In holy werkes euer as was hir grace
The senatours wyf hir aunt was
But for al that she knew hir neuer the moore
885
I wol no lenger taryen in this cas
But to kyng alla which I spak of yoore
That wepeth for his wyf and syketh soore
I wil retourne and let I wil Custance
Vnder the Senatours gouernance
890
Kyng alla which had his modre slayn
Vpon a day fil in swich repētance
That yif I shortely tellen shal and playn
To Rome he comth to receyuen his penance
And putte him in the popes ordinance
895
In high and logh and Iħu criste bisought
For yeue hise wikked werkes that he wroght
The fame anon thurgh out the toun is born
How alla kyng shal comen on pilgrymage
By herbergeours that wenten him bi forn
900
For which the senatour as was vsage
Rood him agayns and many of his lynage
As wel to shewen his high magnifence
As to doon any kyng a reuerence
Greet chere doth this noble Senatour
905
To kyng alla and he to him also
Euerych of hem dooth other greet honour
And so bifel that in a day or two
This Senatour is to kyng alla go
To fest and shortely yif I shal not lye
910
Custances sone went in his compaignye