ABSTRACT
The grete tour, that was so thikke and stroong, 1056 Which of the castel was the chief dongeoun (Ther as the knyghtes weren in prisoun, Ofwhiche I tolde yow and tellen shal), Was evene joynant to the gardyn wal, Ther as this Emelye hadde hir pleyynge. Bright was the sonne, and deer that morwenynge, And Palamon, this woful prisoner, As was his wone, hi leve of his gayler, Was risen, and romed in a chambre on heigh, 1065 In which he al the noble citee seigh, And eek the gardyn, ful of braunches grene, Ther as this fresshe Emelye the sheene Was in hire walk and romed up and doun. This sorweful prisoner, this Palamoun, Goth in the chambre romynge to and fro, And to hymself compleynynge of his wo; That he was born, ful ofte he seyde, 'alias!' And so bifel, by aventure or cas, That thurgh a wyndow, thikke of many a barre 1075 Of iren, greet and square as any sparre, He cast his eyen upon Emelya, And therwithal he bleynte2 and cride, 'A!' As though he stongen were unto the herte. And with that cry Arcite anon up sterte, And seyde, 'Cosyn myn, what eyleth thee, That art so pale and deedly on to see? Why cridestow? who hath thee doon offence? For Goddes love, taak al in pacience Oure prisoun, for it may noon oother be; Fortune hath yeven us this adversitee. 1 captives. 1 went pale.
