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。