365 “You have two choices; which one will you try? To have me old and ugly till I die, (Q29) But still a loyal, true and humble wife (Q29) What are the knight’s two choices? That never will displease you all her life, Or would you rather I were young and pretty 370 And chance your arm what happens in a city Where friends will visit you because of me, Yes, and in other places too, maybe. Which would you have? The choice is all your own.” “And have I won the mastery?” said she, (Q30) “Since I‟m to choose and rule as I think fit?” (Q30) In lines 382-384, which theme is expressed? “Certainly, wife,” he answered her, “that‟s it.” 385 “Kiss me,” she cried. “No quarrels! On my oath And word of honor, you shall find me both, (Q31) Is her statement that she would go “howling mad and take my life” excessive or melodramatic? That is, both fair and faithful as a wife; May I go howling mad and take my life (Q31) Unless I prove to be as good and true 390 As ever wife was since the world was new! And when indeed the knight had looked to see, Lo, she was young and lovely, rich in charms. (Q33) (Q33) What does her transformation, metamorphosis, represent? In ecstasy he caught her in his arms, His heart went bathing in a bath of blisses (Q34) (Q34) Is the knight‟s fate just? 400 And melted in a hundred thousand kisses, And she responded in the fullest measure With all that could delight or give him pleasure. So they lived ever after to the end (Q35) What does the Wife of Bath threaten to do to rebellious husbands? In perfect bliss; and may Christ Jesus send 405 Us husbands meek and young and fresh in bed, And grace to overbid them when we wed. And—Jesu hear my prayer!—cut short the lives Of those who won‟t be governed by their wives; And all old, angry niggards of their pence, 410 God send them soon a pestilence! (Q35)
365 “You have two choices; which one will you try? To have me old and ugly till I die, (Q29) But still a loyal, true and humble wife That never will displease you all her life, Or would you rather I were young and pretty 370 And chance your arm what happens in a city Where friends will visit you because of me, Yes, and in other places too, maybe. Which would you have? The choice is all your own.” “And have I won the mastery?” said she, (Q30) “Since I‟m to choose and rule as I think fit?” “Certainly, wife,” he answered her, “that‟s it.” 385 “Kiss me,” she cried. “No quarrels! On my oath And word of honor, you shall find me both, That is, both fair and faithful as a wife; May I go howling mad and take my life (Q31) Unless I prove to be as good and true 390 As ever wife was since the world was new! And when indeed the knight had looked to see, Lo, she was young and lovely, rich in charms. (Q33) In ecstasy he caught her in his arms, His heart went bathing in a bath of blisses (Q34) 400 And melted in a hundred thousand kisses, And she responded in the fullest measure With all that could delight or give him pleasure. So they lived ever after to the end In perfect bliss; and may Christ Jesus send 405 Us husbands meek and young and fresh in bed, And grace to overbid them when we wed. And—Jesu hear my prayer!—cut short the lives Of those who won‟t be governed by their wives; And all old, angry niggards of their pence, 410 God send them soon a pestilence! (Q35) (Q29) What are the knight’s two choices? (Q30) In lines 382-384, which theme is expressed? (Q31) Is her statement that she would go “howling mad and take my life” excessive or melodramatic? (Q33) What does her transformation, metamorphosis, represent? (Q34) Is the knight‟s fate just? (Q35) What does the Wife of Bath threaten to do to rebellious husbands?