Then from behind the curtain comes the voice of the_ WIFE OF BATH.)
WIFE. Ladies, I prithee harkneth for the best.
Can Chaucer's children swich words hear, and rest?
This is the point, to speken short and pleyn,
We, one and all, were used with desdeyn.
(_She comes out of the bookcase_.)
Come forth and whan we've made our reckoning
That girl perchance another tune will sing.
(_Enter the_ PRIORESS.)
What word, sweet Eglantine, would you employ
To tell us of your vengeful wrath?
PRIORESS. (_with deep intensity_) St. Loy!
WIFE. Then Chaucer's uttered sooth about her oath!
Odsbodikins! That cannot do us both!
PRIORESS. Come hider, my two nonnes to my side,
Till that my mighty anger shall subside.
(_Enter two_ NUNS _who stand on either side of the_ PRIORESS.)
That girl, alas! hath made my speech too tarte
Who once was conscience al and tendre herte.
O Emelye, whose hair is in a tresse
Behynd your back, a yarde long.
WIFE. (_aside_) I guesse.
(_Enter_ EMILY.)
PRIORESS. O Emelye, let that hair's golden ray
Shine on our vengeance ere another day.
EMILY. The path of duty plain is to be seen.
(_Enter_ HIPPOLYTA, _the queen.
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