Her
voice grows weaker, finally dying away._)
WIFE. Life sentence is not much to pay for this.
PRIORESS. (_to her_ NUNS _who nod in agreement_)
_I_ think a little mercy not amiss.
EMILY. She's quite filled up the space that once was ours.
HIPPOLYTA. How are we going to pass our leisure hours?
FIRST NUN. (_to_ SECOND)
Perhaps she'll sing again.
SECOND NUN. Perchance she will.
WIFE. (_to_ HIPPOLYTA)
Say something quick, that we may hold her still.
EMILY. Hark, did I hear a pleading little voice?
Ah, ladies, in her punishment rejoice!
JUNIOR. (_meekly, in a weak, timid tone from behind the curtain_)
Dear ladies all, whom Father Chaucer loved, Hippolyta, and Emily, Mrs.
Wife of Bath and Sister Prioress, and the two nuns, and Griselda and
anybody else I haven't mentioned, I'm sorry, and I'll never do it again.
HIPPOLYTA. Justice and law demand your punishment.
PRIORESS. My tender heart would bid me cry "relent".
JUNIOR. (_crying_)
Please, ladies, for sweet Chaucer's sake.
(_They look at each other, moved by the mention of Chaucer's name_.)
JUNIOR. O Chaucer, you who loved all people, come to my aid!
HIPPOLYTA. Sorrow has taught the maid the surest key,
That will unlock our hearts to charity.
PRIORESS. Come forth, you are forgiven for your crime,
WIFE.
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