Livro The Prioress's Tale and Other Tales

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.

1904. Excerpt: ... Here beginneth the Second Nun's Tale, of the Life of Saint Cecilia. Cecilia, maiden bright, her Legend saith, 120 Was born of Roman race, of noble kind, And from her cradle fostered in the faith Of Christ, and bare His gospel in her mind; She never ceased--for so I written find--From constant prayer, and God to love and dread, 125 Beseeching Him to keep her maidenhead.

And when this maiden must unto a man Be wedded, one that was full young of age, Of noble birth, and named Valerian, And when the day was come of marriage, 130 She, ever humble, with devotion sage, Beneath her robe of gold, that sat full fair, Wore next her tender skin a cloth of hair.

And while the organ played with sweet accord, To God alone within her heart sang she: --135 "My soul and eke my body keep, O Lord, Unblemished, lest that I confounded be." And, for His sake that died upon the tree, She every third or second day would fast, And in her orisons long hours she passed.

140 The night came, to her chamber is she gone, Her husband, as by custom, following near; And privily she said to him anon: --"O sweet and well-beloved spouse so dear, There is a secret, if ye would it hear, 145 Which that right fain would I unto you say, If first ye swear ye will me not betray." Valerian thereupon did truly swear That, in no case, whate'er the chance might be, Her secret would he mention anywhere; 150 And then at last unto her spouse said she: --"I have an angel which that loveth me, And with great love, whene'er I wake or sleep, Stands ever near, my body for to keep.

And if that he perceiveth in your thought 155 That ye draw near me in unchastity, He right anon will slay you, doubt it not, And in your youth ye suddenly will die.

But if ye dwell with me in purity, Then will he in your welfare take del...