I have only to open my arms and they flutter into them, and not to close them tight--that, Margery, is too much to look for; yet is there but one true bliss, and but one Ann, and the best of all joys is to clasp her to my heart and kiss her lips.

I will keep faith with her; I will have nought to say to the rest.

But how shall I keep them away from me?
Can I wish that those rascals had put my eyes out, had crippled my limbs, had thrashed me to a scare-crow, to the end that the maids should turn their backs on me?
Nay, and even no rain-torrent could cool the hot blood of the Schoppers; no oak staff nor stone pitcher could kill the wild cravings within.

There is nothing for it but to cast my body among thorns like Saint Francis.

But what would even that profit me?
You see yourself how well this skin heals of the worst wounds!" Hereupon I earnestly admonished him of his devoir to that lady who was so truly his, and with whom he had exchanged rings.