Pollard).] His creation of the Wife of Bath was an even more pointed commentary.
Here is what the Menagier has to say to his young wife on the same subject: And I, who have put [the tale of Griselda] here only to teach you, have not put it here to apply it to you, for I am not worthy thereof, and I am not a marquis and I have not taken you as a beggar, nor am I so foolish, so conceited or so lacking in sense that I know not that 'tis not for me to assault nor to assay you thus, nor in like manner.

God keep me from trying you thus under colour of false simulations....

And forgive me that the story speaks (in my opinion) of too great cruelty and beyond reason.
And know that it never befel so, but thus the tale runs and I may nor correct nor alter it, for a wiser than I hath made it.

And it is my desire that since others have read it you also may know and be able to talk about everything even as other folk do.[9] Moreover, in spite of the ideal of submission which he sets before his wife, the Menagier has some charming words to say about love--with a sigh, perhaps, for his own advanced though not crabbed age, and a glance at that younger husband of the future who shall one day enjoy his little bride.
In God's name (he says) I believe that when two good and honourable people are wed, all other loves are put far off, destroyed and forgotten, save only the love of each for the other.

And meseems that when they are in each other's presence, they look upon each other more than upon the others, they clasp and hold each other and they do not willingly speak or make sign save to each other.