And all the next day no message came for me, and I kept myself quiet, apart in my chamber.

Lest they who read mock at me in their hearts, and at my lady, let them remember how young we both were, and how innocent of other experience in love.

For the Roman says that "the angers of lovers are love's renewal," as the brief tempests of April bring in the gladness of May.

But in my heart it was all white sleet, and wind, and snow unseasonable, and so I lay, out of all comfort, tossing on my bed.
I heard the watchmen call the hours through the night, and very early, having at length fallen on sleep, I was wakened by a messenger from the Maid.

It was her page, Louis de Coutes, most richly attired, but still half asleep, grumbling, and rubbing his eyes.
"My mistress bids you come with me instantly," he said, when we had saluted each other, "and I have brought a litter and men to carry it.
Faith, if I lay in it, I should be asleep ere ever they had borne me ten paces.