About such hour as lovers weep
And cry after their lady's grace,
thinking on his mistress—all her goodness and all her sweetness, and marvelling how heaven had formed her so exceeding fair,
And in so litel space
Made such a body and such a face;
So great beauty, and such features,
More than be in other creatures!
He falls into a dream as usual, and in the conclusion fancies himself present at the splendid festivities which took place at the marriage of his patron. The ladye of his affection is described as the beloved friend and companion of the bride. She is sent to grace the marriage ceremony with her presence; and Chaucer seizes the occasion to plead his suit for love and mercy. Then the Prince, the Queen, and all the rest of the Court, unite in conjuring the lady to have pity on his pain, and recompence his truth; she smiles, and with a pretty hesitation at last consents.
Sith his will and yours are one,
Contrary in me shall be none.
They are married: the ladies and the knights wish them
——Heart's pleasance,
In joy and health continuance!
The minstrels strike up,—the multitude send forth a shout; and in the midst of these joyous and triumphant sounds, and in the troubled exultation of his own heart, the sleeper bounds from his couch,—
Wening to have been at the feast,
and wakes to find it all a dream. He looks around for the gorgeous marriage-feast, and instead of the throng of knights and ladies gay, he sees nothing but the figures staring at him from the tapestry.