She said: “Now tell me quickly, think you this is meet?

You spurn the greatest princes, and show them nought but hate,

But linger yet, at nightfall, with low-born varlets flirting.

Would you be thought of highly, know you that this your own good name is hurting.”

[1277]

The well-born maiden answered: “Why speak of me so ill?

Never have I, poor maiden, had the thought or will

With any man to tattle, however dear I held him,

Unless it were a kinsman; a talk with him I rightfully might yield him.”

[1278]