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From The Franklin's Tale, lines 217-258:
Aurelius the squire's hidden love for Dorigen
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From The Canterbury Tales:
The Franklin's Tale
lines 259-270: Aurelius reveals his love for Dorigen


       "Madame," quod he, "by God that this world made,
260So that I wiste it myghte your herte glade,
I wolde that day that youre Arveragus
Wente over the see, that I, Aurelius,
Hadde went ther nevere I sholde have come agayn.
For wel I woot my servyce is in vayn,
265My gerdoun is but brestyng of myn herte.
Madame, reweth upon my peynes smerte,
For with a word ye may me sleen or save.
Heere at your feet, God wolde that I were grave,
I ne have as now no leyser moore to seye,
270Have mercy, sweete, or ye wol do me deye."
       "Madam," said he, "by God who this world made,
260So that I knew it might your sad heart aid,
I would, that day when your Arviragus
Went overseas, that I, Aurelius,
Had gone whence never I should come again;
For well I know my service is in vain.
265My reward is the breaking of my heart;
Madam, have pity on my pains that smart;
For with a word you may slay me or save,
Here at your feet would God I found my grave!
Time to say more, at present naught have I;
270Have mercy, sweet, or you will make me die!"




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From The Franklin's Tale, lines 271-280:
Dorigen rejects Aurelius' love
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