have shown that you had a greater desire to compass my
dishonour than to preserve the honour of your house and kin. But, since
such is your pleasure, madam, I have nothing to say against it; command
me what suffering you will, and I, innocent though I am, will be as
glad to endure as you to inflict it. Wherefore, madam, you may charge
my father to inflict whatsoever torment you would have me undergo, for
I well know that he will not fail to obey you. It is pleasant to know
that, to work me ill, he will wholly fall in with your desire, and that
as he has neglected my welfare in submission to your will, so will he
be quick to obey you to my hurt. But I have a Father in Heaven, and He
will, I am sure, give me patience equal to all the evils that I foresee
you preparing for me, and in Him alone do I put my perfect trust."

The Queen, beside herself with wrath, commanded that Rolandine should
be taken from her sight and put into a room alone, where she might have
speech with no one. However, her governess was not taken from her, and
through her Rolandine acquainted the Bastard with all that had befallen
her, and asked him what he would have her do. He, thinking that his
services to the King might avail him something, came with all speed to
the Court. Finding the King at the chase, he told him the whole truth,
entreating him to favour a poor gentleman so far as to appease the Queen
and bring about the consummation of the marriage.

The King made no reply except to ask--

"Do you assure me that you have wedded her?"

"Yes, sire," said the Bastard, "but by word of mouth alone; however, if
it please you, we'll make an ending of it."

The King bent his head, and, without saying anything more, returned
straight towards the castle, and when he was nigh to it summoned the
Captain of his Guard, and charged him to take the Bastard prisoner.

However, a friend who knew and could interpret the King's visage, warned
the Bastard to withdraw and betake himself to a house of his that was
hard by, saying that if the King, as he expected, sought for him, he
should know of it forthwith, so that he might fly the kingdom; whilst
if, on the other hand, things became smoother, he should have word to
return. The Bastard followed this counsel, and made such speed that the
Captain of the Guards was not able to find him.

The King and Queen took counsel together as to what they should do with
the hapless lady who had the honour of being related