The Prioress’ Tale

The prioress spoke up in her elegant manner

“My tale is of forbidden love.” she began

“A young lass of the upper class

Was wandering around her lovely garden

The summer sun shone on her lovely red locks

Her skin was so fair

The maiden’s clothes were simple

But skillfully crafted by the finest seamstress

Yes, this lass was a fine lass

Many lads would try to seek her hand in marriage

But despite what her parents thought,

None of them seemed to win the lass’ heart

Her voice was as lovely as a nightingale

But the maiden’s voice was what would cost her her innocence

***

“On this first day of summer, she was singing a fine song

This song would catch the ear of a wolf

As the lass sang, she heard bushes rustle

The maiden stopped singing and looked up

‘Hello?’ she asked coyly

Silence followed

The maiden walked towards the hedge

They rustled again

The maiden peered over the privet and was filled with pale horror

A dirty looking young lad glanced up at her

He looked like a beggar

Yet, he was a comely young fellow

The lass was overcome with both fear and love

‘Please do not fear me,’ the lad pleaded

‘I seek not to harm you, I heard thy lovely voice and was overtaken’

The maiden was speechless

‘Please sing for me again’ the lad begged

The maiden decided to do so for him,

For he had stolen her heart

From then on, they had vowed to stay together forever

***

Every summer night, the young lovers met in secret in their garden

Their love blossomed like a fair rose

But soon, it would welt and sour

For another suitor was following them

He too was of upper class and desired this

Lass more than anything

The suitor also wanted to be rid her secret lover

This malice-filled suitor knew just how to

***

In the mid-summer day,

The suitor acted upon his cruel deeds

By acting as if he was visiting the lass’ parents

To ask her hand in marriage

The lass didn’t know he was there

And was out with her lover

Inside the house, the suitor and

The lass’ parents all had tea

‘I hear your sweet daughter’s voice in the garden.’ the suitor spoke up

The lass’ father listened

It was true

His daughter’s angelic voice floated

Through the air like the scent

Of fresh cut flowers from the garden

‘Now was his chance to act’ the suitor thought

He rose to his feet and wandered out to their garden

The maiden’s parents pursued him

***

The three of them came out to the garden

Where they found the maiden and her lover in a warm embrace

The father was enraged

The mother felt sick with shame

The suitor just witnessed everything

For victory was his

Or so he thought

In the end,

The lass was forbidden to see her lover again

And the young wanderer was discarded

Like an old slipper

***

By next sun rise,

The suitor arrived at the maiden’s house

To seek her hand in marriage

But to his dismay,

That was not to be so

For the maiden and her lover had ran off in the night

And wedded in the countryside

The suitor was crushed by his defeat

He had planned to sour his prized

Affection’s love only to have it

Grow stronger.”