Among which beasts yet some be pitiful,[64] The unicorn humbleth himself to a maid;[65] And a dog in all his power ireful, Let a man fall to ground, his anger is delayed:[66] Thus by nature pity is conveyed. The cock, when he scrapeth, and happeth meat to find, Calleth for his hens: lo! see the gentle kind! Should human creatures then be of cruelness? Should not they to their neighbours show charity, And specially to them wrapped in sickness, When[67] they that may heal them cause the infirmity? MEL. Mother, without delay, for God's sake show me, I pray thee heartily, without more praying, Where is the patient that so is paining.[68] CEL. Fair damsel, thou mayest well have knowledge hereto: That in this city is a young knight, And of clear lineage, called Calisto, Whose life and body is all in thee, I plight. The pelican, to show nature's right, Feedeth his birds,--methinketh I should not preach thee! Thou wotest what I mean, as nature should teach thee. MEL. Ha, ha, is this the intent of thy conclusion? Tell me no more of this matter, I charge thee. Is this the dolent[69] for whom thou makest petition? Art thou come hither thus to deceive me? Thou bearded dame, shameless thou seemest to be! Is this he that hath the passion of foolishness? Thinkest, thou ribald, I am such an one of lewdness? It is not said, I see well, in vain: The tongue of man and woman worst members be; Thou brute bawd, thou great enemy to honesty, certain; Cause of secret errors: Jesu, Jesu, benedicite Some good body take this old thief from me, That thus would me deceive with her false sleight! Go out of my sight now! get thee hence straight! CEL. In an evil hour came I hither, I may say; I would I had broken my legs twain. MEL. Go hence, thou brothel, go hence, in the devil way! Bidest thou yet to increase my pain? Wilt thou make me of this fool to be fain? To give him life, to make him merry, And to myself death, to make me sorry? Wilt thou bear away profit for my perdition, And make me lese the house of my father, To win the house of such an old matron As thou art, shamefullest of all other? Thinkest thou that I understand not, thou false mother, Thy hurtful message, thy false subtle ways? Make amends to God, thou livest too long days! Answer, thou traitress, how darest be so bold? CEL. The fear of thee maketh me so dismayed, That the blood of my body is almost cold. Alas! fair maiden, what hast thou said To me poor widow? why am I denied? Hear my conclusion, which is of honesty; Without cause ye blame this gentleman and me. MEL. I say I will hear no more of that fool: Was he not here with me even now? Thou old witch, thou bringest me in great dole: Ask him what answer he had of me, and how