For albeit that I know not love indeed, Ne wot how that he quitteth folks their hire, Yet happeth me full oft in books to read Of his miracles.---- But the time was come when the poet, now in his thirty-second year, was destined to feel, that a strong attachment for a deserving object--for one who will not be obtained unsought, "was no sport," as he expresses it, but Smart and sorrow, and great heavinesse. During the period of trial which Lady Blanche had inflicted on her lover, it was Chaucer's fate to fall in love in sad earnest.--The object of this passion, too beautifully and unaffectedly described not to be genuine, was Philippa Picard de Rouet, the daughter of a knight of Hainault, and a favourite attendant of Queen Philippa. Her elder sister Catherine, was at the same time maid of honour to the Duchess Blanche. Both these sisters were distinguished at Court for their beauty and accomplishments, and were the friends and companions of the Princesses they served: and both are singularly interesting from their connection, political and poetical, with English history and literature. Philippa Picard is one of the principal personages in the poem entitled "Chaucer's Dream," which is a kind of epithalamium celebrating the marriage of John of Gaunt with the Lady Blanche, which took place at Reading, May 19, 1359. It is a wild, fanciful vision of fairy-land and enchantments, of which I cannot attempt to give an analysis. In the opening lines, written about twelve months after the "Parliament of Birds," we find Chaucer in deep love according to all its forms. He is lying awake, About such hour as lovers weep And cry after their lady's grace, thinking on his mistress--all her goodness and all her sweetness, and marvelling how heaven had formed her so exceeding fair, And in so litel space Made such a body and such a face; So great beauty, and such features, More than be in other creatures! He falls into a dream as usual, and in the conclusion fancies himself present at the splendid festivities which took place at the marriage of his patron. The ladye of his affection is described as the beloved friend and companion of the bride. She is sent to grace the marriage ceremony with her presence; and Chaucer seizes the occasion to plead his suit for love and mercy. Then the Prince, the Queen, and all the rest of the Court, unite in conjuring the lady to have pity on his pain, and recompence his truth; she smiles, and with a pretty hesitation at last consents. Sith his will and yours are one, Contrary in me shall be none. They are married: the ladies and the knights wish them ----Heart's pleasance, In joy and health continuance! The minstrels strike up,--the multitude send forth a shout; and in the midst of these joyous and triumphant sounds, and in the troubled exultation of his own heart, the sleeper bounds from his couch,-- Wening to have been at the feast,