TR4.1247 Whǎn théy wěre ín hǐre béd, ǐn árměs fóldě,
TR4.1248 Nǎught wás ǐt lík thǒ nýghtěs hére-by̌fórn.
TR4.1249 Fǒr pítǒuslý ěch óthěr gán by̌hóldě,
TR4.1250 Ǎs théy thǎt hádděn ál hǐre blísse y̌lórn,
TR4.1251 By̌wáylǐnge áy thě dáy thǎt théy wěre bórn;
TR4.1252 Tǐl át thě láste thǐs sórwfǔl wíght, Crǐséydě,
TR4.1253 Tǒ Tróǐlús thǐse ílkě wórděs séydě:

Line Information

• Differences among the manuscripts and editions:
• English translations (Windeatt: 1998): When they were in their bed, folded in each other’s arms, it was not like those nights previously. For each gazed piteously at the other, like those who had lost all their happiness, always lamenting the day that they were born, till at last this sorrowful person, Criseyde, said to Troilus these very words:
• Japanese translations (Sasamoto: 2012): 彼らは抱き合ってベッドに入ると、この前の夜々のようではなかった。幸せをまったく失っていた人たちのように、自分たちが生まれた日を嘆きながら、それぞれが相手を悲しげに見つめ合ったからだ。ついにこの悲しむ人、クリセイデはトロイルスに対して次のような言業を切り出した。
• Chinese translations (Fang: 1956): 这次他俩在床上拥抱，比不得从前，因彼此只是对视着发愁，好似一切幸福都已消逝，感叹着生来的厄运；这愁肠百结的克丽西德终于向特罗勒斯开言道，

Word Information

• Etymology: OE
• Addresser: Narrator
• Addressee: N/A
• Adjectives with which juxtaposed: N/A
• Counterpart in its source (Fil): 4.127
• Noun(s) (NPs) modified: human beings (female: Criseyde)
• Attributive/ Predicative: attributive

Information in Previous Studies

• OED: Not quoted
• MED: Not quoted

• Commented in other previous works:
• Windeatt (2003): N/A
• Fisher (1989): N/A
• Benson (1987): N/A
• Davis et al. (1979): Not quoted
• Donaldson (1975): N/A
• Baugh (1963): N/A

Possible Definitions

sorrowful, sad, miserable

Comments from the Editor

After the parliament’s decision, the two protagonists, Troilus and Criseyde, have a meeting. In this encounter, Chaucer adds Criseyde’s extensive speech spanning seven stanzas (lines 4.1254–1302). This speech can be seen as a significant addition by Chaucer, serving as Criseyde’s preparation before confessing her plan. It allows Criseyde to express her thoughts, emotions, and intentions in detail, offering readers a deeper understanding of her internal struggles and decision-making process. See also my comment of ‘bettre’ (adj., Tr4.1302).