Lines 3787-3957 Summary

Wikked-Tunge sees Bialacoil and the narrator and wakes Jealousy. Jealousy reprimands Bialacoil for negligence and for keeping Shame away, and vows to lock him in a tower. Shame appears dressed like a nun and argues on Bialacoil's behalf. Jealousy wins the argument.

Lines 3787-3957 Analysis

After a brief introduction, this section quickens the pace of the narrative, and introduces new characters. Allegorically, forces and aspects outside the narrator and his lady are having an effect on the progress of the relationship.

Allegorically, gossip begins about the young man and the woman. This provokes a reaction from her family. It is possible that Jealousy represents the woman's husband, if she is the wife of the young man's overlord, but it is equally possible that Jealousy could represent the woman's protective (or possessive) father and/or brothers. The woman becomes ashamed and embarrassed...