Book III Summary

Chaucer begins Book III with an ode to Venus, the goddess of love, praising her and asking for her help in relating the story of the love of Troilus and Criseyde, so that she and love might be properly honored.

As Troilus hears Pandarus and Criseyde approaching, he rehearses in his mind what he will say to her. As they near him, he moans out, pretending to be seriously ill as Panadarus has instructed him. He presents a pitiful sight laying in his bed, and Criseyde immediately kneels to him. Troilus is puzzled by this action and asks what she means by it. Criseyde says she is kneeling to thank him and ask for his protection.

Troilus is stricken by this, for it is he who wishes to place himself in her service. Her asking for his protection seems to drive...