"Being such a lady could I weep these tears
If this were true?"
As part of her defense, Guenevere asks Gauwaine how she could be so upset and ashamed if she were truly guilty. This is an interesting aspect of her defense, as she is trying to appeal to Gauwaine's emotions. During the poem, Guenevere frequently appeals to the emotions of Gauwaine, trying to make him feel sorry for her and forgive her.
"Her voice was low at first, being full of tears
But as it cleared, it grew full loud and shrill,
Growing a windy shriek in all men's ears,
A ringing in their startled brains."
Morris describes the transition of Guenevere as she is transformed by madness. This affects her physical appearance and her voice, which takes on a different quality, becoming "loud and shrill."
"God wot I ought to say, I have done ill,
And pray you all forgiveness heartily!"
Although Guenevere maintains her innocence throughout the case, here she seems to state that she had committed some crime. She admits that she has "done ill," and asks for forgiveness from the court. Here, we also see the theme of religion, as Guenevere also asks God for forgiveness.
