Aurelius remains sick for two years. Finally, his brother comes upon a way to solve the dilemma: He remembers a student who claimed to have deciphered the secret codes of magic found in rare books. Aurelius goes to the student-magician and promises payment of 1,000 pounds if his magic clears the coast of rocks. The student-magician agrees, and the deed is performed. Aurelius then asks Dorigen to keep her promise: “You made a promise which you know must stand / And gave your plighted troth into my hand/ To love me best.” Dorigen, horrified and contemplating suicide, recalls for the reader twenty-one women, most of whom had taken their lives rather than disgrace themselves.
Meanwhile, Arveragus returns and finds his wife prostrate with grief. Dorigen tells him the story of her bargain, and he says she must keep her promise, even though it sorely grieves him. Dorigen presents herself to Aurelius. However, when Aurelius learns of Arveragus’ nobility and sacrifice, he cannot force himself to possess Dorigen and sends the relieved lady back to her husband. Then Aurelius gathers all his gold together, only to discover that he can pay only half of what he owes the student-magician. When the student-magician learns that Dorigen was relieved of her part of the bargain, the student-magician cancels Aurelius’ entire debt.
