24 And the rulers, that did ought to set an example, made lusty youths for to be their scribes, and they did put them for to do women's work. And the number of them that were absolved in this wise became a crying shame that was heard throughout all the land.
25 ¶ And when the rulers were questioned hotly concerning these men and concerning those that had hidden themselves behind the rampart that was munitions, they bestirred themselves somewhat and did comb them out.
26 And the number that they did comb out was very great. And because they had not done this thing before, but had waited until the people raised them a clamour, therefore were the rulers blamed exceedingly.
27 Nevertheless, those that rebelled against it because they did have consciences, these were not sent out for to fight.
28 But some of them were set to work upon matters of health, which was a loathsome duty and abhorred by them who, being without a conscience, went out against the enemy.
29 ¶ And when all the men that were of full vigour had been taken, there was an end to the murmuring of the people.
30 And all were of one mind that this thing should have been done before, for they saw that the taking was just, no man suffering beyond his neighbour, and every man fighting for his own.
31 ¶ Now it was made a law that whosoever should enter into a tavern for to buy him strong drink, that man must pay for his own.
32 And there were some, being them that drank beyond their means, that had a grievance because of it, for to pay for their own, they had forgotten the way.
33 Wherefore they did suffer exceedingly and were for ever dry; and their look, it was a thirsty one.