1 Then mounted he upon his steed again, 2 And with the lady backward sought to wend. 3 That path he kept which beaten was most plain, 4 Nor ever would to any byway bend,

bend > incline; turn, hence: divert their course

5 But still did follow one to the end,

still > continuously, without change; hence: in one direction

6 Which at last out of the wood them brought. 7 So forward on his way (with God to friend)

to > as a

8 He passed forth, and new adventure sought; 9 Long way he travelled, before he heard of aught.

101.29

At length they chaunst to meet vpon the way
2 An aged Sire, in long blacke weedes yclad,
His feete all bare, his beard all hoarie gray,
4 And by his belt his booke he hanging had;
Sober he seemde, and very sagely sad,
6 And to the ground his eyes were lowly bent,
Simple in shew, and voyde of malice bad,
8 And all the way he prayed, as he went,
And often knockt his brest, as one that did repent.

1 At length they chanced to meet upon the way 2 An aged sire, in long black weeds clad,