For not but well might him betight:

He is so meek, wise, and merciable,

And with his word his work is convenable.

Colin Clout, I ween, be his self boy,

(Ah, for Colin! he whilome my joy:)

Shepheards such, God might us many send,

That doen so carefully their flocks tend.

DIG. Thilk same shepheard might I well mark,

He has a dog to bite or to bark;

Never had shepheard so keen a cur,