Al be I not worthy to so grete a name,
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Yet, seyn these clerkes, I am your patroun;
Ther-for ye oghte have som compassioun
Of my disese, and take it noght a-game.
The proudest of yow may be mad ful tame;
Wherfor I prey yow, of your gentilesse,
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That ye compleyne for myn hevinesse.
And ye, my ladies, that ben trewe and stable,