505
'And I for worm-foul,' seyde the fool cukkow,
For I wol, of myn owne auctoritè,
For comune spede, take the charge now,
For to delivere us is gret charitè.'
Ye may abyde a whyle yet, parde!'
510
Seide the turtel, 'if hit be your wille
A wight may speke, him were as good be stille.
I am a seed-foul, oon the unworthieste,