'And this was longe, and many a yeer

Or that myn herte was set o-wher,

That I did thus, and niste why;

I trowe hit cam me kindely.

Paraunter I was therto most able

780

As a whyt wal or a table;

For hit is redy to cacche and take

Al that men wil therin make,

Wher-so men wol portreye or peynte,