And asked him if Troilus were there?

570

He swor hir, 'nay, for he was out of towne,'

And seyde, 'nece, I pose that he were,

Yow [thurfte] never have the more fere.

For rather than men mighte him ther aspye,

Me were lever a thousand-fold to dye.'

575

83. Nought list myn auctor fully to declare

What that she thoughte whan he seyde so,