*But wo is me, hit lyth nat in my might!

(B. 73)

For wel I wot, that folk han her-beforn

†Of making ropen, and lad a-wey the corn;

†And I come after, glening here and there,

†And am ful glad if I may finde an ere

65

Of any goodly word that they han left.

And, if hit happe me rehersen eft

That they han in her fresshe songes sayd,