450
†That I may knowe soothly what ye be
That han me holpen, and put in swich degree.
†But trewely I wende, as in this cas,
†Naught have agilt, ne doon to love trespas.
†Forwhy a trewe man, with-outen drede,
455
†Hath nat to parten with a theves dede;
†Ne a trewe lover oghte me nat blame,
†Thogh that I speke a fals lover som shame.