And therto gracious and merciable.

*[And if ye nere a god, that knowen al],

*Than mighte hit be, as I yow tellen shal;

350

This man to you may falsly been accused,

†Ther as by right him oghte been excused.

[For in your court is many a losengeour],

†And many a queynte [totelere] accusour,

That tabouren in your eres many a soun,

355