495

Go now thy wey, this penance is but lyte.

*[And whan this book is maad, yive hit the quene]

*On my behalfe, at Eltham, or at Shene.'

†The god of love gan smyle, and than he seyde,

†'Wostow,' quod he, '[wher this be wyf or mayde],

500

†Or quene, or countesse, or of what degree,

†That hath so litel penance yiven thee,

†That hast deserved sorer for to smerte?