And of the [laste king Tarquinius],

As saith Ovyde and Titus Livius.

[But for that cause telle I nat this storie],

1685

But for to preise and drawen to memorie

The verray wyf, the verray trewe Lucresse,

That, for her wyfhood and her stedfastnesse,

Nat only that thise payens her comende,

(10)

But he, that cleped is in our legende