“And thou, my Pertinax, art but a hungry Knight, that trampeth with a hungry Fool, wherefore let us forthwith—”
“Aye, but mark me, lord, if this puissant lord with pomp and high estate doth woo the lady—”
“So then, my Pertinax, will I woo this lady also.”
“How, in this thy foolish guise?”
“Aye, forsooth.”
“Why, then, thou art like to be whipped for froward Fool and I for ragged rogue, and this our adventure brought to ill and woeful end—so here now is folly, lord, indeed!”
“Aye, forsooth!” smiled the Duke,
“Whereto these bells give heed.
But come, amend thy speed,
Methinks thy fasting-need
These gloomy vapours breed.
Thy inner man doth plead
Good beef with ale or mead
Wherein, thou Fool decreed,
I am right well agreed
'T were goodly thing to feed,
Nor will I thee impede,
So follow Folly's lead
And food-wards we'll proceed.”