I wot wel god me wol noght helpe.

What scholde I thanne of joies yelpe, 3410

Whan ther no bote is of mi care?

So overcast is my welfare,

That I am schapen al to strif.

Helas, that I nere of this lif,

Er I be fulliche overtake!’

And thus he wol his sorwe make,

As god him mihte noght availe:

Bot yit ne wol he noght travaile