‘Florent, if I for the so schape,

That thou thurgh me thi deth ascape

And take worschipe of thi dede,

What schal I have to my mede?’

‘What thing,’ quod he, ‘that thou wolt axe.’[382]

‘I bidde nevere a betre taxe,’

Quod sche, ‘bot ferst, er thou be sped,

Thou schalt me leve such a wedd,

That I wol have thi trowthe in honde

That thou schalt be myn housebonde.’ 1560