That he the lond in his absence

Schal reule: and thus be providence

P. i. 204

Of alle thinges wel begon

He tok his leve and forth is gon.

Elda, which tho was with him there,

Er thei fulliche at Rome were,

Was sent tofore to pourveie;

And he his guide upon the weie,[640]

In help to ben his herbergour,