Whan Thaise scholde have be forlore,

This false cherl to his lady

Whan he cam hom, al prively

He seith, ‘Ma Dame, slain I have[1627]

This maide Thaise, and is begrave

In prive place, as ye me biede.

Forthi, ma dame, taketh hiede

And kep conseil, hou so it stonde.’[1628]

This fend, which this hath understonde, 1510

Was glad, and weneth it be soth: