And axeth, as it were in game,

What love was. And I for schame

Ne wiste what I scholde ansuere;

And natheles I gan to swere

That be my trouthe I knew him noght;

So ferr it was out of mi thoght,

P. iii. 372

Riht as it hadde nevere be.

‘Mi goode Sone,’ tho quod sche,

‘Now at this time I lieve it wel,