And natheles this simple man
His covenant, so as he can,
Hath axed; and that other seide,
If so be that he him umbreide[320]
Of oght that hath be speke or do,[321]
It schal ben venged on him so,
That him were betre to be ded.
And he can tho non other red,
But on his asse ayein he caste
His trusse, and hieth homward faste: 5040