And he let sende for the man,[332]

And axede him hou that it was.

And Bardus tolde him al the cas,[333] 5130

Hou that the worm and ek the beste,[334]

Althogh thei maden no beheste,

His travail hadden wel aquit;

Bot he which hadde a mannes wit,[335]

And made his covenant be mouthe

And swor therto al that he couthe

To parte and yiven half his good,