And evere I waite upon the tyde.

If sche loke eny thing asyde, 7130

P. ii. 373

That I me mai of hire avise,[626]

Anon I am with covoitise

So smite, that me were lief

To ben in holi cherche a thief;

Bot noght to stele a vestement,

For that is nothing mi talent,

Bot I wold stele, if that I mihte,[627]