So schal the world obeie his hestes,

Which with his swerd schal al be wonne,

Als ferr as schyneth eny Sonne.’ 2170

The king was doubtif of this dom;

Bot natheles, whan that he com

Ayein into his oghne lond,

His wif with childe gret he fond.

He mihte noght himselve stiere,

That he ne made hire hevy chiere;

Bot he which couthe of alle sorwe,