By the kynges most noble commaundment.

[550] Your] The beginning of this line, and of the next three lines, torn off in MS.

[551] mantycore] MS. “mantyca.”

[552] Hole] First written “Thow hole.”

[553] loke] MS. “kloke;” but the k seems to have been purposely blotted out.

SKELTON LAWRYATE DEFENDER AGENYST LUSTY GARNYCHE WELLE BE SEYN CRYSTEOUYR CHALANNGER, ET CETERA.

I haue your lewde letter receyuyd,

And well I haue yt perseyuyd,

And your skryke I haue aspyed,