'†Lo! yonder folk,' quod she, 'that knele in blew,

They were the colour ay, and ever shall,

In sign they were, and ever will be trew

Withouten chaunge: and sothly, yonder all

250

That ben in blak, with morning cry and call

Unto the goddes, for their loves been

Som fer, som dede, som all to sherpe and kene.'

'Ye, than,' quod I, 'what doon thise prestes here,

Nonnes and hermits, freres, and all thoo