hede.'
'Than semeth it,' quod I, 'that suche famulers aboute kinges
and grete lordes shulde greet might have. Although a sypher in
augrim have no might in significacion of it-selve, yet he yeveth
power in significacion to other; and these clepe I the helpes to
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a poste to kepe him from falling.'
'Certes,' quod she, 'thilke skilles ben leude. Why? But-if
the shorers be wel grounded, the helpes shulden slyden and suffre
the charge to falle; her might litel avayleth.'