For the tythinge of a ducke,

Or of an apple, or an ay,

They make men swere upon a boke;

Thus they foulen Christes fay.

865

Such beren yvell heven-kay,

They mowen assoyl, they mowë shryve;

With mennes wyves strongly play,

With trewë tillers sturte and stryve

At the wrestling, and at the wake;