That, for defaute of helpe and of defence,

Unneth hath Crist his dewe reverence.

The righte fayth to kepe of holy chirche

The firste poynt is named of knighthode;

And every man is holde for to wirche

200

Upon the poynt that stant to his manhode.

But now, alas! the fame is spred so brode

That every man this thing [alday] complayneth;

And yet is ther no man that help ordayneth.