Do a deedly synne, · and drenche so thi soule,
God wole suffre wel thi sleuthe[35] · if thiself liketh.
For he yaf thee a yeres-gyve,[36] · to yeme[37] wel thiselve,
And that is wit and free-wil, · to every wight a porcion,
To fleynge foweles, · to fisshes and to beastes:
Ac man hath moost thereof, · and moost is to blame,
But if he werch wel therwith, · as Do-wel hym techeth."
"I have no kynde knowyng,"[38] quod I, · "to conceyven alle your wordes:
Ac if I may lyve and loke, · I shall go lerne bettre."
"I bikenne thee Christ,"[39] quod he, · "that on cros deyde!"