Knight (with a cup). Sir, here is wine withouten were,[56]
And thereto bread, both white and clear,
To present him in good manere
That so us helped has.
Melchisedec. To God, I know he is full dear,
For of all things his prayer
He hath, without danger,
And specially great grace.
Melchisedec (coming to Abraham and offering him a cup
of wine and bread on a plate). Abraham, welcome must thou be,
God's grace is fully in thee,
Blessed ever must thou be
That enemies so can make.
I have brought, as thou may'st see,
Bread and wine for thy degree;
Receive this present now from me,
And that I thee beseke.[57]
Abraham. Sir king, welcome in good say,
Thy present is welcome to my pay.
God has helpéd me to-day
Unworthy though I were.
He shall have part of my prey
That I won since I went away.
Therefore to thee thou take it may
The tenth I offer here.
[He delivers to the King a laden horse.
Melchisedec. And your present, sir, take I,
And honour it devoutly,
For much good it may signify
In time that is coming.
Therefore horse, harness, and peryé,[58]
As falls to my dignity,
The tithe of it I take of thee,
And receive thy off'ring.
[Abraham receives the bread and wine, and Melchisedec the laden horse as tithe from Lot.
Lot. And I will offer with good intent
Of such goods as God hath me sent
To Melchisedec here present,
As God's will is to be.
Abraham, my brother, offered has;
And so will I with God's grace:
This royal cup before your face,
Receive it now of me.
[Lot offers the wine and bread, which Melchisedec receives.
Melchisedec. Sir, your off'ring welcome is,
And well I know forsooth, I wis,
That fully God's will it is
That is now done to-day.
Go we together to my city,
And now God heartily thank we
That helps us aye through his postye,[59]
For so we full well may.