As a minstrel of pouer liif,

And asked tidinges of þat lond,

And who þe kingdom held in hond.

Þe pouer begger in his cote

Told him euerich a grot: 490

Hou her quen was stole owy

Ten ȝer gon wiþ fairy;

And hou her king en exile ȝede,

Bot no man nist in wiche þede;

And hou þe steward þe lond gan hold; 495