'By my power, Pieres,' quod he, 'I pliȝte þe my treuthe 35
To fulfille þis forward, þowȝ I fiȝte sholde;
Als longe as I lyue, I shal þe mayntene.'
'Ȝe, and ȝit a poynt,' quod Pieres, 'I preye ȝow of more;
Loke ȝe tene no tenaunt, but Treuthe wil assent.
And þowgh ȝe mowe amercy hem, late Mercy be taxoure, 40
And Mekenesse þi mayster, maugré Medes chekes;
And þowgh pore men profre ȝow presentis and ȝiftis,
Nym it nauȝte, an auenture ȝe mowe it nauȝte deserue;
For þow shalt ȝelde it aȝein at one ȝeres ende