'For I am wel awroke now of wastoures, þorw þi myȝte. 195

Ac I preye þe, ar þow passe,' quod Pieres to Hunger,

'Of beggeres and of bidderes what best be <to> done?

For I wote wel, be þow went, þei wil worche ful ille;

For myschief it maketh þei beth so meke nouthe,

And for defaute of her fode þis folke is at my wille. 200

Þey are my blody bretheren,' quod Pieres, 'for God bouȝte vs alle;

Treuthe tauȝte me ones to louye hem vchone,

And to helpen hem of alle þinge ay as hem nedeth.

And now wolde I witen of þe what were þe best,