[644] Wich to defend ſhe may nocht long endure.
Wharfor, ſir, in wordis plan and ſhort,
Ye mon diſpone your folk for to ſupport.”
The king promises not to delay, and inquires the number of the foe.
“Wel,” quod the king, “one to thi lady ſay
[648] The neid is myne, I fall It not delay;
But what folk ar thei nemmyt for to bee,
That in my lond is cumyne in ſich degree?”
“A hundred thousand,” is the reply.
“An hundreth thouſand boith vith ſheld and ſpere