“Maister,” quod he, “of yowre beneuolens,

Y yow beſech that tueching myn offens,

Ȝhe wald wichſaif your conſell to me If

Arthur asks how he shall amend,

[1392] How I ſal mend, and ek her-eftir leif.”

“Now,” quod the maiſter, “and I have merwell qwhy

Yow aſkith conſail, and wil in non affy,

Nor wyrk thar-by; and ȝhit yow may In tym,

[1396] If yow lykith to amend the cryme.”

“Ȝhis,” ſaith the king, “and ſuthfaſtly I will