Would yield th’ assessment made.

The taxing-man, with grim viságe

Came pricking on the way;

The taxing-man, with wrothful words,

Thus to the Duke did say:

“Lord Duke, Lord Duke, thou’st hid from me,

As sure as I’m alive,

Of goodly palfreys seventeen,

Of varlets twenty-five”.

Then out he drew his gray goose quill,