I
ch was in one sumere dale.
In one suþe diȝele hale.
I herde ich holde grete tale.
An hule and one niȝtingale.
5 Þat plait was stif ⁊ starc ⁊ strong.
Sum wile softe ⁊ lud among.
An aiþer aȝen oþer sval.
⁊ let þat wole mod ut al.
⁊ eiþer seide of oþeres custe.