I were a knyȝt kowarde, I myȝt not1 be excused.
Bot I wy1 to þe chape1, for chaunce þat may falle,
& talk wyth þat ilk tulk þe tale þat me lyste,
Worþe hit wele, oþer wo, as þe wyrde lykeȝ
hit hafe;
Þaȝe he be a sturn knape,
To stiȝtel, &2 stad with staue,
Ful wel con dryȝtyn schape,
His seruaunteȝ forto saue."
1 mot, in MS. 2 & &, in MS.