But for lack of mony I could not spede.
And as I thrust the prese amonge,
By froward chaunce my hood was gone,
Yet for all that I stayd not longe,
Tyll to the kyngs bench I was come.
Before the judge I kneled anone,
And prayd hym for Gods sake to take heede;
But for lack of mony I myght not speede.
Beneth them sat clarkes a great rout,
Which fast dyd wryte by one assent,