Wel he it bar, and solde it wel,

Þe siluer he brouthe hom il del;

Al þat he þer-fore tok

With-held he nouth a ferþinges nok.

So yede he forth ilke day,

Þat he neuere at home lay.

So wolde he his mester lere;

A great dearth arises.

Bifel it so a strong dere

Bigan to rise of korn of bred,