[598] wrthè = worthy.

[599] me stende, &c. = men stoned thee.

[600] leve = dear.

[601] wreke = avenged.


[98. St. Stephen and King Herod]

I

Saint Stephen was a clerk
In King Herod’s hall,
And servèd him of bread and cloth
As every king befall.

II

Stephen out of kitchen came
With boar’s head on hand,
He saw a star was fair and bright
Over Bethlehem stand.