‘Old palmer, I pray thee,
Penaunce that thou wilt give to me.’—

XIII

‘Penaunce I can give thee none
But seven year to be a stepping-stone.

XIV

Other seven a clapper in a bell,
Other seven to lead an ape in hell.

XV

When thou hast thy penaunce done,
Then thou’st come a mayden home.’

FOOTNOTES:

[606] rong = wrung.

[607] leman = lover.