LXXXVI
The Abbot said to his Convènt,
Where he stood on ground,
‘This day twelve moneth came a knight,
And borrowed four hundred pound.
LXXXVII
‘He borrowèd four hundred pound
Upon his land and fee[767];
But he come this ilkè[768] day
Disherited shall he be.’
LXXXVIII
‘It is full early,’ said the Prior,
‘The day is not yet far gone;
I had liever pay an hundred pound,
And lay it down anon.
LXXXIX
‘The Knight is far beyond the sea,
In England is his right,
And suffereth hunger and cold
And many a sorry night.
XC
‘It were great pity,’ said the Prior,
‘So to have his land;
An ye be so light of your conscience,
Ye do him muchè shand[769].’