CI

‘Lead them into the stable,’ he said,
‘That easèd might they be’;
‘They shall not come therein,’ said the Knight,
‘By Him that died on tree.’

CII

Lordès were to meat y-set
In that Abbot’s hall;
The Knight went forth and kneelèd down
And salued[775] them great and small.

CIII

‘Do gladly, Sir Abbot,’ said the Knight,
‘I am come to hold my day.’
The first word that the Abbot spake,
‘Hast thou brought me my pay?’

CIV

‘Not one penny,’ said the Knight,
‘By Him that makèd me’:
‘Thou art a shrewd[776] debtor,’ said the Abbot;
‘Sir Justice, drink to me!’

CV

‘What doest thou here,’ said the Abbot,
‘But[777] thou hadst brought thy pay?’
‘Alack is me,’ then said the Knight,
‘To pray of a longer day!’