CXVI
‘In joustès and in tournaments
Full far then have I be,
And put myself as far in press[783]
As any that ever I see.’
CXVII
‘What will ye give more,’ said the Justice,
‘An the Knight shall make a release[784]?
And ellès[785] dare I safely swear
Ye hold never your land in peace.’
CXVIII
‘An hundred pound,’ said the Abbot;
The Justice said, ‘Give him two;’
‘Nay, by God,’ said the Knight,
‘Ye get not my land so.
CXIX
‘Though ye would give a thousand more,
Yet were ye never the nigher;
Shall there never be mine heir
Abbot, Justice, nor Friar.’
CXX
He started to a board anon,
Till a table round,
And here he shook out of a bag
Even four hundred pound.