And tharfore nis no wonder thouh al the world it smerte.

Ther was a gamen in Engelond that durede ȝer and other;

Erliche upon the Monenday uch man bishrewed other;

So longe lastede that gamen among lered and lewed, 369

That nolde theih nevere stinten, or al the world were bishrewed,

i-wis;

And therfore al that helpe sholde, fareth the more amis.

So that for that shrewedom that regneth in the lond,

I drede me that God us hath for-laft out of his hond,

Thurw wederes that he hath i-sent cold and unkinde;