In the night a message came to him from God,

And a prohibition against this king's counsel.

[3941] me goue hold = should give me faithfully; hold = holde = faithfully, truly. [3945] Oc or or = but first ere. [3951] And turned his heart on worse thought. [3958] And beat and turned it to the path; sti, path, way. "ðes is forðon ðeðe gecuoeden wæs ðerh esaias ðone witgo cuoeðende: stefn cliopende in woestern gearuas woeg drihtnes, ræhta doeð [wyrcas] stiga his." (Matt. iii. 3. Northumbrian Version.) [3964] negt = neg + it = nigh it.

P. 113. ll. [3972]-3

It is as true as it is marvellous.

Said this ass thus with anger.

[3976]-7

Had I a sword, I would slay thee.

So was this man to mischief (grief) brought.

[3985]-6