And outher while thei arn ellis-where,

As I here telle;

Were ther a belle on hire beighe,

330

By Jhesu, as me thynketh,

Men myghte witen wher thei wente,

And awey renne!"

"And right so," quod that raton,

"Reson me sheweth,

To bugge a belle of bras,