‘Ye han bigonne your question folily,’
Quod she, ‘that wolden two answeres conclude
In oo demande; ye axed lewedly.’ 430
Almache answerde unto that similitude,
‘Of whennes comth thyn answering so rude?’
‘Of whennes?’ quod she, whan that she was freyned,
‘Of conscience and of good feith unfeyned.’
Almachius seyde, ‘ne takestow non hede 435
Of my power?’ and she answerde him this—
‘Your might,’ quod she, ‘ful litel is to drede;
[523: T. 15906-15937.]
For every mortal mannes power nis
But lyk a bladdre, ful of wind, y-wis.
For with a nedles poynt, whan it is blowe, 440
May al the boost of it be leyd ful lowe.’