And whan this yeman hadde thus y-told
Unto our host, he seyde, ‘_benedicite!_
This thing is wonder merveillous to me,
Sin that thy lord is of so heigh prudence, 630
By-cause of which men sholde him reverence,
That of his worship rekketh he so lyte;
His oversloppe nis nat worth a myte, (80)
As in effect, to him, so mote I go!
It is al baudy and to-tore also. 635
Why is thy lord so sluttish, I thee preye,
And is of power better cloth to beye,
If that his dede accorde with thy speche?
Telle me that, and that I thee biseche.’