Though he ne’er erst 4394 had soon it with his eye This Chanticleer, when he gan him espy, He would have fled, but that the fox anon Said, “Gentle Sir, alas! why will ye gon? Be ye afraid of me that am your friend? Now, certes, I were worse than any fiend, If I to you would harm or villainy. I am not come your counsel to espy. But truëly the cause of my comíng Was only for to hearken how ye sing; For truëly ye have as merry a steven, 4395 As any angel hath that is in heaven; Therewith ye have of music more feelíng, Than had Boece, or any that can sing. My lord your father (God his soulë bless) And eke your mother of her gentleness, Have in mine housë been, to my great ease: 4396 And certes, Sir, full fain would I you please. But, for men speak of singing, I will say, So may I brookë