While this Yeomán was thus in his talkíng, This Canon drew him near, and heard all thing Which this Yeomán spake, for suspición Of mennë’s speech ever had this Canón: For Cato saith, that he that guilty is, Deemeth all things be spoken of him y-wis; 4660 Because of that he gan so nigh to draw To his Yeomán, that he heard all his saw; 4661 And thus he said unto his Yeoman tho; 4662 “Hold thou thy peace, and speak no wordës mo’: For if thou do, thou shalt it dear abie. 4663 Thou slanderest me here in this companý, And eke discoverest that thou shouldest hide.” “Yea,” quoth our Host, “tell on, whatso betide; Of all his threatening reck not a mite.” “In faith,” quoth he, “no more do I but lite.” 4664 And when this Canon saw it would not be But his Yeoman would tell his privitý, He fled away for very sorrow and shame.