This Parson him answered all at ones; “Thou gettest fable none y-told for me, For Paul, that writeth unto Timothy, Reproveth them that weivë soothfastness, 5037 And tellë fables, and such wretchedness. Why should I sowë draff 5038 out of my fist, When I may sowë wheat, if that me list? For which I say, if that you list to hear Morality and virtuous mattére, And then that ye will give me audiénce, I would full fain at Christë’s reverénce Do you pleasáncë lawful, as I can. But, trustë well, I am a southern man, I cannot gest, 5039 rom, ram, ruf, 5040 by my letter; And, God wot, rhyme hold I but little better. And therefore if you list, I will not glose, 5041

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