Then were there youngë poorë scholars two, That dwelled in the hall of which I say; Testif 1258 they were, and lusty for to play; And only for their mirth and revelry Upon the warden busily they cry, To give them leave for but a little stound, 1259 To go to mill, and see their corn y-ground: And hardily 1260 they durstë lay their neck, The miller should not steal them half a peck Of corn by sleight, nor them by force bereave. 1261 And at the last the warden give them leave: John hight the one, and Alein hight the other, Of one town were they born, that hightë Strother, 1262 Far in the North, I cannot tell you where. This Alein he made ready all his gear, And on a horse the sack he cast anon: Forth went Alein the clerk, and also John,