“What should us tiden 1504 of this newë law, But thraldom to our bodies, and penánce, And afterward in hell to be y-draw, For we renied Mahound our creance? 1505 But, lordës, will ye maken assurance, As I shall say, assenting to my lore? 1506 And I shall make us safe for evermore.”

They sworen and assented every man To live with her and die, and by her stand: And every one, in the best wise he can, To strengthen her shall all his friendës fand. 1507 And she hath this emprise taken in hand, Which ye shall hearë that I shall devise; 1508 And to them all she spake right in this wise.