“Now by my trothë, brother mine,” said he, “As I shall tell to thee a faithful tale: My wages be full strait and eke full smale; My lord is hard to me and dangerous, 2186 And mine offíce is full laborious; And therefore by extortión I live, Forsooth I take all that men will me give. Algate 2187 by sleightë, or by violence, From year to year I win all my dispence; I can no better tell thee faithfully.” “Now certes,” quoth this Sompnour, “so fare 2188 I; I sparë not to takë, God it wot, But if 2189 it be too heavy or too hot. What I may get in counsel privily, No manner conscience of that have I. N’ere 2190