“O dearë master,” quoth this sickë man, “How have ye fared since that March began? I saw you not this fortënight and more.” “God wot,” quoth he, “laboúr’d have I full sore; And specially for thy salvatión Have I said many a precious orison, And for mine other friendës, God them bless. I have this day been at your church at mess, 2282 And said sermón after my simple wit, Not all after the text of Holy Writ; For it is hard to you, as I suppose, And therefore will I teach you aye the glose. 2283 Glosing is a full glorious thing certáin, For letter slayeth, as we clerkës 2284 sayn. There have I taught them to be charitable, And spend their good where it is reasonable. And there I saw our damë; where is she?” “Yonder I trow that in the yard she be,” Saidë this man; “and she will come anon.” “Hey master, welcome be ye by Saint John,” Saidë this wife; “how fare ye heartily?”