A manner sergeant 2549 was this private man, 2550 The which he faithful often founden had In thingës great, and eke such folk well can Do executión in thingës bad: The lord knew well, that he him loved and drad. 2551 And when this sergeant knew his lordë’s will, Into the chamber stalked he full still.

“Madam,” he said, “ye must forgive it me, Though I do thing to which I am constrain’d; Ye be so wise, that right well knowë ye That lordës’ hestës may not be y-feign’d; 2552 They may well be bewailed and complain’d, But men must needs unto their lust 2553 obey; And so will I, there is no more to say.