But one word, lordings, hearken, ere I go: It were full hard to findë now-a-days In all a town Griseldas three or two: For, if that they were put to such assays, The gold of them hath now so bad allays 2724 With brass, that though the coin be fair at eye, 2725 It wouldë rather break in two than ply. 2726

For which here, for the Wifë’s love of Bath⁠— Whose life and all her sex may God maintain In high mast’rý, and ellës were it scath⁠— 2727 I will, with lusty heartë fresh and green, Say you a song to gladden you, I ween: And let us stint of earnestful mattére. Hearken my song, that saith in this mannére.