Placebo came, and eke his friendës soon, And alderfirst 2841 he bade them all a boon, 2842 That none of them no arguments would make Against the purpose that he had y-take: Which purpose was pleasánt to God, said he, And very ground of his prosperity. He said, there was a maiden in the town, Which that of beauty haddë great renown; All 2843 were it so she were of small degree, Sufficed him her youth and her beautý; Which maid, he said, he would have to his wife, To lead in ease and holiness his life; And thanked God, that he might have her all, That no wight with his blissë partë 2844 shall; And prayed them to labour in this need, And shape that he failë not to speed: For then, he said, his spirit was at ease.