This abbot, which that was a holy man, As monkës be, or ellës ought to be, This youngë child to conjure he began, And said; “O dearë child! I halsë 3835 thee, In virtue of the holy Trinity; Tell me what is thy cause for to sing, Since that thy throat is cut, to my seemíng.”

“My throat is cut unto my neckë-bone,” Saidë this child, “and, as by way of kind, 3836 I should have diëd, yea long time agone; But Jesus Christ, as ye in bookës find, Will that his glory last and be in mind; And, for the worship 3837 of his mother dear, Yet may I sing O Alma loud and clear.