"
The porter swore a full great oath,
"By him that mad-e me,
Here be the best cores-ed horse
That ever yet saw I me.
Lead them into the stable," he said,
"That eas-ed might they be."
"They shall not come therein," said the knight,
"By him that died on a tree."
Lord-es were to meat iset
In that abb-ot-es hall,
The knight went forth and kneel-ed down,
And salved them great and small.
"Do gladly, sir abb-ot," said the knight,
"I am come to hold my day."
The first word the abbot spake,
"Hast th-ou brought m-y pay?"
"Not one penny," said the knight,
"By him that mak-ed me."
"Thou art a shrewd debtor!" said the abb-ot;
"Sir justice, drink to me!
What dost thou here," said the abb-ot,
"But thou hadst brought thy pay?"
"For-e God," then said the knight,
"To pray of a longer day."
"Thy day is broke," said the justice,
"Land gettest thou none."
"Now, good sir justice, be my friend,
And fend me of my fone."
"I am hold with the abbot," said the justice,
"Both with cloth and fee."
"Now, good sir sheriff, be my friend."
"Nay, for-e God," said he.
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