|
"Ye, certes," quod the frere, "trusteth weel. |
| I took oure dame oure lettre with oure seel." |
| 465 | "Now wel," quod he, "and somwhat shal I yive |
| Unto youre hooly covent whil I lyve; |
| And in thyn hand thou shalt it have anon, |
| On this condicion, and oother noon, |
| That thou departe it so, my deere brother, |
| 470 | That every frere have also muche as oother. |
| This shaltou swere on thy professioun, |
| Withouten fraude or cavillacioun." |
| "I swere it," quod this frere, "by my feith!" |
| And therwithal his hand in his he leith, |
| 475 | "Lo, heer my feith; in me shal be no lak." |
| "Now thanne, put in thyn hand doun by my bak," |
| Seyde this man, "and grope wel bihynde. |
| Bynethe my buttok there shaltow fynde |
| A thyng that I have hyd in pryvetee." |
|
| "Yea, truly," said the friar, "trust me well; |
| I gave your wife a letter with our seal." |
| 465 | "That's well," said he, "and something will I give |
| Unto your holy convent while I live, |
| And right anon you'll have it in your hand, |
| On this condition only, understand, |
| That you divide it so, my own dear brother, |
| 470 | That every friar shall have as much as other. |
| This shall you swear upon the faith you own, |
| And without fraud or cavil, be it known." |
| "I swear it," said this friar, "on my faith!" |
| And on the sick man's laid his hand therewith. |
| 475 | "Lo, hear my oath! In me shall truth not lack." |
| "Now then, come put your hand right down my back," |
| Replied this man, "and grope you well behind; |
| For underneath my buttocks shall you find |
| A thing that I have hid in privity." |
|
