| Thou seydest this, that I was lyk a cat; |
| 355 | For whoso wolde senge a cattes skyn, |
| Thanne wolde the cat wel dwellen in his in. |
| And if the cattes skyn be slyk and gay, |
| She wol nat dwelle in house half a day, |
| But forth she wole, er any day be dawed, |
| 360 | To shewe hir skyn, and goon a-caterwawed. |
| This is to seye, if I be gay, sire shrewe, |
| I wol renne out, my borel for to shewe. |
|
| You said this, too, that I was like a cat; |
| 355 | For if one care to singe a cat's furred skin, |
| Then would the cat remain the house within; |
| And if the cat's coat be all sleek and gay, |
| She will not keep in house a half a day, |
| But out she'll go, before dawn of any day, |
| 360 | To show her skin and caterwaul and play. |
| This is to say, if I'm a little gay, |
| To show my rags I'll gad about all day. |
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