NOTES.
293
Where, for to speed in other place,
Such sacrilege I hold a grace.
"And thus, my father, sooth to say,
In church-e right as in the way,
If I might ought of lov-e take
Such hansel[1] have I nought forsake.
But finally, I me confess,
There is in me no holinéss,
While her I see in holy stead;
And yet for aught that ever I did,
No sacrilege of her I took,
But[2] it were of word or look,
Or els-e if that I her freed[3]
When I towárd offering[4] her lead,
Take thereof what I take may,
For els-e bear I nought away.
For tho' I wold-e ought else have,
All other thing-es be so safe,
And kept with such a privilege,
That I may do no sacrilege.
God wote[5] my will nath-e-less,
Tho' I must need-es keep-e peace,
