ABSTRACT
In this case oughte ye be diligent To furthren me somewhat in my labour. Whether ye been with the leaf or with the flower.5
For well I wot that ye have here-before Of making ropen,6 and led away the corn, And I come after, gleaning here and there, And am full glad if I may find an ear Of any goodly word that ye han left. And though it happen me rehearsen eft7
That ye han in your freshe songes said, Forbeareth me, and beth not evil apayd,8
Sin that ye see I do it in the honour Of love, and eke9 in service of the flower, Whom that I serve as I have wit or might.
