[XXXV. þe Spore of Loue. [So the title in v. 21, 1081; in the heading the title is Þe Prikke of loue. A local reference, v. 163 ff., seems to imply that the poem was written in Leicester. The translation is very free, with frequent additions, omissions, and contractions.] ] [folio cclxxxiiib] (A free translation of St. Edmund's Speculum.)
Her beginneþ þe Prikke of loue,
Þat profitable is to soule be-houe.
God þat art of miȝtes most,
ffader and Sone and holigost,
Þow graunte hem alle þi blessyng
Þat herken wel to þis talkyng.
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ffor, lewed and lered, more and lesse,
Hit wol ow teche holynesse;
To loue God wiþ fyn chere
Hit wol ou teche, my leoue and dere.
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