Of that mater that towchid hym soo nere,
Line 1761
And Askid ther avise in this mater,
Not on nor twayne, but all in generall,
Thanne spake ser Darell, and Answerd furth with All:
'These lordes here, that ben of your councell
Line 1765
And my falow, and I be on Assent
In that mater to se what may prevaile,
As we seme [So MS. ? deme.] best we shall shewe our entent.'
Line 1768
Thanne spake lucas anon encontinent,
'Ser, dought ye not,' quod he, 'in this case
It shall be purvayde fore with goddes grace;
Line 1771
Sithe tyme of mend this land ded neuer soo,
Line 1772
And as for vs we will not [now] begynne.'
his lordes all Assentid wele therto,
And thought that lucas seid right wele therin.
Line 1775
'We trost,' quod they, 'the victory for to wynne,
Vppon that prince so myghti in his strength,
Or ij monethys be fully drawe o length.
Line 1778
But this we will require yow euerychone,
Line 1779
To shew your grace on to Generydes;
ffor wele we wote offence he hath do non,
Vs thynk he shuld the soner haue his pece;
Line 1782
We yow beseche your rancour for to sese, [MS. sesee.]
ffor att this tyme he may do good seruice,
And suche as shall please yow in euery wise.
Line 1785
And in this wise, yf it please yow to here,
Line 1786
Be myn avise ye shall send [MS. sent.] for your ost:
And these lordes that ben with yow here,
lett them send for ther men in euery cost,
Line 1789
In all ther best array both lesse and most;
And so shall yow, with all your baronage,
Defende your lande that it pay noo trewage.'
Line 1792
