Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/466

292 That I me may of her advise: Anon I am with covertise So smit, that me were lefe To be in holy church a thief. But not to steal, a vest-e-ment, For that is nothing my talént; But I would steal, if that I might, A' glad word, or a goodly sight. And ever my servíce I proffer, And namely, when she will go, offer; For then I lead her, if I may: For somewhat would I steal away When I beclip her on the waist; Yet at least, I steal a taste. And other while 'grant mercy ,' She saith. And so were I thereby A lusty touch, a good word eke, But all the rem-e-nant to seek, Is from my purpose wonder far. So may I say, as I said ere , In holy church if that I vow, My con-sci-énce I would allow Be so, that on amend-e-ment, I might-e get assign-e-ment ;