Francis James Child

“ How he the young men might beguile,
And give them a begeck.
Thus for to do them shame or ill
His beastly breast was bent;
He found the wind grew something shril,
To further his intent.
He said, Brave gentlemen, be good,
And let the poor man be;
When ye have taken a beggar's blood,
It helps you not a flee. ”

“ Till we two meet again:'
The beggar answerd cankerdly,
I have no money to lend.
Thou art as young a man as I,
And seems to be as sweer;
If thou fast till thou get from me,
Thou shalt eat none this year. ”

“ By late nor yet by ayre;
Ye have great sin,if ye should slay
A silly poor beggar.'
'Thou lies, false lown,' they said again,
'By all that may be sworn;
Thou hast near slain the gentlest man
That ever yet was born. ”