THE SLEDMEN
Jesus, Lucas et Cleophas in forma peregrinorum.
I PILGRIM ¶That lord who has lent me this life for to lead,
In my ways mayst thou guide me thus wandering alone,
When all other men have most mirth to their meed,
Then here as a mourning man make I my moan.
For doubtless indeed may we dread us.
Alas, they have reft us our rede.
With dole have they dight him to death,
That lord who was pleasant to lead us.
2 PILGRIM ¶He led us full loyally, that lord; now, alas,
My lord for his loyalty his life has he lorn.
I PILGRIM ¶Say, who comes here clattering?
2 PILGRIM I, Cleophas.
Abide, my dear brother. To bale am I home.
But tell me now, where are you bound?
I PILGRIM ¶To Emmaus, this castle beside us;
There may we both harbour and bide us.
Let us tarry therefore at no town.
2 PILGRIM ¶At towns for to tarry take we no intent,
But take leisure at this time to talk of some tales,
And jangle of Jews and of Jesus so gent,
How they beat that body, the help of all bales.
With buffets they beat him full barely.
In Sir Cayphas' hall did they him call,
And then before Pilate in his hall
On that mom thereafter, full early.
1 PILGRIM ¶Full early the judge-men there doomed him to die,
Both priests and prelates to Pilate applying,
All curst caitiffs and keen, on Christ did they cry,
And of that true lord made many a lying.
They spit in his face to despise him;
To spoil him no thing did they spare him,
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