two good men were living,
Of beasts was all their off'ring
And eke their sacrament.
But since Christ died on the rood-tree,
With bread and wine him worship we,
And on Shrove Thursday in his maundy[62]
Was his commandment.
But for this thing used should be
Afterward as now done we,
In signification, believe you me,
Melchisedec did so;
And tithes-making, as you see here,
Of Abraham beginning were.
Therefore he was to God full dear,
And so were they both too.
By Abraham understand I may
The father of heaven in good fay,[63]
Melchisedec a priest to his pay
To minister that sacrament
That Christ ordained on Shrove Thursday
In bread and wine to honour him aye;
This signifieth, the truth to say,
Melchisedec's present.

_God._ Abraham, my servant, I say to thee,
Thy help and succour I will be,
For thy good deed much pleaseth me,
I tell thee surely.

_Abraham._ Lord, one thing that thou wilt see,
That I pray after with heart free,
Grant me, Lord, through thy postye:[64]
Some fruit of my body!
I have no child, foul nor fair,
Save my Nurry[65] to be my heir,
That makes me greatly to apayre.[66]
On me, Lord, have mercy!

_God._ My friend, Abraham, leave thou me.
Thy Nurry thine heir shall not be,
But one son I shall send thee,
Begotten of thy body.
Abraham, do as I thee say:
Look up and tell,[67] and if thou may,
Stars standing on the stray;
That impossible were.
No more shalt thou, for no need,
Number of thy body the seed
That thou shalt have withouten dreed,
Thou art to me so dear.
Wherefore, Abraham, servant free,
Look that thou be true to me,
And fore-word here I make with thee
Thy seed to multiply.
So much more further shalt thou be,
Kings of thy seed men shall see,
And one child of great degree
All mankind shall forby.[68]
I will that from henceforth alway
Each knave's child on the eighth day
Be circumcised, as I say,
And thou thyself full soon;
And who circumcised not is
Forsaken shall be by me, I wis;
For disobedient that man is,
Therefore look that this be done.

_Abraham._ Lord, already in good fay[69]
Blessed be thou, ever and aye;
For that men truly know may
Thy folk from other men,
Circumcised they shall be all
Anon for aught that may befall.
I thank thee, Lord, thy own thrall,
Kneeling on my knee'n.

_Expositor._ Lordings all take good intent
What betokens this commandment:
This was some time a sacrament
In th' old law truly ta'en.
As fol