In the dark passage somewhere near to us;
For, John, there is a law which sayeth thus, -
That if a man in one point be aggrieved,
Right in another he shall be relieved:
Our corn is stolen--sad yet sooth to say -
And we have had an evil bout to-day;
But since the Miller no amends will make,
Against our loss we should some payment take.
His sonsie daughter will I seek to win,
And get our meal back--de'il reward his sin!
By hallow-mass it shall no otherwise be!"

But John replied, "Allen, well counsel thee:
The Miller is a perilous man," he said,
"And if he wake and start up from his bed,
He may do both of us a villainy."
"Nay," Allen said, "I count him not a flie!"
And up he rose, and crept along the floor
Into the passage humming with their snore:
As narrow was it as a drum or tub.
And like a beetle doth he grope and grub,
Feeling his way with darkness in his hands,
Till at the passage-end he stooping stands.

John lieth still, and not far off, I trow,
And to himself he maketh ruth and woe.
"Alas," quoth he, "this is a wicked jape!
Now may I say that I am but an ape.
Allen may somewhat quit him for his wrong:
Already can I hear his plaint and song;