These olde men upon this thing, So as they durst, against the king Among themselves complainen oft: But there is nothing said so soft, That it ne cometh out at last: The king it wist, anon as fast, As he which was of high prudence: He shope[1] therefore an evidence Of them that 'plainen in the case To know in whose default it was: And all within his own intent, That none more wiste what it meant. Anon he let two coffers make, Of one semblance, and of one make, So like, that no life thilke throw,[2] The one may from that other know: They were into his chamber brought, But no man wot why they be wrought, And natheless the king hath bede That they be set in privy stede,[3] As he that was of wisdom sly; When he thereto his time sih,[4] All privily that none it wist, His owne handes that one chest Of fine gold, and of fine perrie,[5] The which out of his treasury Was take, anon he filled full; That other coffer of straw and mull,[6] With stones meynd[7] he fill'd also: Thus be they full bothe two. So that erliche[8] upon a day He bade within, where he lay, There should be before his bed A board up set and faire spread: And then he let the coffers fet[9] Upon the board, and did them set, He knew the names well of tho,[10] The which against him grutched[11] so, Both of his chamber, and of his hall, Anon and sent for them all; And saide to them in this wise: 'There shall no man his hap despise: I wot well ye have longe served, And God wot what ye have deserved; But if it is along[12] on me Of that ye unadvanced be, Or else if it be long on yow, The soothe shall be proved now: To stoppe with your evil word, Lo! here two coffers on the board; Choose which you list of bothe two; And witteth well that one of tho Is with treasure so full begon, That if he happe thereupon Ye shall be riche men for ever: Now choose and take which you is lever,[13] But be well 'ware ere that ye take, For of that one I undertake There is no manner good therein, Whereof ye mighten profit win. Now go together of one assent, And taketh your advisement; For but I you this day advance, It stands upon your owne chance, All only in default of grace; So shall be shewed in this place Upon you all well afine,[14] That no defaulte shall be mine.' They kneelen all, and with one voice The king they thanken of this choice: And after that they up arise, And go aside and them advise, And at laste they accord (Whereof their tale to record To what issue they be fall) A knight shall speake for them all: He kneeleth down unto the king, And saith that they upon this thing, Or for to win, or for to lose, Be all advised for to choose. Then took this knight a yard[15] in hand, And go'th there as the coffers stand, And with assent of every one He lay'th his yarde upon one, And saith the king[16] how thilke same They chose in reguerdon[17] by name, And pray'th him that they might it have.