A theefe condemned by order of lawe
A Queyne demanded by tholde sayde salue (? sawe)
To make hur a good womanne and him a good manne:
Hereunto the theefe thus aunswered than:
If a whore or an halter be the hole shifte,
Dryue on Carter, it is the better drifte.

Otherwise in parte.
Well quothe the theefe I see the choyse than,
Eyther presente deathe or miserable lyfe:
A halter my bane or a whore to my wyfe:
Whiche nowe well wayed by him that shall haue me
As lyue you had prayed an halter not saue me.