Readings for line KD.5.196

L.5.200KD.5.196
But if þat a lous couthe · haue lopen þe bettre
M.5.200KD.5.196
But ȝif yþat a lous couthe  þe betterre haue lopenM.5.200: M's b-verse reverses the syntax of the other B manuscripts. Compare W's han lopen þe bettre.
Cr1.5.198KD.5.196
But yf that a louse coude haue lopen the better
W.5.199KD.5.196
But if þat a lous couþe . han lopen þe bettre           W.5.199:nota
Hm.5.200KD.5.196
bute that a lous couthe · haue lopyn the bettre
C.5.200KD.5.196
But if þat a louse couþe · haue lopen þe better
G.6.200KD.5.196
but yff a lowse couvlde hauve lopen the better
O.5.199KD.5.196
But if þat a lous kouþe  haue lopen þe better
R.5.201KD.5.196
But if a lous coude  lepe þe bettere .R.5.201: All the B manuscripts are corrupt, presumably losing most of the original b-verse: But if (þat) a lous couthe (haue lopen / lepen) þe bettre. RF omit þat and avoid the perfect tense. F's reading for this line is unique in other ways as well. The A-version reading for this line's second half is uncertain, with considerable variation between witnesses. Kane chose I may it nouȝt leue. The C b-verse has the appearance of a feeble patch rather than a common original: y leue and y trowe.
F.5.198KD.5.196
Þat but if a lows were lyght / & cowhde lepe þe bettre.F.5.198: F's reading for this line is unique. All the other B manuscripts are corrupt, omitting an alliterating stave in the a-verse: "But if a lous couþe haue lopen þe bettre." R also omits haue.