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Stanzas and Couplets of Counsel. [From the Rawlinson MS., C. 86, fol. 31, in the Bodleian Library.]
Vtter thy langage wyth good avisement;
Reule the by Reasoun in thy termoȝ alle;
Mystruste not thy frende for none accusement,
Fayle him neuer at nede, what so euer befalle;
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Solace þi selfe when menn to sporte þee calle;
Largely to speke be wele ware for þat cause;
Rolle faste this reasoun & thynke wele on þis clause.
What mann þou seruyst, alle wey him drede;
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His good as þyn owne, euer þou spare.
Lette neuer þy wylle þy witt ouer lede,
But be glad of euery mannys welfare.
Folus lade polys; wisemenn ete þe fysshe;
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Wisemenn hath in þer hondis ofte þat folys after wysshe.
Who so in youthe no vertu vsith,
In age alle honour him refusith.
Deame þee best in euery doute
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Tyl þe trouthe be tryed oute.
It is þe properte of A gentilmann
To say the beste þat he cann.
Si vieȝ dolere tua crimina dic miserere
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Permiserere mei frangitur ira dei [[Follows:—Policronica. Josephus of Iewes þat Nobyl was, the firste Auctour of the booke of Policronica, &c.]]