A Diatorie. [Lambeth MS. 853, ab. 1430 A.D., page 182.]
To be rulid bi þis diatorie do þi diligence, For it techiþ good diete & good gouernaunce.
(I. LATIN II.)
IF so be þat lechis doon þee faile,
Vse good diete bi þe councel of me,—
Mesurable fedyng and temperat trauaile,—
And be not maliciose for noon aduersite,
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But be meeke in trouble, glad in pouerte,
Not pensif ne þouȝtful for ony sodein chaunce,
Not grutchinge, but myrie aftir þi degree.
If fisijk lacke, make þis þi gouernaunce,
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(II. LATIN I.)
¶ Kepe from colde þi feet, þi stomak, & þin heed; [page 183]
Ete no raw mete, take good hede þerto,
Drinke holsum drinke, & feede þee on liȝt breed,
& with an appitid from þi mete looke þat þou goo.
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Lede þi lijf in chastite, þou schalt finde it best so;
Drinke not vpon þi sleep, but do as y þee teche,
And bere no wraþþe to freende ne to foo;
vse not to soupe late, ne to drinke myche.
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(III. LATIN IV.)
¶ Digne not on þe morewe to-fore þin appitide;
Cleer eir & walking makiþ good digestioun.
