For dronkenesse is verray sepulture Of mannes wit and his discrecioun.

It is agayns the proces of nature.

Trouthe is the hyeste thyng that men may kepe.

Pacience is an heigh vertu, certeyn.

Servant in love and lord in marriage.

Men loven of propre kynde newefangelnesse.

But if a man be vertuous withal.

Ther nys no werkman, whatsoevere he be, That may bothe werke wel and hastily; This wol be doon at leyser parfitly.

Therfore bihoveth hire a ful long spoon That shal ete with a feend. 14

To take a wyf withouten avysement.