3732 wolde—nyl
moche—mochel
3733 fole—fool
3736 seek—syke
THE FOLLY OF WAR.
[QUID TANTOS IUUAT.]
What deliteþ What frenzy causes man to hasten on his fate, that is, by war or by strife. it ȝow to exciten so grete moewynges of
hatredes and to hasten and bisien [the] fatal disposicioun
of ȝoure deeþ wiþ ȝoure propre handes. þat is [3744]
to seyn by batailes or [by] contek. If death is desired he delays not to come. for yif ȝe axen þe
deeþ it hastisiþ hym of hys owen wille. ne deeþ ne
tarieþ nat hys swifte hors. Why do they who are exposed to the assaults of beasts of prey and venomous reptiles seek to slay each other with the sword. and [the] men þat þe serpentȝ
and þe lyouns. and þe tigre. and þe beere and þe [3748]
boore seken to sleen wiþ her teþe. ȝit þilke same men
seken to sleen eueryche of hem oþer wiþ swerde. Lo! their manners and opinions do not accord, wherefore they engage in unjust wars, and fiercely urge on each other’s destiny. loo for
[* fol. 29 b.] her maners ben *diuerse and discordaunt ¶ þei
moeuen vnryȝtful oostes and cruel batailes. and wilne [3752]
to perisse by enterchaungynge of dartes. But this is no just reason for shedding blood. but þe resoun
of cruelte nis nat ynouȝ ryȝtful. Wouldst thou reward each as he deserves? Then love the good as they deserve, and have pity upon the wicked. wilt þou þan ȝelden a
couenable gerdoun to þe desertes of men ¶ Loue ryȝtfully
goode folk; and haue pite on shrewes. [3756]
3743 [the]—from C.
3745 [by]—from C.
3746 hastisiþ—hasteth
owen wille—owne wyl
3747 [the]—from C.