4 fry > frye 1590; fryze _sugg. Smith, from Church's conj. of frieze or frize (i.e. "freeze") cf. 201.42:3, 610.33:9; 201.46:6_

1 "But temperance," said he, "with golden square

square > {Carpenter's square, for measuring right-angles, a traditional symbol of temperance; also: rule, precept, model, pattern}

2 Betwixt them both can measure out a mean, 3 Neither to melt in pleasure's hot desire,

pleasure > (Or: Pleasure; see note at 201.0:4)

4 Nor freeze in heartless grief and doleful teen.

freeze > (See Textual Appendix) heartless > [lacking courage] teen > affliction, woe

5 Thrice happy man, who fares them both atween:

atween > between

6 But sith this wretched woman overcome