1 "Nor soothly is it easy to read
soothly > truly read > declare
2 Where now on earth, or how he may be found; 3 For he ne wons in one certain stead,
ne wons > does not dwell certain stead > fixed place
4 But restless walks all the world around, 5 Ay doing things that to his fame redound:
Ay > Ever
6 Defending ladies' cause, and orphans' right, 7 Whereso he hears that any does confound
Whereso > Wherever confound > overthrow, discomfit, bring to perdition
8 Them comfortless, through tyranny or might;
comfortless > helpless