But before, at least contemporary with Chaucer, we find Sir John Gower, not baulking Monosyllables;

Myne Herte is well the more glad

To write so as he me bad,

And eke my Fear is well the lasse.

To Henry the Fourth.

King Salomon which had at his asking

Of God, what thyng him was leuest crave.

He chase Wysedom unto governyng

Of Goddes Folke, the whiche he wolde save:

And as he chase it fyl him for to have.