For who is freend, loveth evermore.

Though men drawe swerd his freend to slo,

He may not hewe hir love a-two.

But, in [the] case that I shal sey,

For pride and ire lese it he may,

5525

And for reprove by nycetee,

And discovering of privitee,

With tonge wounding, as feloun,

Thurgh venemous detraccioun.