103. In every thing, I woot, ther lyth mesure.

[For though a man] forbede dronkenesse,

He nought for-bet that every creature

Be drinkelees for alwey, as I gesse;

Eek sith I woot for me is his distresse,

720

I ne oughte not for that thing him despyse,

Sith it is so, he meneth in good wyse.

104. And eek I knowe, of longe tyme agoon,

His thewes goode, and that he is not nyce.