For I mai seie, of dede and thoght

That ydel man have I be noght;

For hou as evere I be deslaied,

Yit evermore I have assaied.

Bot thogh my besinesse laste,

Al is bot ydel ate laste,

For whan theffect is ydelnesse,

I not what thing is besinesse. 1760

Sei, what availeth al the dede,

Which nothing helpeth ate nede?