It causeth, and of his habit
He doth the werk to be parfit[1329]
Of thilke Elixer which men calle
Alconomie, as is befalle[1330]
To hem that whilom weren wise.
Bot now it stant al otherwise; 2580
Thei speken faste of thilke Ston,
Bot hou to make it, nou wot non
After the sothe experience.
And natheles gret diligence