I wot the time is ofte cursed,

That evere was the gold unpursed,

The which was leid upon the bok,

Whan that alle othre sche forsok 560

For love of him; bot al to late

Sche pleigneth, for as thanne algate

Sche mot forbere and to him bowe,

Thogh he ne wole it noght allowe.

For man is lord of thilke feire,

So mai the womman bot empeire,