That hath be schewed nou and eft.
Bot if a Prince wolde him reule[1127]
Of the Romeins after the reule,
In thilke time as it was used,[1128]
This vice scholde be refused,
Wherof the Princes ben assoted.
Bot wher the pleine trouthe is noted, 2340
Ther may a Prince wel conceive,
That he schal noght himself deceive,
Of that he hiereth wordes pleine;