In Bowge of Courte cheuysaunce to make; 100

For I dare saye that there nys erthly man

But, an[256] he can Bone Auenture take,

There can no fauour nor frendshyp hym forsake;

Bone Auenture may brynge you in suche case

That ye shall stonde in fauoure and in grace.

But of one thynge I werne[257] you er[258] I goo,

She that styreth the shyp, make her your frende.

Maystres, quod I, I praye you tell me why soo,

And how I maye that waye and meanes fynde.