Now they be departed, and we may not tarry,
For it lieth us upon all to be stirring, by Saint Mary.
New Custom prevaileth much everywhere,
But, no matter, they be fools that do give him such ear.
Let old custom prevail rather, it is better than new;
This all will confess, that think scripture is true.
Do as thy fathers have done before thee (quoth he):
Then shalt thou be certain in the right way to be.
And sure that is better than to follow the train,
That each man inventeth of his own proper brain.