’Gainst evil is the man secure
That shields himself with money’s lure.
In the Fourteenth century, Eustache Deschampes wrote more than a thousand ballades, virelais and other forms of light verse.
One of his ballades, here given in translation, is of a distinctly modern type of wit.
ADVICE TO A FRIEND ON MARRIAGE
Ope! Who? A friend! What wouldst obtain?
Advice! Whereof? Is’t well to wed?
I wish to marry. What’s your pain?
No wife have I for board and bed,
By whom my house is wisely led.