An old provérbë seyd is in English:
Men seyn, 'that brid or foul is dishonest,
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What that he be, and holden ful churlish,
That useth to defoule his owne nest.'
Men, to sey wel of wommen it is best,
And nat for to despyse hem ne deprave,
If that they wole hir honour kepe and save.
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Thise ladies eek compleynen hem on clerkes