So can I folkes hertes sette on fyre,

And (as me list) hem sende joye or tene.

They that to wommen been y-whet so kene

My sharpe persing strokes, how they smyte,

245

Shul fele and knowe; and how they kerve and byte.

Perdee, this grete clerk, this sotil Ovyde

And many another han deceyved be

Of wommen, as it knowen is ful wyde;

Wot no man more; and that is greet deyntee,