Thou wilt to kinges be equipolent,

With gretë lordes even and peregal;

And, if thou be to-torn and al to-rent,

Than wol they say, and jangle over-al,

Thou art a slogard, that never thryvë shal;

20

Yet suffre hem spekë!—and trust right wel this,

A wikked tonge wol alway deme amis.

If thou be fayr, excelling of beautee,

Than wol they say, that thou art amorous;