And saye that he is a spye or a gylour;
75
Who wasteth, men seyn [that] he hath tresour;
Wherfore conclude, and trust [right] wel this,
A wikked tonge wil alway deme amis.
Who speketh mochë, men calle him prudent;
And who debateth, men say, he is hardy;
80
And who saith litel with gret sentiment,
Som men yet wol edwyte him of foly;