And though a man of high or low degree
100
Of Tullius hadde the sugred eloquence,
Or of Senek the greet moralitee,
Or of Catoun the foresight or prudence,
Conquest of Charles, Arthurs magnificence,
Yet, for al that—trust right wel this,
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A wikked tonge wol alway deme amis.
Touching of women the parfit innocence,