Thogh they had of Hestre the mekenes,
Or of Griseldes [the] humble pacience,
Or of Judith the proved stablenes,
110
Or Policenes virginal clennes,
Yit dar I say and truste right wel this,
A wikked tonge wol alway deme amis.
The wyfly trouthë of Penelope,
Though they it hadde in hir possessioun,
115