Those who require conviction on this point may take such an example as this.
'O! a noble thing and clere is power, that is not founden mighty to kepe himselfe'; (p. [70], l. 20).
'O! a noble thing and a cleer thing is power, that is nat founden mighty to kepen it-self'; Ch. Boeth. bk. iii. pr. 5. 5-7.
The Latin text is: 'O praeclara potentia quae nec ad conseruationem quidem sui satis efficax inuenitur.' I see no reason for supposing that the author anywhere troubled himself to consult the Latin original. Indeed, it is possible to correct errors in the text by help of Chaucer's version; see the last note on p. [461].
[§ 12]. We get the clearest idea of the author's method by observing his treatment of the House of Fame, 269-359. It is worth while to quote the whole passage:—
'Lo! how a woman doth amis
270
To love him that unknowen is!...
Hit is not al gold that glareth;...
Ther may be under goodliheed