gentilmen, that they shulden not varyen fro the vertues of their
auncestres. Certes, al maner linage of men ben evenliche in
birth; for oon †fader, maker of al goodnes, enformed hem al,
and al mortal folk of one sede arn greyned. Wherto avaunt men
125
of her linage, in cosinage or in †elde-faders? Loke now the ginning,
and to god, maker of mans person; there is no clerk ne no
worthy in gentilesse; and he that norissheth his †corage with
vyces and unresonable lustes, and leveth the kynde course, to
whiche ende him brought forth his birthe, trewly, he is ungentil,