Wit, reason, manheid, governis me so hie,
No influence nor sterris may prevaill
To regne on me with infortunite.
“The rage of youtheid may nocht dantit be[640]
But gret distres and scharp adversite;
As be this reason is experience—
The finest gold or silver that we se
May nocht be wrocht to our utilite
But flammis kene and bitter violence.
The more distres the more intelligence.