A lesson of wisdom that is written clear.

My child, I advise thee be wise, take heed of this rhyme,

Which old men in proverb said in old time:

“A child were better to be unborn

Than to be untaught and so to be lorn.”

The child that has his will alway,

Shall thrive late, I thee well say.

And therefore, every good man’s child,

That is too wanton and too wild,

Learn well this lesson certainly,