If thou be gentleman, yeoman or knave,

Thee needeth nurture for to have.

When thou comest to a lord’s gate,

The porter thou shalt find thereat;

Take[[168]] him thou shalt thy weapon to,

And ask him leave in to go,

To speak with lord, lady, squire or groom,

Thereof thou must bethink thee soon;

For if he be of low degree,

Then him falls to come to thee.