That knightes have the ensigne of honour,
Rather by the leafe than the flour?”
“Soothly doughter,” quod she, “this is the trouth;
For knightes ever should be persevering,
To seeke honour without feintise or slouth;
Fro wele to better in all manner thing;
In signe of which with leaves aye lasting,
They be rewarded after their degre,
Whose lusty green May may not appaired be,
“But aie keping their beautie fresh and greene,