In somer tyme on trowes;
Ther some bowes ben leved,
And some bereth none,
There is a meschief in the more
Of swiche manere bowes."
The Vision of Piers Ploughman, edited by Thomas
Wright, vol. ii. p. 300.
At p. 302. you find the sentiment in Latin:
"Sicut cum videris arborem pallidam et marcidam, intelligis quod vitium habet in radice"—"a meschief in the more."
The Glossary of the editor is silent.