Geoffrey Chaucer

Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that read more

Thanne is it wysdom, as thynketh me,
To maken vertu of necessite,
And take it weel, that we may not eschu,
And namely that that to us alle is due.

Yet in oure asshen olde is fyr yreke.

Yet in oure asshen olde is fyr yreke.

For oute of olde feldys, as men sey,
Comyth al this newe corn from yere to yere;
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For oute of olde feldys, as men sey,
Comyth al this newe corn from yere to yere;
And out of old bokis, in good fey,
Comyth al this newe science that men lere.

He koude songes make and well endite.

He koude songes make and well endite.

The first vertue, sone, if thou wilt lerne,
Is to restreyne and kepen wel thy tonge.

The first vertue, sone, if thou wilt lerne,
Is to restreyne and kepen wel thy tonge.