And as he spak that word, al sodeinly Allas!' quod he, 'O Chauntecleer, allas! But, sire, I dide it in no wikke entente; Com doun, and I shal telle yow what I 670 Lo, swich it is for to be recchelees, And necligent, and truste on flaterye. But ye that holden this tale a folye, As of a fox, or of a cok and hen, Taketh the moralitee, good men. For seint Paul seith, that al that writen is, To our doctryne it is y-write, y-wis. Taketh the fruyt, and lat the chaf be stille. Now, gode god, if that it be thy wille, As seith my lord, so make us alle good XII 'Be well aware,' quoth then that ladie milde, Least suddaine mischiefe ye too rash provoke: The danger hid, the place unknowne and wilde, Breedes dreadfull doubts: oft fire is without smoke, And perill without show: therefore your stroke, Sir knight, with-hold, till further tryall made.' 'Ah, ladie,' sayd he, 'shame were to revoke The forward footing for an hidden shade: Vertue gives her selfe light, through darkenesse for to wade.' |