He yaf me al the bridel in myn hand, To han the governance of hous and land, And of his tonge and his hand also;
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I wol bistowe the flour of al myn age In th'actes and in fruit of mariage.
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For I am shave as neigh as any frere. But yit I praye unto youre curteisye: Beeth hevy again, or elles moot I die.
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Experience, though noon auctoritee Were in this world, were right ynogh to me To speke of wo that is in mariage.
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There was the murdered corpse, in covert laid, And violent death in thousand shapes displayed;...
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So hath your beaute fro your herte chaced
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Where can ye saye in any manere age That hye God defended mariage...
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I wolde no lenger in the bed abide If that I felte his arm over my side,...
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He was as fresh as is the month of May.
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This world nys but a thurghfare ful of wo, And we been pilgrymes, passynge to and fro; Deeth is an ende of every worldly soore.
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Ful wys is he that can himselven knowe (Very wise is he that can know himself.)
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Men may conseile a womman to be oon, But conseiling nis no comandement....
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