And_e_ it is no signe of folkes sage
To be of langage / besy and_e_ outrage
For the wyse man said_e_ / in his sentence
He shold_e_ be wyse / that gyueth audience 280

[41]

Vnderstonde therfore or than ye speke
Prynte in your mynde / clerly the sentence
[Sidenote: Before you speak, settle in your mind what you have to say.]
Who that vsith / a mannes tale to breke 283
Letteth vncurteysly / alle the audyence
And_e_ hurteth hym self / for lack of science
He may not gyue answers conuenyente
That herith not fynally / what is mente 287

* * * * *

THE ORIEL TEXT.

[42]

Be ware Also, my childe, of rehersaille
Of materis whiche ben at the table mevide;
Hit grevith ofte and dothe men disavaylle, 290
Full many a man that vice hath mysschevide,
Of evill thyng saide is wors often contrivide;
Suche reportis alway loke ye esschewe,
As may of olde frendis make enemyes newe. 294