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Alle thise ensamples speke I by thise men, |
| That been untrewe, and no thyng by wommen, |
| For men han evere a likerous appetit |
| 190 | On lower thyng to parfourne hire delit, |
| Than on hire wyves, be they nevere so faire, |
| Ne nevere so trewe, ne so debonaire. |
| Flessh is so newefangel, with meschaunce, |
| That we ne konne in no thyng han plesaunce |
| 195 | That sowneth into vertu any while. |
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All these examples speak I of these men |
| Who are untrue, and not of sweet women. |
| For men have always a lickerish appetite |
| 190 | On lower things to do their base delight |
| Than on their wives, though they be ne'er so fair |
| And never so true and never so debonair. |
| Flesh is so fickle, lusting beyond measure, |
| That we in no one thing can long have pleasure |
| 195 | Or virtuous keep more than a little while. |
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