|
Stilboun, that was a wys embassadour, |
| Was sent to Corynthe in ful greet honour, |
| Fro Lacidomye to maken hire alliaunce. |
| 320 | And whan he cam hym happede par chaunce, |
| That alle the gretteste that were of that lond |
| Pleyynge atte hasard he hem fond. |
| For which, as soone as it myghte be, |
| He stal hym hoom agayn to his contree, |
| 325 | And seyde, "Ther wol I nat lese my name, |
| Ne I wol nat take on me so greet defame. |
| Yow for to allie unto none hasardours. |
| Sendeth othere wise embassadours, |
| For by my trouthe me were levere dye |
| 330 | Than I yow sholde to hasardours allye. |
| For ye that been so glorious in honours |
| Shul nat allyen yow with hasardours |
| As by my wyl, ne as by my tretee." |
| This wise philosophre, thus seyde hee. |
|
|
Chilon, who was a wise ambassador, |
| Was sent to Corinth, all in great honour, |
| From Lacedaemon, to make alliance. |
| 320 | And when he came, he noticed there, by chance, |
| All of the greatest people of the land |
| Playing at hazard there on every hand. |
| Wherefore, and all as soon as it might be, |
| He stole off home again to his country, |
| 325 | And said: "I will not thus debase my name; |
| Nor will I take upon me so great shame |
| You to ally with common hazarders. |
| Send, if you will, other ambassadors; |
| For, my truth, I say I'd rather die |
| 330 | Than you with gamblers like to them ally. |
| For you that are so glorious in honours |
| Shall never ally yourselves with hazarders |
| By my consent, or treaty I have made." |
| This wise philosopher, 'twas thus he said. |
|
