I refer to two short lyrics,
little noted, although full of wisdom and truth. They must be accepted as
the conclusions of as large a knowledge of life in diversified mode as
ever fell to the lot of man.
GOOD COUNSEL OF CHAUCER.
Fly from the press, and dwell with soothfastness; _truthfulness._
Suffice[29] unto thy good, though it be small;
For hoard hath hate, and climbing tickleness;[30]
Praise hath envy, and weal is blent over all.[31]
Savour[32] no more than thee behove shall.
Rede well thyself that other folk shall rede; _counsel._
And truth thee shall deliver--it is no drede. _there is no doubt._
Paine thee not each crooked to redress, _every crooked thing._
In trust of her that turneth as a ball: Fortune.
Great rest standeth in little busi-ness.
Beware also to spurn against a nail; _nail--to kick against
Strive not as doth a crocke with a wall. [the pricks._
Deme thyself that demest others' deed; _judge._
And truth thee shall deliver--it is no drede.
That thee is sent receive in buxomness: _submission_
The wrestling of this world asketh a fall. _tempts destruction_
Here is no home, here is but wilderness:
Forth, pilgrim, forth!--beast, out of thy stall!
Look up on high, and thanke God of[33] all.
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