Geoffrey Chaucer

For thre may kepe a counsel, if twain be awaie.

For thre may kepe a counsel, if twain be awaie.

Thus with hir fader for a certeyn space
Dwelleth this flour of wyfly pacience,
That neither by read more

Thus with hir fader for a certeyn space
Dwelleth this flour of wyfly pacience,
That neither by hir wordes ne his face
Biforn the fold, ne eek in her absence,
Ne shewed she that hir was doon offence.

Felds hath eyen, and wode have eres.

Felds hath eyen, and wode have eres.

Of harmes two the less is for to chose.

Of harmes two the less is for to chose.

This noble ensample to his sheepe he gaf,--
That firste he wroughte and after he taughte.

This noble ensample to his sheepe he gaf,--
That firste he wroughte and after he taughte.