The first vertue, sone, if thou wilt lerne,
Is to restreyne and kepen wel thy tonge.

The first vertue, sone, if thou wilt lerne,
Is to restreyne and kepen wel thy tonge.

The stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. Many have fallen by
the edge of the sword; but not read more

The stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. Many have fallen by
the edge of the sword; but not so many as have fallen by the
tongue.

You play the spaniel,
And think with wagging of your tongue to win me.

You play the spaniel,
And think with wagging of your tongue to win me.

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

I cannot, nor I will not hold me still;
My tongue, though not my heart, shall have his will.

I cannot, nor I will not hold me still;
My tongue, though not my heart, shall have his will.

Tongues I'll hang on every tree
That shall civil sayings show. . . .

Tongues I'll hang on every tree
That shall civil sayings show. . . .

Since word is thrall, and thought is free,
Keep well thy tongue, I counsel thee.

Since word is thrall, and thought is free,
Keep well thy tongue, I counsel thee.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law
of kindness.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law
of kindness.

He rolls it under his tongue as a sweet morsel.

He rolls it under his tongue as a sweet morsel.