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"Madame," quod he, "graunt mercy of youre loore, |
| 205 | But nathelees, as touchyng daun Catoun, |
| That hath of wysdom swich a greet renoun, |
| Though that he bad no dremes for to drede, |
| By God, men may in olde bookes rede |
| Of many a man moore of auctorite |
| 210 | Than evere Caton was, so moot I thee, |
| That al the revers seyn of this sentence, |
| And han wel founden by experience |
| That dremes been significaciouns |
| As wel of joye as of tribulaciouns |
| 215 | That folk enduren in this lif present. |
| Ther nedeth make of this noon argument, |
| The verray preeve sheweth it in dede. |
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"Madam," said he, "thank you for your lore. |
| 205 | Nevertheless, not running Cato down, |
| Who had for wisdom such a high renown, |
| And though he says to hold no dreams in dread, |
| By God, men have, in many old books, read |
| Of many a man more an authority |
| 210 | That ever Cato was, pray pardon me, |
| Who say just the reverse of his sentence, |
| And have found out by long experience |
| That dreams, indeed, are good significations, |
| As much of joys as of all tribulations |
| 215 | That folk endure here in this life present. |
| There is no need to make an argument; |
| The very proof of this is shown indeed. |
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