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I graunte it wel, I have noon envie, |
| Thogh maydenhede preferre bigamye; |
| Hem liketh to be clene, body and goost. |
| Of myn estaat I nyl nat make no boost, |
| 105 | For wel ye knowe, a lord in his houshold, |
| He nath nat every vessel al of gold; |
| Somme been of tree, and doon hir lord servyse. |
| God clepeth folk to hym in sondry wyse, |
| And everich hath of God a propre yifte - |
| 110 | Som this, som that, as hym liketh shifte. |
| Virginitee is greet perfeccioun, |
| And continence eek with devocioun. |
| But Crist, that of perfeccioun is welle, |
| Bad nat every wight he sholde go selle |
| 115 | Al that he hadde, and gyve it to the poore, |
| And in swich wise folwe hym and his foore. |
| He spak to hem that wolde lyve parfitly, |
| And lordynges, by youre leve, that am nat I. |
| I wol bistowe the flour of myn age |
| 120 | In the actes and in fruyt of mariage. |
|
| I grant this well, I have no great envy |
| Though maidenhood's preferred to bigamy; |
| Let those who will be clean, body and ghost, |
| Of my condition I will make no boast. |
| 105 | For well you know, a lord in his household, |
| He has not every vessel all of gold; |
| Some are of wood and serve well all their days. |
| God calls people unto him in various ways, |
| And each one has from God a proper gift, |
| 110 | Some this, some that, as pleases him to shift. |
| Virginity is great perfection known, |
| And continence also with devotion shown. |
| But Christ, who of perfection is the well, |
| Bade not each separate man he should go sell |
| 115 | All that he had and give it to the poor |
| And follow him in such wise going before. |
| He spoke to those that would live perfectly; |
| And, masters, by your leave, such am not I. |
| I will devote the flower of all my age |
| 120 | To all the acts and harvests of marriage. |
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