limbës are as green As laurel through the year is for to seen. And, since that ye have heard all mine intent, I pray you to my will ye would assent.” Diversë men diversëly him told Of marriáge many examples old; Some blamed it, some praised it, certáin; But at the lastë, shortly for to sayn (As all day falleth altercatión Betwixtë friends in disputatión), There fell a strife betwixt his brethren two, Of which that one was callëd Placebo, Justinus soothly callëd was that other. Placebo said; “O January, brother, Full little need have ye, my lord so dear, Counsel to ask of any that is here: But that ye be so full of sapience, That you not liketh, for your high prudénce, To waivë from the word of Solomon. This word said he unto us every one; Work allë thing by counsel—thus said he— And thennë shalt thou not repentë thee. But though that Solomon spake such a word, Mine owen dearë brother and my lord, So wisly God my soulë bring at rest, I hold your owen counsel is the best. For, brother mine, take of me this motive; I have now been a court-man all my life, And, God it wot, though I unworthy be, I havë standen in full great degree Aboutë lordës of full high estate; Yet had I ne’er with none of them debate; I never them contráried truëly. I know well that my lord can more than I; What that he saith I hold it firm and stable, I say the same, or else a thing sembláble. A full great fool is any counsellor That serveth any lord of high honoúr, That dare presume, or onës thinken it; That his counsel should pass his lordë’s wit. Nay, lordës be no foolës by my fay. Ye have yourselfë shewed here to-day So high senténce, so holily and well, That I consent, and cónfirm every deal Your wordës all, and your opinioún. By God, there is no man in all this town Nor in Itále, could better have y-said: Christ holds him of this counsel well apaid. And truëly it is a high couráge Of any man that stopen is in age, To take a young wife, by my father’s kin; Your heartë hangeth on a jolly pin. Do now in this matter right as you lest, For finally I hold it for the best.”
Justinus, that aye stillë sat and heard, Right in this wise to Placebo answér’d. “Now, brother mine, be patient I pray, Since ye have said, and hearken what I say. Senec, among his other wordës wise, Saith, that a