Well can the wisë poet of Florence, That hightë Dante, speak of this senténce: 2091 Lo, in such manner 2092 rhyme is Dante’s tale. ‘Full seld’ upriseth by his branches smale Prowess of man, for God of his goodness Wills that we claim of him our gentleness;’ 2093 For of our elders may we nothing claim But temp’ral things that man may hurt and maim. Eke every wight knows this as well as I, If gentleness were planted naturally Unto a certain lineage down the line, Prive and apert, then would they never fine 2094 To do of gentleness the fair offíce; Then might they do no villainy nor vice. Take fire, and bear it to the darkest house Betwixt this and the mount of Caucasus, And let men shut the doorës, and go thenne, 2095 Yet will the fire as fair and lightë brenne