A wife is Goddë’s giftë verily; All other manner giftës hardily, 2767 As landës, rentës, pasture, or commúne, 2768 Or mebles, 2769 all be giftës of fortúne, That passen as a shadow on the wall: But dread 2770 thou not, if plainly speak I shall, A wife will last, and in thine house endure, Well longer than thee list, paráventure. 2771 Marriage is a full great sacrament; He which that hath no wife, I hold him shent; 2772 He liveth helpless, and all desolate (I speak of folk in secular estate): 2773 And hearken why⁠—I say not this for nought⁠— That woman is for mannë’s help y-wrought. The highë God, when he had Adam maked,