Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/107

For courtesy, while Kay was blamed
For ribald speech, and evil famed
Among all knights for boorishness.
But be thou careful to possess
Thy soul in gentleness and grace,
Kindly of heart and bright of face
Towards all men, be they great or small.
And when thou passest from the hall
Along the street, have care that thou
Salute men first with courteous bow,2190
Or if some one take precedence
Of thee therein, have thou the sense
To make reply without delay.
Returning his salute straightway.
Watch well thy lips, that they may be
Ne’er stained with ill-timed ribaldry.
Nor let from out thy mouth be heard
Foul talk, or unbecoming word,
For courteous knight I hold him not
Who suffereth hideous words to blot2200
And mar his speech.
Courtesy to women Have special care
To honour dames as thou dost fare
Thy worldly ways, and shouldst thou hear
Calumnious speech of them, no fear
Have thou to bid men hold their peace.
Most richly shalt thou gain increase
Of glory, if to maid and dame
Thou givest ready aid; thy fame
Their tongues shall spread both far and wide.

Above all else, beware of pride,2210
For all men taking note may see
That ’tis but vaporous vanity.