Full wise is he that can himselven knowe.
Abstinence is approved of God.
Habit maketh no monk, ne wearing of gilt spurs maketh no knight.
Whoso will pray, he must fast and be clean, And fat his soul, and make his body lean.
Men sholde nat knowe of Goddes pryvetee Ye, blessed be alwey, a lewed man That noght but oonly his believe kan! So ferde another clerk with astromye, He walked in the feelds, for to prye Upon the sterres, what ther sholde bifalle, Til he was in a marle-pit yfalle.
For hym was levere have at his beddes heed Twenty bookes, clad in blak or reed, Of Aristotle and his philosophie, Than robes riche, or fithele, or gay sautrie.