ADVICE TO A FRIEND ABOUT MARRIAGE

Translated by Sir Tollemache Sinclair from Eustache Deschamps, 1340-1400. Come in, who's there? Friend. — What want you? Advice 'bout marriage. — 'Tis but strife, You'd marry, why you're sad to view ?

— Because Fve in my house no wife Who'd rule it well and might be chaste,

- Good, handsome, modest, hating row.

Rich, young, of old race and gootl taste,

— You fool, go beat yourself well now. You'd better bear each present ill, Woman is wilful, has much greed.

When you'd wish meat and have your fill, On bread and cheese you then must feed, You're free, you will become a slave.

He who weds sells himself I vow.

Think well — Yes, I'll wed! Then, you i-ave.

You fool, go beat yourself well now.

Your wife will not be as you hope.

Quite the reverse, her words will chill,

Your sorrows will increase, you'll mope,

You'll find her then a bitter pill.

By woman never be cajoled,

Don't wed a girl dull as a cow.

You wish to wed that statue cold.

You fool, go beat yourself well now.