1.
In youthful years when first my young desires began
To prick me forth to serve in court, a slender, tall, young man,
My father’s blessing then I asked upon my knee,
Who blessing me with trembling hand, these words gan say to me:
‘My son, God guide thy way, and shield thee from mischance,
And make thy just deserts in court, thy poor estate to advance.
Yet when thou art become one of the courtly train,
‖: Think on this proverb old’, quoth he, ‘that fair words makes fools fain’. :‖
2.
This counsel gravely given, most strange appeared to me,
Till tract of time, with open eyes had made me plainly see
What subtle sleights are wrought by painted tales’ device,
When hollow hearts with friendly shows the simple do entice
To think all gold that shines, to feed their fond desire
Whose shivering cold is warmed with smoke, instead of flaming fire.
Since talk of tickle trust does breed a hope most vain,
‖: This proverb true by proof I find, that fair words makes fools fain. :‖
3.
Fair speech alway does well, where deeds ensue fair words,
Fair speech again alway does evil, that bushes gives for birds.
Who hopes to have fair words, to try his lucky lot,
If I may counsel let him strike it while the iron is hot.
But them that feed on clods instead of pleasant grapes,
And after warning often given, for better luck still gapes,
Full loath I am, yet must I tell them in words plain,
‖: This proverb old proves true in them, that fair words makes fools fain. :‖
4.
Woe worth the time that words so slowly turn to deeds,
Woe worth the time that fair sweet flowers are grown to rotten weeds,
But thrice woe worth the time that truth away is fled,
Wherein I see how simple hearts with words are vainly fed.
Trust no fair words therefore where no deeds do ensue,
Trust words as skilful falconers do trust hawks that never flew.
Trust deeds, let words be words which never wrought me gain,
‖: Let my experience make you wise, and let words make fools fain. :‖