Good Counsel of Chaucer.

FLEE from the press, and dwell with soothfastness; Suffice thee thy good, though it be small; For hoard hath hate, and climbing tickleness, instability Press hath envy, and weal is blent o’er all, prosperity is blinded Savour no more than thee behove shall; have a taste for Read well thyself, that other folk canst read; counsel And truth thee shall deliver, it is no dread. doubt

Paine thee not each crooked to redress, In trust of her that turneth as a ball; Great rest standeth in little business: Beware also to spurn against a nail; Strive not as doth a crocke with a wall; earthen pot Deeme thyself that deemest others’ deed, judge And truth thee shall deliver, it is no dread.

What thee is sent, receive in buxomness; submission The wrestling of this world asketh a fall; Here is no home, here is but wilderness. Forth, pilgrim! Forthe beast, out of thy stall! Look up on high, and thank thy God of all! Weive thy lust, and let thy ghost thee lead, forsake thy And truth thee shall deliver, it is no dread. inclinations* *spirit

Notes to Good Counsel of Chaucer

1. This poem is said to have been composed by Chaucer “upon his deathbed, lying in anguish.”

2. Her that turneth as a ball: Fortune.

3. To spurn against a nail; “against the pricks.”