Confessio Amantis

Incipit Prologus
Ov hem that writen ous before
The bokes duelle, and we therfore
Ben tawht of that was write tho:
Forthi good is that we also
In owre tyme among ous hiere
Do wryte of newe som matiere,
So that it myhte in such a wyse,
Whan we ben dede and elleswhere,
Beleve to the worldes eere
In tyme comende after this.
But for men sein, and soth it is,
That who that al of wisdom writ
It dulleth ofte a mannes wit
To him that schal it aldai rede.
(Prologue, Vv. 1-15)

Confessio Amantis
(Venus is speaking:)
Adieu, for I mot fro the wende.
And gret wel Chaucer whan ye mete,
As mi disciple and mi poete:
For in the floures of his youthe
In sondri wise, as he wel couthe,
Of Ditees and of songes glade,
The whiche he for mi sake made,
The lond fulfild is overal:
Wherof to him in special
Above alle othre I am most holde.
For thi now in hise daies olde
Thow schalt him telle this message,
That he upon his latere age,
To sette an ende of alle his werk,
As he which is myn owne clerk,
To make his testament of love,
As thou hast do thi schrifte above.
(Book VIII, Vv. 2940-56)

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