The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne

For I am shave as nye as any frere. But yit I pray un-to youre curtesye: Beth hevy ageyn, or elles mot I die.

Soun is noght but air y-broken, And every speche that is spoken, Loud or privee, foul or fair, In his substaunce is but air; For as flaumbe is but lighted smoke, Right so soun is air y-broke.

Now purs, that be to me my lyves light, And saveour, as doun in this worlde here, Out of this toune help me through your might.

Of alle maner of minstrales, And gestiours, that tellen tales Bothe of weping and of game, Of al that longeth unto Fame.

Ful craftier to pley she was Than Athalus, that made the game First of the ches: so was his name.

Hard is his herte that loveth nought In May.