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2179 I curse and blame generaly
2180 All hem that loven vilanye;
2181 ffor vilanye makith vilayn,
2182 And by his dedis a cherle is seyn.
2183 Thise vilayns arn withouten pitee,
2184 ffrendshipe, love, and all bounte.
2185 I nyl resseyve unto my servise
2186 Hem that ben vilayns of emprse.
2187 'But undirstonde in thyn entent,
2188 That this is not myn entendement,
2189 To clepe no wight in noo Ages
2190 Oonly gentill for his lynages.
2191 But who so is vertuous,
2192 And in his port nought outrageous,
2193 Whanne sich oon thou seest thee biforn,
2194 Though he be not gentill born,
2195 Thou maist well seyn, this is in soth,
2196 That he is gentil, by cause he doth
2197 As longeth to a gentilman;
2198 Of hem noon other deme I can.
2199 ffor certeynly, withouten drede,
2200 A cherle is demed by his dede,
2201 Of hie or lowe, as ye may see,
2202 Or of what kynrede that he bee.
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