d. 1523
40 The True Knight
FOR knighthood is not in the feats of war,
As for to fight in quarrel right or wrong,
But in a cause which truth can not defar:1
He ought himself for to make sure and strong,
Justice to keep mixt with mercày among:
And no quarrel a knight ought to take
But for a truth, or for the common’s sake.
41 An Epitaph
O MORTAL folk, you may behold and see
How I lie here, sometime a mighty knight;
The end of joy and all prosperity
Is death at last, thorough his course and might:
After the day there cometh the dark night,
For though the day be never so long,
At last the bells ringeth to evensong.