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For courtesy, while Kay was blamed

For ribald speech, and evil famed

Among all knights for boorishness.

But be thou careful to possess

Thy soul in gentleness and grace,

Kindly of heart and bright of face

Towards all men, be they great or small.

And when thou passest from the hall

Along the street, have care that thou

Salute men first with courteous bow,

Or if some one take precedence

Of thee therein, have thou the sense

To make reply without delay.

Returning his salute straightway.

Watch well thy lips, that they may be

Ne’er stained with ill-timed ribaldry.

Nor let from out thy mouth be heard

Foul talk, or unbecoming word,

For courteous knight I hold him not

Who suffereth hideous words to blot

And mar his speech.

Have special care

To honour dames as thou dost fare

Thy worldly ways, and shouldst thou hear

Calumnious speech of them, no fear

Have thou to bid men hold their peace.

Most richly shalt thou gain increase

Of glory, if to maid and dame

Thou givest ready aid; thy fame

Their tongues shall spread both far and wide.

Above all else, beware of pride,

For all men taking note may see

That ’tis but vaporous vanity.