Classic Poem

Man, be ware and wise in dede,
And assay a frend or thou have nede.

Through a forest that was so long
As I rode with mikel drede,
I herd a bird singing a song:
" Assay a frend or thou have nede."

As I stood and hoved still
And to a tree I tied my stede,
Ever the bird sat singing still:
" Assay a frend or thou have nede."

Me thought it was a wonder noise,
And nere-hand the bird I yede;
Y-wis she sang with a loud voise:
" Assay a frend or thou have nede."

The bird sat high upon a tree;
Of feders gray then was her wede.
She said: " Do as I bid thee,
Assay a frend or thou have nede."

I beheld her wonder long;
She said: " Do as I bid thee, in dede,
Whether thou do right or wrong,
Assay a frend or thou have nede."

I trow of me she was agast;
She took her flight; away she yede.
Thus she said, when she sang last:
" Assay a frend or thou have nede."