First of God by whom all grace is spread
His counsel thou ask, for that is sure.
Secondly of thyself with good mind and sad,
For thyself of thyself hast most cure.
Think such counsel as will longest endure
And most best God and man to please,
It will grow to the most heart's ease.

The third counsellor that thou have shall,
Choose thee a man of noble fame,
Proved in his works among other all,
That loveth worship and dreadeth shame,
And in his works not slow nor lame:
Good son, have this well in mind
And to thy great profit thou shalt it find.

Youth's counsel seldom availeth
Where wisdom is not the mean.
Many a man his works he waileth;
Know thyself, therefore, while thou art green,
That when age cometh crooked and lean
Thou live restfully, aye serving God,
And be not beaten with thine own rod.