Classic Poem

IV

What vaileth truth or by it to take pain,
To strive by steadfastness for to attain
To be just and true and flee from doubleness,
Sithens all alike, where ruleth craftiness,
Rewarded is both false and plain?
Soonest he speedeth that most can feign;
True meaning heart is had in disdain.
Against deceit and doubleness
What vaileth truth?
Deceived is he by crafty train
That meaneth no guile and doth remain
Within the trap without redress
But for to love, lo, such a mistress
Whose cruelty nothing can refrain.
What vaileth truth?