And lever me is be pore and trewe.
[And more agreeable to me it is to be poor and true.]

Him had been lever to be syke.
[To him it had been preferable to be sick.]

For him was lever have at his bed's head
Twenty bookes, clad in black or red, . . .
Than robes rich, or fithel, or gay sawtrie.

Poor lady, she were better love a dream.

You were best hang yourself.

Me rather had my heart might feel your love
Than my unpleased eye see your courtesy.

I hadde levere than my scherte,
That ye hadde rad his legende, as have I.

I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.

I had rather be a dog and bay the moon,
Than such a Roman.

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.