The Historye of Reynard the Foxe/prologue

Here beginneth The History of Reynard the Fox

In this history be written the parables, good learing, and diverse points to be marked, by which points men may learn to come to the subtle knowledge of such things as daily be used and had in the counsels of lords and prelates ghostly and worldly, and, also among merchants and other common people; and this book is made for need and profit of all good folk; as far as they in reading or hearing of it shall mo understand and feel the foresaid subtle deceits that daily be used in the world, not to the intent that men should use them but that every man should eschew and keep him from the subtle false shrews that they be not deceived; then who that will have the very understanding of this matter, he must oft and many times read in this book and earnestly and diligently mark well that he readeth, for it is set subtly, like as ye shall see in reading of it, and not once to read it for a man shall not with once over reading find the right understanding ne comprise it well, but ofttimes to read it shall cause it well to be understood; and for them that understandeth it, it shall be right joyous pleasant and profitable.