I. Truly, I well know and acknowledge that what the peasant says is true, that any man who stays at home finds everything he seeks abroad, and if he has never suffered misfortune he does not know what happiness is. But when he has known an unpleasant dwelling-place, then all his delight is doubled and he loves the more all that his own house offers.
II. But I marvel greatly that a man who has known both good and ill fortune and who knows a thing or two (how the waggon goes to the mill) and can live honourably, should act so childishly as to endure the discomfort of sailing the seas. For my part, I leave all this to those who have lost all and have nothing pledged or secured, and I take a different road.
III. For . . . . . . . . . would lessen . . . . . . . . . . his smarting pain by journeying abroad; morn and even he is in great fear for himself or for others, and at the mercy of water and wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and each day he is in danger, and his garments are stained and wet, and men of low breeding annoy and harm him.
IV. Let no one offer a profitable agreement to the man who suffers what is bad and expects worse; rather there is danger wherever he goes, and the shore is not for him, nor would men ever trust him or keep their oaths and promises, but on the contrary will rob him of his rights, if they can. I cannot indeed consider wise the rich man who follows such a calling, rather does he commit a double folly.
V. For sleeping sweetly naked means more to me than lying clothed beside a traveller, and fresh water with good wine more . . . . . . . . . than rancid, and joy more than care, and good food and horses in plenty more than ship’s biscuit amid storms, and fine dwellings more than harbour or shore.
VI. And so, if ever I wished to go on the seas and this prospect pleased me. I renounce it, and let him who so wishes follow this way of life and observe the east and west winds. For I prefer to stay in France, where there is more joy and honour, and whatever wind blows, I shall take lodging on dry land in any direction I choose, and let him who likes it make that journey.
