“What is a lond wher men ben none?
What ben the men whiche are alone
Withoute a kinges governance?
What is a king in his ligance,
Wher that ther is no lawe in londe?
What is to take lawe on honde,
Bot if the jugges weren trewe?”

—  John Gower , Confessio Amantis

Bk. 7, line 2695.
Confessio Amantis

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John Gower 12
English writer 1330–1408

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