Note 22 — DISSERTATION I.
Reading edition
We have the testimony of Robert, Earl of Gloucester (who wrote under Henry III. and Edward I.) to this purpose. Page 364.
"Vor bote a man couth French, me tolth of hym well lute, Ac lowe men holdeth to Englyss and to her kunde speeche yute."
For but a man knoweth French, men told of him well little, and lowe men holdeth to English and to their native tongue.—— That is, unless a man could speak French he was little esteemed.