I blame hym thus: that he considered noght
In tyme comynge what myghte hym bityde,
But on his lust present was al his thoght,
As for to hauke and hunte on every syde.
Wel ny alle othere cures leet he slyde,
And eek he nolde – and that was worst of alle –
Wedde no wyf, for noght that may bifalle.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Clerk’s Tale. Walter is a confirmed bachelor and is wedded to his single ways. All his thoughts are on his immediate pleasures, such as hawking and hunting. Consequently he neglected his duty to the people he ruled, such as ensuring an heir by marrying. He determined that he would not wed any woman for anything.