"He that wolde not when he might, He shall not when he wold-a."

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

An opportunity refused while available may be absent when later wanted. The reversal of might and would makes changed timing central to the warning.

What the words are saying

The person would not act when able, then wishes to act when the option has gone. It can encourage a considered decision before an opening closes. It should not assume that the earlier refusal was foolish: consent, uncertainty and other responsibilities may have justified it. A useful reading examines what changed and what can still be done, rather than treating regret as proof that one should always say yes.

Everyday example

A group considers an available meeting carefully because the participants may not be able to gather again soon.

When to use it

Use it to examine a decision whose conditions may not remain available.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.