W.15 – PPEA

fol. 86r (cont.)I

Passus .xvus.quindecimus &c finit do-wel & incipit do-bet

W.15.1KD.15.1  AC after my wakynge . it was wonder longe
                  
W.15.2KD.15.2  Er I koude kyndely . knowe what was dowel
W.15.3KD.15.3  And so my wit weex and wanyed . til I a fool weere
W.15.4KD.15.4  And some lakkede my lif . allowed it fewe
W.15.5KD.15.5  And lete me for a lorel . and looþ to reuerencen
                  
W.15.6KD.15.6  Lordes or ladies . or any lif ellis
W.15.7KD.15.7  As persons in pelure . wiþ pendauntz of siluer
                  
W.15.8KD.15.8  To sergeauntz ne to swiche . seide I noȝt ones
W.15.9KD.15.9  God loke yow lordes . ne loutede faire
W.15.10KD.15.10  That folk helden me a fool . and in þat folie I raued
W.15.11KD.15.11  Til reson hadde ruþe on me . and rokked me a-slepe
                  
W.15.12KD.15.12  Til I seiȝ as it sorcerie were . a sotil þyng wiþ-alle
                  
W.15.13KD.15.13  Oon wiþ-outen tonge and teeþ . tolde me whider I sholde
                  
W.15.14KD.15.14  And wher-of I cam & of what kynde . I coniured hym at þe laste
                  
W.15.15KD.15.15  If he were cristes creature . anoon me to tellen

fol. 86vI

W.15.16KD.15.16, 17  ¶ I am cristes creature quod he . and cristene in many a place
                  
W.15.17KD.15.17  In cristes court yknowe wel . and of his kyn a party
W.15.18KD.15.18  Is neiþer Peter þe Porter . ne Poul wiþ his fauchon
                  
W.15.19KD.15.19  That wole defende me þe dore . dynge I neuer so late
W.15.20KD.15.20  At mydnyght at mydday . my vois so is knowe
W.15.21KD.15.21  That ech a creature of his court . welcomeþ me faire

What are ye called quod I in þat court . among cristes pepleW.15.22: A smudged What are ye cald is written in a later hand in the space between this line and the next.

W.15.23KD.15.23  ¶ The whiles I quykne þe cors quod he . called am I anima
W.15.24KD.15.24  And whan I wilne . and wolde animus ich hatte
                  
W.15.25KD.15.25  And for þat I kan knoweW.15.25: W alone reads kan knowe; other manuscripts have can and knowe. . called am I mens
W.15.26KD.15.26  And whan I make mone to god . memoria is my name
                  
W.15.27KD.15.27  And whan I deme domes . and do as truþe techeþ
W.15.28KD.15.28  Thanne is Racio my riȝte name . reson on englissh
                  
W.15.29KD.15.29  And whan I feele þat folk telleþ . my firste name is sensus
W.15.30KD.15.30  And þat is wit and wisdom . þe welle of alle craftes
W.15.31KD.15.31  And whan I chalange or chalange noȝt . chepe or refuse
W.15.32KD.15.32  Thanne am I Conscience ycalled . goddes clerk and his Notarie
                  
W.15.33KD.15.33  And whan I loue leelly . oure lord and alle oþere
W.15.34KD.15.34  Thanne is lele loue my name . and in latyn Amor
W.15.35KD.15.35  And whan I flee fro þe flessh . and forsake þe careyne
W.15.36KD.15.36  Thanne am I a spirit spechelees . Spiritus þanne ich hatte
                  
W.15.37KD.15.37  Austyn and Ysodorus . eiþer of hem boþe
                  
W.15.38KD.15.38  Nempnede me þus to name . andW.15.38: W alone has and before now. now þow myȝt chese
                  
W.15.39KD.15.39  How þow coueitest to calle me . forW.15.39: W alone has for, which is omitted by other manuscripts. now þow knowest my names
                  

W.15.40KD.15.39α

W.15.40: Another hand has inserted in black ink in the left margin inside a box the following note: nota . quod anima
habet ix nomina ¶ Anima pro diuersis accionibus diuersa nomina sortitur : dum
viuificat corpus . anima est  dum vult . animus est .
dum scit . mens est  dum recolit . memoria est . dum
iudicat . racio est  dum sentit . sensus est  dum amat .
Amor est  dum negat vel consentit . consciencia est
dum spirat . spiritus est

fol. 87rI

¶ Ye ben as a bisshop quod I . al bourdynge þat tyme

For bisshopes yblessed . þei bereþ manye names

Presul and Pontifex . and Metropolitanus

W.15.44KD.15.43

And oþere names anheepan heep . Episcopus and PastorW.15.44: Between this line and the next a fifteenth-century hand (the same as on folios 1r and 147v) has written Jon Ryc.

¶ That is sooþ seide he . now I se þi wille

Thow woldest knowe and konne . þe cause of alle my names

And of meW.15.47: W alone has me; other manuscripts have myne. if þow myȝtest . me þynkeþ by þi speche

W.15.48KD.15.47

¶ Ye sire I seide . by so no man were greued

Alle þe sciences vnder sonne . and alle þe sotile craftes

I wolde I knewe and kouþe . kyndely in myn herte

¶ Thanne artow inparfit quod he . and oon of prides knyȝtes

W.15.52KD.15.51

For swich a lust and likyng . Lucifer fel from heuene

Ponam pedem meum in aquilone & similis ero altissimo

W.15.54KD.15.52  ¶ It were ayeins kynde quod he . and alle kynnes reson
                  
W.15.55KD.15.53  That any creature sholde konne al . except crist oone
W.15.56KD.15.54  Ayein swiche Salomon spekeþ . and despiseþ hir wittes
W.15.57KD.15.55  And seiþ . Sicut qui mel comedit multum non est ei bonum 
W.15.58KD.15.55  Sic qui scrutator est maiestatis . opprimitur a gloria

W.15.59KD.15.56  ¶ To englisshe men þis is to mene . þat mowen speke and here
                  
W.15.60KD.15.57  The man þat muche hony eteþ . his mawe it engleymeþ
W.15.61KD.15.58  And þe moore þat a man . of good matere . hereþ
                  
W.15.62KD.15.59  But he do þer-after . it dooþ hym double scaþe
                  
W.15.63KD.15.60  Beatus est seiþ Seint Bernard . qui scripturas legit
W.15.64KD.15.61  Et verba vertit in opera . fulliche to his power
                  
W.15.65KD.15.62  Coueitise to konne . and to knowe sciences
W.15.66KD.15.63  Putte out of Paradis . Adam and Eue
W.15.67KD.15.63α  Sciencie appetitus hominem inmortalitatis gloria spoliauit

W.15.68KD.15.64

¶ And riȝt as hony is yuel to defie . and engleymeþ þe mawe

fol. 87vI

W.15.69KD.15.65  ¶ Right so he þat þoruȝ reson . wolde þe roote knowe
                  
W.15.70KD.15.66  Of god and of hise grete myȝtes . hise graces it letteþ
                  
W.15.71KD.15.67  For in þe likynge liþ a pride . and licames coueitise
W.15.72KD.15.68  Ayein cristes counseil . and alle clerkes techynge
W.15.73KD.15.69  That is Non plus sapere quam oportet sapere

W.15.74KD.15.70  ¶ Freres and fele oþere maistres . þat to lewed men prechen
                  
W.15.75KD.15.71  Ye moeuen materes vnmesurable . to tellen of þe Trinite
W.15.76KD.15.72  That ofte-tymes þe lewed peple . of hir bileue doute
                  
W.15.77KD.15.73  Bettre it were to manye doctours . to leuen swich techyngW.15.77: The variants are complex, and W's version of the line is unique.  M is closest with Bettre were many doctours . bileue suche techinge.  Most other manuscripts have bettre to leyve were many doctovrs seyche teychyng (in the spelling of G).
W.15.78KD.15.74  And tellen men of þe ten comaundementz . and touchen þe seuene synnes
W.15.79KD.15.75  And of þe braunches þat burioneþ of hem . and bryngen men to helle
                  
W.15.80KD.15.76  And how þat folk in folies . mysspenden hir fyue wittes
                  
W.15.81KD.15.77  As wel freres as ooþer folk . foliliche spenden
                  
W.15.82KD.15.78  In housynge / in haterynge . and in to heigh clergie shewynge
W.15.83KD.15.79  Moore for pompe þan for pure charite . þe peple woot þe soþe
W.15.84KD.15.80  That I lye noȝt loo . for lordes ye plesen
W.15.85KD.15.81  And reuerencen þe riche . þe raþer for hir siluer

¶ Confundantur omnes qui adorant sculptilia / Et alibi

Vt quid diligitis vanitatem & queritis mendacium

W.15.88KD.15.82  ¶ Gooþ to þe glose of þise vers . ye grete clerkes
                  
W.15.89KD.15.83  If I lye on yow to my lewed wit . ledeþ me to brennyng
W.15.90KD.15.84  For as it semeþ ye forsakeþ . no mannes almesse
W.15.91KD.15.85  Of vsurers of hoores . of Auarouse chapmen
W.15.92KD.15.86  And louten to þise lordes . þat mowen lene yow nobles
W.15.93KD.15.87  Ayein youre rule and Religion . I take record at Iesus
W.15.94KD.15.88  That seide to hise disciples . Ne sitis personarum acceptores
W.15.95KD.15.89  Of þis matere I myȝte . make a long bible
W.15.96KD.15.90  Ac of curatours of cristen peple . as clerkes bereþ witnesse
W.15.97KD.15.91  I shal tellen it for truþes sake . take hede who-so likeþ
                  

¶ As holynesse and honeste . out of holy chirche spredeþ

fol. 88rI

W.15.99KD.15.93  Thoruȝ lele libbynge men . þat goddes lawe techen
W.15.100KD.15.94  Right so out of holi chirche . alle yueles spryngeþW.15.100: W alone has spryngeþ; all other manuscripts have spredeth.
W.15.101KD.15.95  There inparfit preesthode is . prechours and techeris
                  
W.15.102KD.15.96  I se it by ensaumple . in somer tyme on trowes
W.15.103KD.15.97  Ther some bowes ben leued . and some bereþ none
W.15.104KD.15.98  Ther is a meschief in þe more . of swiche manere bowes
                  

W.15.105KD.15.99  ¶ Right so biW.15.105: All other manuscripts omit bi, added above the line in W. persons and preestes . and prechours of holi chirche
                  
W.15.106KD.15.100  That aren roote of þe right feiþ . to rule þe peple
W.15.107KD.15.101  And þer þe roote is roten . reson woot þe soþe
W.15.108KD.15.102  Shal neuere flour ne fruyt . ne fair leef be grene
W.15.109KD.15.103  For-þi wolde ye lettrede leue . þe lecherie of cloþyng
                  
W.15.110KD.15.104  And be kynde as bifel for clerkes . and curteise of cristes goodes
W.15.111KD.15.105  Trewe of youre tonge . and of youre tail boþe
W.15.112KD.15.106  And hatien to here harlotrie . and noȝt to vnderfonge
W.15.113KD.15.107  Tiþes but of trewe þyng  . ytilied or chaffared
W.15.114KD.15.108  Loþe were lewed men . but þei youre loore folwede
W.15.115KD.15.109  And amendeden hem þat mysdoon . moore for youre ensaumples
W.15.116KD.15.110  Than for to prechen and preuen it noȝt . ypocrisie it semeþ
W.15.117KD.15.111  The whichW.15.117: W alone has The which; all other manuscripts have For ypocrisie. in latyn . is likned to a dongehille
W.15.118KD.15.112  That were bisnewed wiþ snow . and snakes wiþ-Inne
                  
W.15.119KD.15.113  Or to a wal þat were whitlymed . and were foul wiþ-Inne
                  

W.15.120KD.15.114

¶ Right so manye preestes . prechours and prelates

Ye aren enblaunched wiþ bele paroles . and wiþ cloþes also

Ac youre werkes and youre wordes þer-vnder . aren ful vnloueliche

Iohannes Crisostomus . of clerkes spekeþ and preestes

W.15.124KD.15.118

¶ Sicut de templo omne bonum progreditur . sic de temploW.15.124: A later fifteenth-century hand has written nota in the right margin, as on fol. 56r.
omne malum procedit  Si sacerdocium integrum fuerit tota
floret ecclesia  Si autem corruptum fuerit omnium fides mar-
cida est  Si sacerdocium fuerit in peccatis . totus popu-
lus conuertitur ad peccandum . Sicut cum videris
arborem pallidam & marcidam / intelligis quod vicium

fol. 88vI

habet in radice . Ita cum videris populum indisciplinatum & irre-
ligiosum sine dubio sacerdocium eius non est sanum

W.15.125KD.15.119  ¶ If lewed men wiste . what þis latyn meneþ
                  
W.15.126KD.15.120  And who was myn Auctour . muche wonder me þinkeþ
W.15.127KD.15.121  But if many a preest beere . for hir baselardes and hir broches
W.15.128KD.15.122  A peire of bedes in hir hand . and a book vnder hir arme
W.15.129KD.15.123  Sire Iohan and sire Geffrey . haþ a girdel of siluer
                  
W.15.130KD.15.124  A baselard or a ballokknyf . wiþ botons ouer-gilte
                  
W.15.131KD.15.125  Ac a Porthors þat sholde be his Plow . Placebo to sigge
                  
W.15.132KD.15.126-127  Hadde he neuere seruice to saue siluer þer-to . seiþ it with ydel wille
                  

W.15.133KD.15.128  ¶ Allas ye lewed men . muche lese ye on preestes
                  
W.15.134KD.15.129  Ac þing þat wikkedly is wonne . and wiþ false sleightes
W.15.135KD.15.130  Wolde neuere þe wit of witty god . but wikkede men it hadde
                  
W.15.136KD.15.131  The whiche arn preestes inparfite . and prechours after siluer
                  
W.15.137KD.15.132  Executours and Sodenes . Somonours and hir lemmannes
                  
W.15.138KD.15.133  That þat wiþ gile was geten . vngraciousliche is despendedW.15.138: W alone has despended.  Most other manuscripts have spended.
W.15.139KD.15.134  So harlotes and hores . arn holpe wiþ swiche goodes
W.15.140KD.15.135  And goddes folk for defaute þer-of . forfaren and spillen
                  

W.15.141KD.15.136  ¶ Curatours of holy kirke . as clerkes þat ben auarouse
                  
W.15.142KD.15.137  Lightliche þat þei leuen . losels it habbeþ
W.15.143KD.15.138  Or deieþ intestate . and þanne þe bisshop entreþ
W.15.144KD.15.139  And makeþ murþe þer-myd  . and hise men boþe
                  
W.15.145KD.15.140  And seyen he was a nygard . þat no good myȝte aspare
W.15.146KD.15.141  To frend ne to fremmed . þe fend haue his soule
                  
W.15.147KD.15.142  For a wrecchede hous held heW.15.147: W alone has held he; most other manuscripts have he held. . al his lif-tyme
                  
W.15.148KD.15.143  And þat he spared and bisperede . dispendeW.15.148: W alone has dispende. Other manuscripts have spende or spene. we in murþe
                  
W.15.149KD.15.144  By lered / by lewed . þat looþ is to despendeW.15.149: W alone reads despende; most other manuscripts have spende.
W.15.150KD.15.145  Thus goon hire goodes . be þe goost faren
W.15.151KD.15.146  Ac for goode men god woot . greet doel  men maken
W.15.152KD.15.147  And bymeneþ goode mete-ȝyueres . and in mynde haueþ
                  
W.15.153KD.15.148  In preieres and in penaunces . and in parfit charite .
What is charite
fol. 89rI
W.15.154KD.15.149  What is charite quod I þo . a childissh þyng he seide
                  
W.15.155KD.15.149α  W.15.155-156:  The scribe has added in the left margin boxed in red the words quid est
   caritas.   Nisi efficiamini sicut paruuli . non intrabitis in regnum celorum
W.15.156KD.15.150  Wiþ-outen fauntelte or folie . a fre liberal wille
                  

W.15.157KD.15.151  ¶ Where sholde men fynde swich a frend . wiþ so fre an herte
                  
W.15.158KD.15.152  I haue lyued in londe quod heW.15.158: WHmCr1 have he; all other manuscripts read I. . my name is longe wille
W.15.159KD.15.153  And fond I neuere ful charite . bifore ne bihynde
W.15.160KD.15.154  Men beþ merciable . to mendinauntz and to poore
W.15.161KD.15.155  And wollen lene þer þei leue . lelly to ben paied
W.15.162KD.15.156  Ac charite þat Poul preiseþ best . and moost plesaunt to oure lord
W.15.163KD.15.157  Is Non inflatur . non est ambiciosa . non querit que sua sunt &cW.15.163: W alone has &c.

W.15.164KD.15.158

¶ I seiȝ neuere swich a man . so me god helpe

That he ne wolde aske after his . and ouþerwhile coueite

Thyng þat neded hym noȝt . and nyme it if he myȝte

W.15.167KD.15.161  ¶ Clerkes kenne me . þat crist is in alle places
                  
W.15.168KD.15.162  Ac I seiȝ hym neuere sooþly . but as my-self in a Mirour
                  
W.15.169KD.15.162α  In enigmate tunc facie ad faciem
W.15.170KD.15.163  And so I trowe trewely . by þat men telleþ of charite
W.15.171KD.15.164  It is noȝt chaumpions fight . ne chaffare as I trowe

W.15.172KD.15.165  ¶ Charite quod he ne chaffareþ noȝt . ne chalangeþ ne craueþ
                  
W.15.173KD.15.166  As proud of a peny . as of a pound of golde
W.15.174KD.15.167  And is as glad of a gowne . of a gray russet
W.15.175KD.15.168  As of a tunycle of tarse . or of trie scarlet
W.15.176KD.15.169  He is glad wiþ alle glade . and good til alle wikkede
W.15.177KD.15.170  And leneþW.15.177:  The word could, of course, be leueþ, the reading chosen by Skeat.  Modern editors have chosen leneþ. and loueþ alle . þat oure lord made
                  
W.15.178KD.15.171  Corseþ he no creature . ne he kan bere no wraþe
W.15.179KD.15.172  Ne no likynge haþ to lye . ne laughe men to scorne
W.15.180KD.15.173  Al þat men seyn he leet it sooþ . and in solace takeþ
W.15.181KD.15.174  And alle manere meschiefs . in myldenesse he suffreþ
                  
W.15.182KD.15.175  Coueiteþ he noon erþely good . but heuene-riche blisse
                  
fol. 89vI
W.15.183KD.15.176  Haþ he anye rentes or richesse . or any riche frendes

W.15.184KD.15.177  ¶ Of rentes norW.15.184: W alone has nor; other manuscripts have ne. of richesse . ne rekkeþ he neuere
                  
W.15.185KD.15.178  For a frend þat fyndeþ hym . failed hym neuere at nede
                  
W.15.186KD.15.179  Fiat voluntas tua . fynt hym euere-moore
                  
W.15.187KD.15.180  And if he soupeþ eteþ but a sop . of Spera in deo
W.15.188KD.15.181  He kan portreye wel þe Pater noster . and peynte it with Aues
W.15.189KD.15.182  And ouþerwhile he is woned . to wenden on pilgrymages
                  
W.15.190KD.15.183  Ther poore men and prisons liggeþ . hir pardon to haue
W.15.191KD.15.184  Thouȝ he bere hem no breed . he bereþ hem swetter liflode
W.15.192KD.15.185  Loueþ hem as oure lord biddeþ . and lokeþ how þei fare

W.15.193KD.15.186  ¶ And whan he is wery of þat werk . þan wole he somtyme
                  
W.15.194KD.15.187  Labouren in lauendrye . wel þe lengþe of a Mile
W.15.195KD.15.188  And yerne in-to youþe . and yepeliche speke
                  
W.15.196KD.15.189  Pride wiþ al þe appurtenaunces . and pakken hem togideres
                  
W.15.197KD.15.190  And bouken hem at his brest . and beten hem clene
W.15.198KD.15.191  And leggen on longe . wiþ Laboraui in gemitu meo
W.15.199KD.15.192  And wiþ warm water at hise eiȝen . wasshen hem after
W.15.200KD.15.193  And þanne he syngeþ whan he doþ so . and som-tyme seiþ wepynge
                  
W.15.201KD.15.194  Cor contritum & humiliatum deus non despicies

¶ By crist I wolde þat I knewe hym quod I . no creature leuere

¶ Wiþ-outen help of Piers Plowman quod he . his persone sestow neuere

W.15.204KD.15.197

¶ Wheiþer clerkes knowen hym quod I . þat kepen holikirke

W.15.205KD.15.198  ¶ Clerkes haue no knowyng quod he . but by werkes and by wordes
                  
W.15.206KD.15.199  Ac Piers þe Plowman . parceyueþ moore depper
W.15.207KD.15.200  What is þe wille and wher-fore . þat many wight suffreþ
                  
W.15.208KD.15.200α  Et vidit deus cogitaciones eorum
W.15.209KD.15.201  For þer are ful proude-herted men . pacient of tonge
                  
W.15.210KD.15.202  And buxome as of berynge . to burgeises and to lordes

fol. 90rI

¶ And to poore peple . han pepir in þe nose

W.15.212KD.15.204

And as a lyoun he lokeþ . þer men lakken hise werkes

¶ For þer are beggeris and bidderis . bedemen as it were

Loken as lambren . and semen fulW.15.214: W alone has ful; all other witnesses have lif. holy

Ac it is moore to haue hir mete . wiþ swich an esy manere

W.15.216KD.15.208

Than for penaunce and parfitnesse . þe pouerte þat swiche takeþ

W.15.217KD.15.209  ¶ Ther-fore by colour ne by clergie . knowe shaltow neuere
                  
W.15.218KD.15.210  Neiþer þoruȝ wordes ne werkes . but þoruȝ wil oone
                  
W.15.219KD.15.211  And þat knoweþ no clerk . ne creature on erþe
W.15.220KD.15.212  But Piers þe Plowman . Petrus .id est. christus
W.15.221KD.15.213  For he nys noȝt in lolleris . ne in lond-leperis heremytes
                  
W.15.222KD.15.214  Ne at Ancres þere a box hangeþ . alle swiche þei faiten
                  
W.15.223KD.15.215  Fy on faitours . and in fautores suos
W.15.224KD.15.216  For charite is goddes champion . and as a good child hende
W.15.225KD.15.217  And þe murieste of mouþ . at mete where he sitteþ
W.15.226KD.15.218  The loue þat liþ in his herte . makeþ hym liȝt of speche
W.15.227KD.15.219  And is compaignable and confortatif . as crist bit hym-selue
                  
W.15.228KD.15.219α  Nolite fieri sicut ypocrite tristes &c
W.15.229KD.15.220  For I haue seyen hym in silk . and somtyme in russet
W.15.230KD.15.221  Boþe in grey and in grys . and in gilt harneis
W.15.231KD.15.222  And as gladliche he it gaf . to gomes þat it neded

W.15.232KD.15.223

¶ Edmond and Edward . boþe were kynges

And seintes yset . for charite hem folwede

W.15.234KD.15.225  ¶ I haue yseyen charite also . syngen and reden
                  
W.15.235KD.15.226  Riden and rennen . in raggede wedes
W.15.236KD.15.227  Ac biddynge as beggeris . biheld I hym neuere
                  
W.15.237KD.15.228  Ac in riche robes raþest he walkeþ .
W.15.238KD.15.229  Ycalled and ycrymyled . and his crowne yshaue
W.15.239KD.15.230  And in a freres frokke . he was yfounden ones
W.15.240KD.15.231  Ac it is fern ago . in Seint Fraunceis tyme

fol. 90vI

In þat secte siþþe . to selde haþ he ben foundeW.15.241: W alone reads founde; all other manuscripts have knowe(n).

¶ Riche men he recomendeþ . and of hir robes takeþ

That wiþ-outen wiles . ledeþ hir lyues

W.15.244KD.15.234α

Beatus est diues qui &c

¶ In kynges court he comeþ ofte . þer þe counseil is trewe

Ac if coueitise be of þe counseil . he wol noȝt come þer-Inne

¶ In court amonges Iaperis . he comeþ noȝt but selde

W.15.248KD.15.238

For braulynge and bakbitynge . and berynge of fals witnesse

W.15.249KD.15.239  ¶ In þe Consistorie bifore þe Commissarie . he comeþ noȝt ful ofte
                  
W.15.250KD.15.240  For hir lawe dureþ ouer-longe . but if þei lacchen siluer
                  
W.15.251KD.15.241  And matrimoyne for moneie . maken and vnmaken
W.15.252KD.15.242  And þat Conscience and crist . haþ yknyt faste
W.15.253KD.15.243  Thei vndoon it vnworþily . þo doctours of lawe

W.15.254KD.15.249  ¶ Ac I ne lakke no lif . but lord amende vs alle
                  
W.15.255KD.15.250  And gyue vs grace goode god . charite to folwe
                  
W.15.256KD.15.251  For who-so myȝte meete mydW.15.256: W alone has myd; other manuscripts have wiþ. hym . swiche maneres hym eileþ
                  
W.15.257KD.15.252  Neiþer he blameþ ne banneþ . bosteþ ne preiseþ
                  
W.15.258KD.15.253  Lakkeþ ne loseþ . ne lokeþ vp sterne
W.15.259KD.15.254  Craueþ ne coueiteþ . ne crieþ after moore
W.15.260KD.15.254α  In pace in id-ipsum dormiam &c

¶ The mooste liflode þat he lyueþ by . is loue in goddes passion

Neiþer he biddeþ ne beggeþ . ne borweþ to yelde

Misdooþ he no man . ne wiþ his mouþ greueþ

W.15.264KD.15.258

¶ Amonges cristene men . þis myldenesse sholde laste

In alle manere angres . haue þis at herte

That þeiȝ þei suffrede al þis . god suffrede for vs moore

In ensample we sholde do so . and take no vengeaunce

fol. 91rI

W.15.268KD.15.262

Of oure foes þat dooþ vs falsnesse . þat is oure fadres wille

W.15.269KD.15.263  ¶ For wel may euery man wite . if god hadde wold hym-selue
                  
W.15.270KD.15.264  Sholde neuere Iudas ne Iew . haue Iesu doon on roode
                  
W.15.271KD.15.265  Ne han martired Peter ne Poul . ne in prison holden
W.15.272KD.15.266  Ac he suffrede in ensample . þat we sholde suffren also
                  
W.15.273KD.15.267-268  And seide to swiche þat suffre wolde . þat Pacientes vincunt

¶ Verbi gracia quod he . and verray ensamples manye

In legenda sanctorum . þe lif of holy Seintes

W.15.276KD.15.270

What penaunce and pouerte . and passion þei suffrede

In hunger / in hete . in alle manere angres

¶ Antony and Egidie . and oþere holy fadres

Woneden in wildernesse . among wilde beestes

W.15.280KD.15.274

Monkes and mendinauntz . men by hem-selue

In spekes and in spelonkes . selde speken togideres

W.15.282KD.15.276  ¶ Ac neiþer Antony ne Egidie . ne heremyte þat tyme
                  
W.15.283KD.15.277  Of leons ne of leopardes . no liflode ne toke
W.15.284KD.15.278  But of foweles þat fleeþ . þus fyndeþ men in bokes
W.15.285KD.15.279  Except þat Egidie . after an hynde cride
                  
W.15.286KD.15.280  And þoruȝ þe mylk of þat mylde beest . þe man was sustened
W.15.287KD.15.281  And day bi day hadde he hire noȝt . his hunger for to slake
W.15.288KD.15.282  But selden and sondry tymes . as seiþ þe book and techeþ

¶ Antony a-dayes . aboute noon-tyme

Hadde a brid þat brouȝte hym breed . þat he by lyuede

And þouȝ þe gome hadde a gest . god fond hem boþe

W.15.292KD.15.286

¶ Poul primus heremita . hadde parroked hym-selue

That no man myȝte hym se . for mosse and for leues

Foweles hym fedde . fele wyntres wiþ-alle

Til he foundede freres . of Austynes ordre

fol. 91vI

W.15.296KD.15.290

Poul after his prechyng . paniers he made

And wan wiþ hise hondes . þat his wombe neded

¶ Peter fisshed for his foode . and his felawe Andrew

Som þei solde and som þei soden . and so þei lyued boþe

W.15.300KD.15.294

¶ And also Marie Maudeleyne . by mores lyuede and dewes

Ac moost þoruȝ deuocion . and mynde of god almyghty

I sholde noȝt þise seuen daies . siggen hem alle

That lyueden þus for oure lordes loue . many longe yeres

W.15.304KD.15.298  ¶ Ac þer ne was leoun ne leopard . þat on laundes wenten
                  
W.15.305KD.15.299  Neiþer bere ne boor . ne ooþer beest wilde
                  
W.15.306KD.15.300  That ne fil to hir feet . and fawned wiþ þe tailles
W.15.307KD.15.301  And if þei kouþe han ycarped . by crist as I trowe
W.15.308KD.15.302  Thei wolde haue yfed þat folk . bifore wilde foweles
W.15.309KD.15.305  Ac god sente hem foode by foweles . and by no fierse beestes
W.15.310KD.15.306  In menynge þat meke þyng . mylde þyng sholde fede
                  

W.15.311KD.15.307  ¶ As who seiþ Religiouses . rightfulle men sholde fede
                  
W.15.312KD.15.308  And lawefulle men to lifholy men . liflode sholde brynge
W.15.313KD.15.309  And þanne wolde lordes and ladies . be looþ to agulte
W.15.314KD.15.310  And to taken of hir tenauntz . moore þan trouþe wolde
W.15.315KD.15.311  Founde þei þat freres . wolde forsake hir almesses
                  
W.15.316KD.15.312  And bidden hem bere it . þere it was yborwed
W.15.317KD.15.313  For we ben goddes foweles . and abiden alwey
W.15.318KD.15.314  Til briddes brynge vs . þat we sholde lyue by
W.15.319KD.15.315  For hadde ye potage and payn ynogh . and peny ale to drynke
W.15.320KD.15.316  And a mees þer-myd . of o maner kynde
                  
W.15.321KD.15.317  Ye hadde riȝt ynoȝ ye Religiouse . and so youre rule me tolde
                  

¶ Numquam dicit Iob rugit onager cum herbam habuerit
aut mugiet bos cum ante plenum presepe steterit . brutorum
animalium natura te condempnat . quia cum eis pabulum

fol. 92rI

commune sufficiat ex adipe prodijt iniquitas tua

W.15.323KD.15.319  ¶ If lewed men knewe þis latyn . þei wolde loke whom þei yeueW.15.323-329: A rough decorative line runs down the left margin from 15.323-329.
W.15.324KD.15.320  And auisen hem bifore . a fyue dayes or sixe
W.15.325KD.15.321  Er þei amortisede . to monkes or Chanons hir renteW.15.325: W alone has rente; all other manuscripts have plural rentes.
W.15.326KD.15.322  Allas lordes and ladies . lewed counseil haue ye
W.15.327KD.15.323  To ȝyue from youre heires . þat youre Aiels yow lefte
                  
W.15.328KD.15.324  And ȝyueþ it to bidde for yow . to swiche þat ben riche
W.15.329KD.15.325  And ben founded and feffed ek . to bidde for oþere

¶ Who parfourneþ þis prophecie . of þe peple þat now libbeþ

Dispersit dedit pauperibus

W.15.332KD.15.328

¶ If any peple parfourne þat text . it are þise poore freres

For þat þei beggen aboute . in buyldynge þei spende it

And on hem-self som . and swiche as ben hir laborers

And of hem þat habbeþ þei taken . and ȝyueþ hem þat habbeþ

W.15.336KD.15.332

¶ Ac clerkes and knyȝtes . and communers þat ben riche

Fele of yow fareþ . as if I a forest hadde

That were ful of faire trees . and I fondede and caste

How I myȝte mo þer-Inne . amonges hem sette

W.15.340KD.15.336  ¶ Right so ye riche . ye robeþ þat ben riche
                  
W.15.341KD.15.337  And helpeþ hem þat helpeþ yow . and ȝyueþ þer no nede is
W.15.342KD.15.338  As who-so filled a tonne . of a fressh ryuer
                  
W.15.343KD.15.339  And wente forþ wiþ þat water . to woke wiþ Temese
W.15.344KD.15.340  Right so ye riche . ye robeþ and fedeþ
W.15.345KD.15.341  Hem þat han as ye han . hem ye make ateseat ese

¶ Ac Religiouse þat riche ben . sholde raþer feeste beggeris

Than burgeises þat riche ben . as þe book techeþ

W.15.348KD.15.343α

Quia sacrilegium est res pauperum non pauperibus dare W.15.348: A later hand has written nota in the right margin.

Item peccatoribus dare est demonibus immolare

fol. 92vI

Item monache si indiges & accipis pocius das quam accipis

Si autem non eges & accipis rapis

W.15.352KD.15.343α

Porro non indiget monachus si habeat quod nature sufficit

W.15.353KD.15.344  ¶ For-þi I counseille alle cristene . to conformen hem to charite
                  
W.15.354KD.15.345  For charite wiþ-outen chalangynge . vnchargeþ þe soule
                  
W.15.355KD.15.346  And many a prison fram purgatorie . þoruȝ hise preieres he deliuereþ
                  
W.15.356KD.15.347  Ac þer is a defaute in þe folk . þat þe feiþ kepeþ
W.15.357KD.15.348  Wher-fore folk is þe febler . and noȝt ferm of bileue
                  
W.15.358KD.15.349  As in lussheburwes is a luþer alay . and yet lokeþ he lik a sterlyng
W.15.359KD.15.350  The merk of þat monee is good . ac þe metal is feble

W.15.360KD.15.351  ¶ And so it fareþ by som folk now . þei han a fair speche
                  
W.15.361KD.15.352  Crowne and cristendom . þe kynges mark of heuene
W.15.362KD.15.353  Ac þe metal þat is mannes soule . wiþ synne is foule alayed
W.15.363KD.15.354  Boþe lettred and lewed . beþ alayed now wiþ synne
W.15.364KD.15.355  That no lif loueþ ooþer . ne oure lord as it semeþ
W.15.365KD.15.356  For þoruȝ werre and wikkede werkes . and wederes vnresonable
W.15.366KD.15.357  Wederwise shipmen . and witty clerkes also
W.15.367KD.15.358  Han no bileue to þe lifte . ne to þe loore of Philosofres

W.15.368KD.15.359

¶ Astronomiens alday . in hir Art faillen

That whilom warned bifore . what sholde falle after

¶ Shipmen and shepherdes . þat wiþ ship and sheep wenten

Wisten by þe walkne . what sholde bitide

W.15.372KD.15.363

As of wedres and wyndes . þei warned men ofte

¶ Tilieris þat tiled þe erþe . tolden hir maistres

By þe seed þat þei sewe . what þei seldeW.15.374: W alone has selde; other manuscripts have selle. myȝte

And what to leue and what to lyue by . þe lond was so trewe

W.15.376KD.15.367

¶ Now faileþ þe folk of þe flood . and of þe lond boþe

Shepherdes and shipmen . and so do þise tilieris

fol. 93rI

Neiþer þei konneþ ne knoweþ . oon cours bifore anoþer

W.15.379KD.15.370  ¶ Astronomyens also . aren at hir wittes ende
                  
W.15.380KD.15.371  Of þat was calculed of þe element . þe contrarie þei fynde
                  
W.15.381KD.15.372  Grammer þe ground of al . bigileþ now children
W.15.382KD.15.373  For is noon of þise newe clerkes . who-so nymeþ hedeW.15.382: WHmCr omit the following line attested by other witnesses: Þat can versifye faire . ne formalich enditen (in the spelling of L).
W.15.383KD.15.375  Nauȝt oon among anhundredan hundred . þat an Auctour kan construwe
                  
W.15.384KD.15.376  Ne rede a lettre in any langage . but in latyn or in englissh

W.15.385KD.15.377  ¶ Go now to any degree . and but if gile be maister
                  
W.15.386KD.15.379, 378  And Flaterere his felawe . vnder hym to fourmen
                  
W.15.387KD.15.379.1  Muche wonder me þynkeþ . amonges vs alle
W.15.388KD.15.380  Doctours of decrees . and of diuinite maistres
W.15.389KD.15.381  That sholde konne and knowe . alle kynnes clergie
W.15.390KD.15.382  And answere to Argumentz . and also to a Quodlibet
W.15.391KD.15.383  I dar noȝt siggen it for shame . if swiche were apposed
W.15.392KD.15.384  Thei sholde faillen of hir Philosophie . and in Phisik boþe

W.15.393KD.15.385  ¶ Wher-fore I am afered . of folk of holy kirke
                  
W.15.394KD.15.386  Lest þei ouerhuppen as ooþere doon . in office and in houres
                  
W.15.395KD.15.387  And if þei ouerhuppe as I hope noȝt . oure bileue suffiseþ
                  
W.15.396KD.15.388  As clerkes in Corpus Christi feeste . syngen and reden
                  
W.15.397KD.15.389  That sola fides sufficit . to saue wiþ lewed peple
                  
W.15.398KD.15.390  And so may Sarzens be saued . Scribes and Iewes

W.15.399KD.15.391  ¶ Allas þanne but oure looresmen . lyue as þei leren vs
                  
W.15.400KD.15.392  And for hir lyuynge þat lewed men . be þe loþer god agulten
                  
W.15.401KD.15.393  For Sarzens han somwhat . semynge to oure bileue
W.15.402KD.15.394  For þei loue and bileue . in o persone almyghty
                  
W.15.403KD.15.395  And we lered and lewed . in oon god almyȝty
W.15.404KD.15.397  And oon Makometh a man . in mysbileue brouȝte
W.15.405KD.15.398  Sarzens of Surree . and see in what manere

¶ This Makometh was a cristene . and for he moste noȝt ben a pope

fol. 93vI

W.15.407KD.15.400  In-to Surrie he souȝte . and þoruȝ hise sotile wittes
                  
W.15.408KD.15.401  He daunted a dowue . and day and nyȝt hire fedde
W.15.409KD.15.402  The corn þat she croppede . he caste it in his ere
W.15.410KD.15.403  And if he among þe peple preched . or in places come
                  
W.15.411KD.15.404  Thanne wolde þe coluere come . to þe clerkes ere
                  
W.15.412KD.15.405  Menynge as after mete . þus Makometh hire enchauntede
W.15.413KD.15.406  And dide folk þanne falle on knees . for he swoor in his prechyng
                  
W.15.414KD.15.407  That þe coluere þat com so . com from god of heuene
W.15.415KD.15.408  As messager to Makometh . men for to teche
W.15.416KD.15.409  And þus þoruȝ  wiles of his wit . and a whit Dowue
W.15.417KD.15.410  Makometh in mysbileue . men and wommen brouȝte
                  
W.15.418KD.15.411  That lyued þo þere and lyue ȝit . leeue..nW.15.418: Letters have been erased between leeue and on, with <n> added to leeue and followed by a dash, probably in the scribal hand. on hise lawes
                  

W.15.419KD.15.412  ¶ And siþþe oure Saueour suffred . þe Sarzens so bigiled
                  
W.15.420KD.15.413  Thoruȝ a cristene clerk . acorsed in his soule
W.15.421KD.15.414  For drede of þe deeþ . I dar noȝt telle truþe
W.15.422KD.15.415  How englisshe clerkes a coluere fede . þat coueitise hiȝte
                  
W.15.423KD.15.416  And ben manered after Makometh . þat no man vseþ trouþe

W.15.424KD.15.417  ¶ Ancres and heremytes . and Monkes and freres
                  
W.15.425KD.15.418  Peeren to þe Apostles . þoruȝ hire parfit lyuynge
W.15.426KD.15.419  Wolde neuere þe feiþful fader . þat hise Ministres sholde
                  
W.15.427KD.15.420  Of tirauntz þat teneþ trewe men . taken any almesse
W.15.428KD.15.421  But doon as Antony dide . dominyk and Fraunceys
W.15.429KD.15.422  Beneit and Bernard . þe whiche hem first tauȝte
W.15.430KD.15.423  To lyue by litel and in lowe houses . by lele mennes almesse
W.15.431KD.15.424  Grace sholde growe and be grene . þoruȝ hir goode lyuynge
W.15.432KD.15.425  And folkes sholden fareW.15.432: W alone has fare, though Hm has faren with the last four letters written over an erasure in a different ink.  Other manuscripts have fynde. . þat ben in diuerse siknesse
                  
W.15.433KD.15.426  The bettre for hir biddynges . in body and in soule
W.15.434KD.15.427  Hir preieres and hir penaunces . to pees sholde brynge
W.15.435KD.15.428  Alle þat ben at debaat . and bedemen were trewe
W.15.436KD.15.428α  Petite & accipietis &c
W.15.437KD.15.429  Salt saueþ þe catel . siggen þise wyues
W.15.438KD.15.429α  Vos estis sal terre &c

fol. 94rI

¶ The heuedes of holy chirche . and þei holy were

W.15.440KD.15.431

Crist calleþ hem salt . for cristene soules

Et si sal euanuerit in quo salietur &c

W.15.442KD.15.432  ¶ For fressh flessh ouþer fissh . whan it salt failleþ
                  
W.15.443KD.15.433  It is vnsauory for-soþe . ysoden or ybake
                  
W.15.444KD.15.434  So is mannes soule sooþly . þat seeþ no goode ensamplesW.15.444: W alone has plural ensamples.  Other manuscripts have the singular.
W.15.445KD.15.435  Of hem of holi chirche . þat þe heighe wey sholde teche
W.15.446KD.15.436  And be gide and go bifore . as a good Banyer
W.15.447KD.15.437  And hardie hem þat bihynde ben . and ȝyue hem good euidence

W.15.448KD.15.438  ¶ Elleuene holy men . al þe world tornede
                  
W.15.449KD.15.439  In-to lele bileue . þe lightloker me þinkeþ
                  
W.15.450KD.15.440  Sholde alle maner men . we han so manye maistres
W.15.451KD.15.441  Preestes and prechours . and a pope aboue
W.15.452KD.15.442  That goddes salt sholde be . to saue mannes soule

W.15.453KD.15.443  ¶ Al was hethynesse somtyme . Engelond and Walis
                  
W.15.454KD.15.444  Til Gregory garte clerkes . to go here and preche
W.15.455KD.15.445  Austyn at Caunterbury . cristnede þe kyng
W.15.456KD.15.446  And þoruȝ miracles as men mow rede . al þat marche he tornede
W.15.457KD.15.447  To crist and to cristendom . and cros to honoure
W.15.458KD.15.448  And follede folk faste . and þe feiþ tauȝte
W.15.459KD.15.449  Moore þoruȝ miracles . þan þoruȝ muche prechyng
                  
W.15.460KD.15.450  As wel þoruȝ hise werkes . as wiþ hise holy wordes
W.15.461KD.15.451  And seide hem . what fullynge and feiþ was to mene

W.15.462KD.15.452  ¶ Clooþ þat comeþ fro þe weuyng . is noȝt comly to were
                  
W.15.463KD.15.453  Til it be fulled vnder foot . or in fullyng stokkes
W.15.464KD.15.454  Wasshen wel wiþ water . and wiþ taseles cracched
W.15.465KD.15.455  Ytouked and yteynted . and vnder taillours hande
                  
W.15.466KD.15.456  RightW.15.466: W alone reads Right. All other manuscripts have And. so it fareþ by a barn . þat born is of a wombe
                  
W.15.467KD.15.457  Til it be cristned in cristes name . and confermed of þe bisshop
W.15.468KD.15.458  It is heþene as to heueneward . and helplees to þe soule

fol. 94vI

¶ Heþen is to mene after heeþ . and vntiled erþe

As in wilde wildernesse . wexeþ wilde beestes

Rude and vnresonable . rennynge wiþ-outen cropiersW.15.471: W alone has the spelling cropiers, "cruppers, straps" (French cropiere). R alone has the probably correct keperes, while other manuscripts have variations on creperes (GC2LYO) and cropers (HmCrCBM).

W.15.472KD.15.462  ¶ Ye mynnen wel how Mathew seiþ . how a man made a feste
                  
W.15.473KD.15.463  He fedde hem wiþ no venyson . ne fesauntz ybake
W.15.474KD.15.464  But wiþ foweles þat fram hym nolde . but folwede his whistlyng
W.15.475KD.15.464α  Ecce altilia mea & omnia parata sunt
W.15.476KD.15.465  And wiþ calues flessh he fedde . þe folk þat he louede

W.15.477KD.15.466  ¶ The calf bitokneþ clennesse . in hem þat kepeþ lawes
                  
W.15.478KD.15.467  For as þe Cow þoruȝ kynde mylk . þe calf norisseþ til an Oxe
W.15.479KD.15.468  So loue and leaute . lele men susteneþ
W.15.480KD.15.469  And maidenes and mylde men . mercy desiren
W.15.481KD.15.470  Right as þe cow calf . coueiteþ melk sweteW.15.481: W alone reads melk swete.  Other manuscripts have swete mylke (in the spelling of L).
W.15.482KD.15.471  So doon riȝtfulle men . mercy and truþe

W.15.483KD.15.486  ¶ Ac who beþ þat excuseþ hem . þat ben persons and preestes
                  
W.15.484KD.15.487  That heuedes of holy chirche ben . þat han hir wil here
W.15.485KD.15.488  Wiþ-outen trauaille þe tiþe deel . þat trewe men biswynken
                  
W.15.486KD.15.489  They wol be wrooþ for I write þus . ac to witnesse I take
W.15.487KD.15.490  Boþe Mathew and Marc . and Memento domine dauid

W.15.488KD.15.491

¶ What pope or prelat now . parfourneþ þat crist highte

Ite in vniuersum mundum & predicate &c

W.15.490KD.15.492  ¶ Allas þat men so longe . on Makometh sholde bileue
                  
W.15.491KD.15.493  So manye prelates to preche . as þe Pope makeþ
                  
W.15.492KD.15.494  Of Nazareth of Nynyue . of Neptalym and Damaske
W.15.493KD.15.495  That þei ne wente as crist wisseþ . siþen þei wille haue name
W.15.494KD.15.496  To be pastours and preche . þe passion of Iesus
W.15.495KD.15.497  And as hym-self seide . to lyue and toW.15.495: W alone has to which is omitted by the other witnesses. dye
                  
W.15.496KD.15.497α  Bonus pastor animam suam ponit &c
W.15.497KD.15.498  And seide it in saluacion . of Sarzens and oþere
fol. 95rI

For cristene and vncristene . crist seide to prechours

Ite vos in vineam meam &c

W.15.500KD.15.501

¶ And siþ þat þise Sarzens . Scribes and Iewes

Han a lippe of oure bileue . þe lightlier me þynkeþ

Thei sholde turne who-so trauailed . to teche hem of þe Trinite

Querite & inuenietis &c

W.15.504KD.15.533  ¶ It is ruþe to rede . how riȝtwise men lyuede
                  
W.15.505KD.15.534  How þei defouled hir flessh . forsoke hir owene wille
W.15.506KD.15.535  Fer fro kyth and fro kyn . yuele ycloþed yeden
W.15.507KD.15.536  Baddely ybedded . no book but conscience
W.15.508KD.15.537  Ne no richesse but þe roode . to reioisse hem Inne
W.15.509KD.15.537α  Absit nobis gloriari nisi in cruce domini nostri &c

W.15.510KD.15.538  ¶ And þo was plentee and pees . amonges poore and riche
                  
W.15.511KD.15.539  And now is rouþe to rede . how þe rede noble
W.15.512KD.15.540  Is reuerenced er þe Roode . and receyued for worþierW.15.512: W alone omits þe before worþier.
W.15.513KD.15.541  Than cristes cros þat ouercam . deeþ and dedly synne
                  
W.15.514KD.15.542  And now is werre and wo . and who-so why askeþ
                  
W.15.515KD.15.543  For coueitise after cros . þe croune stant in golde
W.15.516KD.15.544  Boþe riche and Religious . þat roode þei honoure
W.15.517KD.15.545  That in grotes is ygraue . and in gold nobles
W.15.518KD.15.546  For coueitise of þat cros . men of holy kirke
W.15.519KD.15.547  Shul torne as templers dide . þe tyme approcheþ faste
                  

W.15.520KD.15.548

¶ Wite ye noȝt ye wise men . how þo men honoured

Moore tresor þan trouþe . I dar noȝt telle þe soþe

Reson and rightful doom . þe Religiouse demede

W.15.523KD.15.551  ¶ Right so ye clerkes . for youre coueitise er longe
                  
W.15.524KD.15.552  Shal þei demen dos ecclesie . and youre pride depose
                  
W.15.525KD.15.552α  Deposuit potentes de sede &c

fol. 95vI

W.15.526KD.15.553  ¶ If knyghthod and kynde wit . and þeW.15.526: W alone reads þe, which is omitted in other manuscripts. In many manuscripts the b-verse reads and comune conscience (in the spelling of L). commune by conscience
                  
W.15.527KD.15.554  Togideres loue leelly . leueþ it wel ye bisshopes
W.15.528KD.15.555  The lordshipe of youreW.15.528: W alone has youre; other manuscripts omit it. londes . for euere shul ye lese
                  
W.15.529KD.15.556  And lyuen as Leuitici . as oure lordW.15.529: W alone omits yow after lord. techeþ
                  
W.15.530KD.15.556α  Per primicias & decimas &c

W.15.531KD.15.557  ¶ Whan Costantyn of curteisie . holy kirke dowed
                  
W.15.532KD.15.558  Wiþ londes and ledes . lordshipes and rentes
W.15.533KD.15.559  An Aungel men herden . an heigh at Rome crye
W.15.534KD.15.560  Dos ecclesie þis day . haþ ydronke venym
                  
W.15.535KD.15.561  And þo þat han Petres power . arn apoisoned alle

W.15.536KD.15.562

¶ A medicyne moot þer-to . þat may amende prelates

That sholden preie for þe pees . possession hem letteþ

Takeþ hire landes ye lordes . and leteþ hem lyue by dymes

¶ If possession be poison . and inparfite hem make

W.15.540KD.15.566

Good were to deschargen hem . for holy chirches sake

And purgen hem of poison . er moore peril falle

W.15.542KD.15.568  ¶ If preesthode were parfit . þe peple sholde amende
                  
W.15.543KD.15.569  That contrarien cristes lawe . and cristendom dispise
                  
W.15.544KD.15.504  For alle paynymes preieþ . and parfitly bileueþ
W.15.545KD.15.505  In þe holy grete god . and his grace þei asken
W.15.546KD.15.506  And make hir mone to Makometh . hir message to shewe
W.15.547KD.15.507  Thus in a feiþ leue þat folk . and in a fals mene
W.15.548KD.15.508  And þat is rouþe for riȝtful men . þat in þe Reawme wonyen
                  
W.15.549KD.15.509  And a peril to þe pope . and prelates þat he makeþ
                  
W.15.550KD.15.510  That bere bisshopes names . of Bethleem and Babiloigne
W.15.551KD.15.529  That huppe aboute in Engelond . to halwe mennes Auteres
W.15.552KD.15.530  And crepe amonges curatours . and confessen ageyn þe lawe
W.15.553KD.15.530α  Nolite mittere falsem in messem alienam &c

¶ Many man for cristes loue . was martired in Romayne

fol. 96rI

Er any cristendom was knowe þere . or any cros honoured

W.15.556KD.15.570  ¶ Euery bisshop þat bereþ cros . by þat he is holden
                  
W.15.557KD.15.571  Thoruȝ his prouince to passe . and to his peple to shewe hym
                  
W.15.558KD.15.572  Tellen hem and techen hem . on þe Trinite to bileue
W.15.559KD.15.573, 576  And feden hem wiþ goostly foode . and gyue þere it nedeþ
W.15.560KD.15.576α  In domo mea non est panis neque vestimentum
   et ideo nolite constituere me Regem

¶ Ozias seiþ for swiche . þat sike ben and feble

Inferte omnesW.15.562: W alone omits decimas after omnes. in orreum meum vt cibus in domo mea

¶ Ac we cristene creatures . þat on þe cros bileuen

W.15.564KD.15.580

Arn ferme as in þe feiþ . goddes forbode ellis

And han clerkes to kepen vs þer-Inne . & hem þat shul come after vs

W.15.566KD.15.582  ¶ And Iewes lyuen in lele lawe . oure lord wroot it hym-selue
                  
W.15.567KD.15.583  In stoon for it stedefast was . and stonde sholde euere
W.15.568KD.15.584  Dilige deum & proximum . is parfit Iewen lawe
                  
W.15.569KD.15.585  And took it Moyses to teche men . til Messie coome
W.15.570KD.15.586  And on þat lawe þei lyue ȝit . and leten it þe beste
W.15.571KD.15.587  And ȝit knewe þei crist . þat cristendom tauȝte
W.15.572KD.15.588  For a parfit prophete . þat muche peple sauede
                  
W.15.573KD.15.589  Of selkouþe sores . þei seiȝen it ofte
W.15.574KD.15.590  Boþe of miracles and merueilles . and how he men festede
                  
W.15.575KD.15.591  Wiþ two fisshes and fyue loues . fyue þousand peple
W.15.576KD.15.592  And by þat mangerie men myȝte wel se . þat Messie he semede
                  
W.15.577KD.15.593  And whan he lifte vp Lazar . þat leid was in graue
W.15.578KD.15.594  And vnder stoon deed and stank . wiþ stif vois hym callede
W.15.579KD.15.594α  Lazare veni foras .
W.15.580KD.15.595  Dide hym rise and rome . riȝt bifore þe Iewes

¶ Ac þei seiden and sworen . wiþ sorcerie he wrouȝte

And studieden to struyen hym . and struyden hem-selue .

fol. 96vI

And þoruȝ his pacience hir power . to pure noȝt he brouȝte

W.15.584KD.15.598α

Pacientes vincunt .

W.15.585KD.15.599  ¶  Daniel of hire vndoynge . deuyned and seide
                  
W.15.586KD.15.600  Cum sanctus sanctorum veniat cessabit vnxio vestra
W.15.587KD.15.601  And wenen þo wrecches . þat he were pseudo propheta
W.15.588KD.15.602  And þat his loore be lesynges . and lakken it alle
                  
W.15.589KD.15.603  And hopen þat he be to come . þat shal hem releue
                  
W.15.590KD.15.604  Moyses eft or Messie . hir maistres ȝit deuyneþ

W.15.591KD.15.605  ¶ Ac pharisees and Sarzens . Scribes and Iewes
                  
W.15.592KD.15.606  Arn folk of oon feiþ . þe fader god þei honouren
W.15.593KD.15.607  And siþen þat þe Sarzens . and also þe Iewes
                  
W.15.594KD.15.608  Konne þe firste clause of oure bileue . Credo in deum patrem omnipotentem
W.15.595KD.15.609  Prelates of cristene prouinces . sholde preue if þei myȝte
                  
W.15.596KD.15.610  To lere hem litlum and litlum . et in Iesum Christum filium
W.15.597KD.15.611  Til þei kouþe speke and spelle . et in Spiritum sanctum
W.15.598KD.15.612  And reden it and recorden it . wiþ remissionem peccatorum
W.15.599KD.15.613  Carnis resurreccionem . et vitam eternam amen