Hearken what is the sentence of the wise: Better to die than to have indigence. Thy selvë neighëbour 1429 will thee despise, If thou be poor, farewell thy reverence. Yet of the wisë man take this senténce, Allë the days of poorë men be wick’, 1430 Beware therefore ere thou come to that prick. 1431

If thou be poor, thy brother hateth thee, And all thy friendës flee from thee, alas! O richë merchants, full of wealth be ye, O noble, prudent folk, as in this case, Your baggës be not fill’d with ambës ace, 1432 But with six- cinque , 1433 that runneth for your chance; At Christenmass well merry may ye dance.