such mischíef.” “For your good will, Sir, have ye right good prefe,” Quoth the canon; “and farewell, grand mercý .” He went his way, and never the priest him sey After that day; and when that this priest should Maken assay, at such time as he would, Of this receipt, farewell! it would not be. Lo, thus bejaped and beguil’d was he; Thus madë he his introductión To bringë folk to their destructión.
Consider, Sirs, how that in each estate Betwixtë men and gold there is debate, So farforth that unnethës is there none. This multiplying blint so many a one, That in good faith I trowë that it be The causë greatest of such scarcity. These philosóphers speak so mistily In this craft, that men cannot come thereby, For any wit that men have how-a-days. They may well chatter, as do thesë jays, And in their termës set their lust and pain, But to their purpose shall they ne’er attain. A man may lightly learn, if he have aught, To multiply, and bring his good to naught. Lo, such a lucre is in this lusty game; A mannë’s mirth it will turn all to grame, And empty also great and heavy purses, And makë folkë for to purchase curses Of them that have thereto their good y-lent. Oh, fy for shamë! they that have been brent, Alas! can they not flee the firë’s heat? Ye that it use, I rede that ye it lete, Lest ye lose all; for better than never is late; Never to thrivë, were too long a date. Though ye prowl aye, ye shall it never find;