He had a cross of latoun 245 full of stones, And in a glass he haddë piggë’s bones. But with these relics, whennë that he fond A poorë parson dwelling upon lond, Upon a day he got him more money Than that the parson got in moneths tway; And thus with feigned flattering and japes, 246 He made the parson and the people his apes. But truëly to tellen at the last, He was in church a noble ecclesiast. Well could he read a lesson or a story, But alderbest 247 he sang an offertóry: 248 For well he wistë, when that song was sung, He mustë preach, and well afile his tongue, 249 To winnë silver, as he right well could: Therefore he sang full merrily and loud.