Evil-Tongue. To what purpose? says his friend, since it were much easier to overcome him by ruse and deceit. But, says the Lover, can you not point out some better mode of taking the castle? Well, yes, says the friend, there is the path of Mad-Largess, constructed by Free-Giving. He who treads this path in the company of Richesse will certainly gain entry to the fort, but she will desert him there, and it is Poverty who will be his associate on the return journey.
Cap. XLV.
F. 8267-8374
The friend then holds discourse on the hardships and miseries of poverty. But Poverty it is that reveals to a man the true friend who is ever ready to succour him in his distress.
Cap. XLV.
F. 8375-8712
The true friend gives to him whom he loves all that he hath, himself and his goods, nay, he will consent to be imprisoned or given in pledge to supply his friend’s needs. Above all things is poverty to be dreaded, and Solomon’s proverbs
thereon are quoted to enforce the argument. But, says the friend, if you are rich, and desire to win the hearts of dames and damosels, be careful to be ready with pretty presents, fruits, ribbons, and small gifts, which do not embarrass your purse, according to the counsel of Ovid. But after all, he continues, this was needless in those good days when folk lived simply. The natural fruits of the earth supplied their wants, they drank of the water of the brook, and sheep skins sufficed for clothing, while the hollows of
