Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/167

Friars free of bishops An abbess who with life hath done,
Or novice who would fain be nun.
As through the world I walk about,
I turn each credence inside out;
And whatsoe’er may be their law,
I take the grain and leave the straw;11720
For I but live to cozen folk,
And laugh at all beneath my cloak.
What more to tell? In suchlike way
As serves me best I play my play.
My mode I change unendingly;
And ne’er my words and deeds agree,
But through my privileges snare
Full many a man all unaware.
Good shrift I give when I confess
(Laughing at prelates’ helplessness)11730
All sinners whom I hap to meet;
No prelate dare my work defeat,
Saving our lord the Pope alone,
From whom this privilege was won
For our most holy brotherhood.
Whatever prelate hath withstood
Or dared to speak against my men,
I soon have closed his mouth again.
But out, alas! the people now
Too well my ways and manners trow,11740
And nought am I received so well,
Since ugly tales of me men tell.
But what care I? I’m none the worse,
With silver have I stored my purse
And goods have heaped; so well I’ve striven,
That foolish folk have freely given