Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/170

Power of friars If so he will, and forthwith cite
You ’fore the court in dread despite,11810
And ruin you in two short days.
And he possesseth briefs, he says,
Much stricter and more strong by far
Than any common parchments are,
Which have no power at all to touch
More than eight persons, while his, much
More wide and full in their intent,
May pass when law itself is spent:
And for your rights nought careth he,
From law he hath immunity.11820
Thus all his power he’ll put in force.
Nor deign to stay or change his course
For prayers or tears, nor any kind
Of gift, his coffers well are lined.
For seneschal. Sir Schemer he
Hath got, who gathers wondrously,
And Sir Solicitor, his brother,
These two will outvie many another
In piling wealth, and ’twixt the pair
Their hoard might buy St. Peter’s chair,11830
Now help me God and good St. James,
If you deny my lawful claims
(When spring toward Easter-tide hath trod)
To have the holy body of God,
I shall not grieve thereat, but go
To that good man who well I know
Will give it me, and vainly spent
On me were threats of punishment.

Thuswise may every carl confess
Whereso it suits his wilfulness;11840