Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/177

Of kings, nor dare to rashly say
That they may not extend their sway
Whereso they will; but in the law
Methinks ’twould be a grievous flaw
Should it permit that doles and alms,
Which should but reach the trembling palms
Of those who cannot earn their bread
Through sickness, age, or drearihead,12020
Were snatched away from them by might
And power of those who trample right;
Surely for them were hell made hot.
If Adam’s Maker lieth not.
But God’s commandment, mind ye well,
It is a righteous man should sell
His goods, and therewith help the poor,
But this command oped not the door
To mendicancy, that was not
His meaning, as right well we wot,12030
But that each man his hand should trim
To work while meekly following him.
Saint Paul’s injunction To his disciples gave Saint Paul
Injunction strict that one and all
Should labour with their hands, nor be
Disgraced by base mendicity.
Saying: To labour set ye then,
Nor ask an alms of other men;
And greatly feared he lest some sold
The gospel through the lust of gold.12040
And if a man to give doth choose
Because he dareth not refuse
Another’s asking, pricked with shame,
Or fearing lest he get the name