So, our author says, ignorant priests lead their people into sin; therefore, if you are not a great clerk, you will do well to read this book, where you will find—
How thou schalt thy parische teche
And what thou must thyself be.
For lytel is worth thy prechynge,
If thou be of evil lyvynge.
Which is certainly a very wholesome exordium.
Then he begins his instructions—
Preste; thy self thou moste be chaste,
And say thy service withouten haste,
That mouthe and heart accord i fere,[219]
If thou wilt that God thee hear.
And so he goes on: He must be true in heart and hand, eschew oaths, be mild to all, put away drunkenness, gluttony, pride, sloth, and envy. He must not frequent taverns, or make merchandise, or indulge in wrestling, shooting, hawking, hunting, dancing; wear cutted (slashed) clothes, or piked shoes; not frequent markets or fairs. He must wear proper clothes, must not wear basilard or baldrick, must keep his beard and crown shaven; be free of meat and drink to rich and poor; forsake women, avoid foolish jesting, despise the world, and cultivate virtue. We recognize that the author is giving a summary of all the canons on the subject of the life of the clergy.
Confession.
(From Chaucer’s “Romaunt of the Rose,” Harl. 4425, f. 143.)
He goes on to the priest’s duties. He is not to let men go on in sin, but urge them to speedy confession lest they forget before Lent. He is to bid women with child to come to confession and holy communion,
For dread of peril that may befall
In their travailing that come shall.