Tho ben noght taken evene liche.

And natheles he that is riche

P. i. 360

This dai, tomorwe he mai be povere;

And in contraire also recovere 2400

A povere man to gret richesse

Men sen: forthi let rihtwisnesse[1057]

Be peised evene in the balance.

The king his hardi contienance

Behield, and herde hise wordes wise,