That al the world to gold obeieth.’

Forthi this king to Bachus preieth

To grante him gold, bot he excedeth

Mesure more than him nedeth.

Men tellen that the maladie[1480]

Which cleped is ydropesie 250

Resembled is unto this vice

Be weie of kinde of Avarice:

The more ydropesie drinketh,[1481]

The more him thursteth, for him thinketh