The pietous Justinian,[1251]

As he which was a cruel man,

His nase of and his lippes bothe

He kutte, for he wolde him lothe

Unto the poeple and make unable.

Bot he which is al merciable,[1252]

The hihe god, ordeigneth so,

That he withinne a time also,

Whan he was strengest in his ire,[1253]

Was schoven out of his empire. 3280