Why that a king schal be pitous.[1281]
Bot elles, if he be doubtous
To slen in cause of rihtwisnesse,
It mai be said no Pitousnesse,
Bot it is Pusillamite,
[Mercy must be without Weakness.]
Which every Prince scholde flee.
For if Pite mesure excede,
Kinghode may noght wel procede[1282] 3530
To do justice upon the riht: