That he mai lihtly be deceived,
That tristeth unto mannes helpe;
Bot wel is him whom god wol helpe,
For he stant on the siker side,
Which elles scholde go beside:
I se my fela wel recovere,
And I mot duelle stille povere.’ 2430
Thus spak this begger his entente,
And povere he cam and povere he wente;
Of that he hath richesse soght,[40]