Then must I sooth[42] it, whatever it is;

For what he saith or doth cannot be amiss.

Hold by his yea and nay, be his nown white son:[43]

Praise and rouse him well, and ye have his heart won;

For so well liketh he his own fond fashions,

That he taketh pride of false commendations.

But such sport have I with him, as I would not lese,

Though I should be bound to live with bread and cheese.

For exalt him and have him as ye lust indeed;

Yea, to hold his finger in a hole for a need.