This opening satire constitutes the whole of the Eighth Passus of Piers Plowman's Vision and the First of Do-Wel. The "Dreamer" here sets off on a new pilgrimage in search of a person who has not appeared in the poem before—Do-Well. The following is the argument of the Passus.—"All Piers Plowman's inquiries after Do-Well are fruitless. Even the friars to whom he addresses himself give but a confused account; and weary with wandering about, the dreamer is again overtaken by slumber. Thought now appears to him, and recommends him to Wit, who describes to him the residence of Do-Well, Do-Bet, Do-Best, and enumerates their companions and attendants."
Thus y-robed in russet · romed I aboute
Al in a somer seson · for to seke Do-wel;
And frayned[23] full ofte · of folk that I mette
If any wight wiste · wher Do-wel was at inne;
And what man he myghte be · of many man I asked.
Was nevere wight, as I wente · that me wisse kouthe[24]
Where this leode lenged,[25] · lasse ne moore.[26]
Til it bifel on a Friday · two freres I mette
Maisters of the Menours[27] · men of grete witte.