For many a man so hard is of his herte,

He may not wepe although him sorè smerte.

Therfore in stede of weping and praieres,

Men mote[85] give silver to the pourè freres.

His tippet was ay farsed[86] ful of knives,

And pinnès, for to given fayrè wives.

And certainly he hadde a mery note.

Wel coude he singe and plaien on a rote.[87]

Of yeddinges[88] he bar utterly the pris.

His nekke was white as the flour de lis.