Therto he strong was as a champioun,

And knew wel the tavérnes in every toun,

And every hosteler and tappestere,

Better than a lazar or a beggestere,

For unto swiche a worthy man as he

Accordeth not, as by his facultè,

To haven[89] with sike lazars acquaintànce.

It is not honest, it may not avànce,[90]

As for to delen with no swiche pouràille,[91]

But all with riche, and sellers of vitàille.