Falsehood grows fat and mars all with his might.

He stands still in a spot and shows a stern soul,

Who makes beggars wander with long staves and bags;

Thus we are hunted from hall and from hole,

And those who wore robes are now wearing rags.

And then come the beadles[59] with many a boast:

"Supply me with silver for the green wax,[60]

Thou art set down in my writ as thou thyself know'st,"

Yet more than ten times have I paid my tax.

Then I must furnish hens for the roast,