That can noht a ferthing worth of god, unnethe singe a masse 100
but ille.
And thus shal al the parish for lac of lore spille.
For riht me thinketh hit fareth bi a prest that is lewed,
As bi a jay in a kage, that himself hath bishrewed;
God Engelish he speketh, ac he wot nevere what;
No more wot a lewed prest in boke what he rat
bi day.
Thanne is a lewed prest no betir than a jay.
But everi man may wel i-wite, bi the swete rode!