And the riche sholen sitte at hom, and ther wole silver rise 340
to shon.
Godes curs moten hii have, but that be wel don!
Glossary.—319. skile, reason, right.—320. swiche, such.—321. thurfte him, need he. ner, near.—322. cheiturs, escheators.—324. pes, peace.—327. bien, buy. ledes, possessions. astonde, withstand.—329. fele, many.—330. wod, wood.—331. heste, command.—332. leste, least.—338. fondeth, tries, endeavours.—341. shon, to be shewn, to be seen.—342. moten, may.
And countours in benche that stondeth at the barre,
Theih wolen bigile the in thin hond, but if thu be the warre.
He wole take .xl. pans for to do doun his hod,
And speke for the a word or to, and don the litel god,
I trouwe.