And kepe hem fro dedli synne.

For wel is hem þt wiþ preching

Mai tele [i.e. allure] soulis to heuene king."

2. Nor was the author of these sermons less severe in rebuking the faults of the layman. The following is a specimen of his plain-spoken fervour:—

"But crist of þt man seyth wites [i.e. reproaches]

Þat in sarmoun not delytes.

For many folis heren a sarmoun

Wiþ outen ony deuocioun;

Þt is in Englisch loue-longing,

Þt auhte of mannes herte spring