Volume I Part 26 (2/2)

O Jesu, sir, here is a heavy tiding.

PITY.

Sir, this is true, that I do bring.

CONTEMPLATION.

How am I beloved, master Pity, where ye come?

PITY.

In good faith, people have now small devotion; And as for with you, brother Contemplation, There meddleth few or none.

CONTEMPLATION.

Yet, I trust, that priests love me well?

PITY.

But a few, i-wis, and some never a deal.

CONTEMPLATION.

Why, sir, without me they may not live clean.

PITY.

Nay, that is the least thought that they have of fifteen; And that maketh me full heavy.

CONTEMPLATION.

How, trow you that there be no remedy?

PITY.

Full hard, for sin is now so grievous and ill, That I think that it be growen to an impossible, And yet one thing maketh me ever mourning: That priests lack utterance to show their cunning; And all the while that clerks do use so great sin, Among the lay people look never for no mending.

PERSEVERANCE.

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