Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/167

Rh

An abbess who with life hath done,

Or novice who would fain be nun.

As through the world I walk about,

I turn each credence inside out;

And whatsoe’er may be their law,

I take the grain and leave the straw;

For I but live to cozen folk,

And laugh at all beneath my cloak.

What more to tell? In suchlike way

As serves me best I play my play.

My mode I change unendingly;

And ne’er my words and deeds agree,

But through my privileges snare

Full many a man all unaware.

Good shrift I give when I confess

(Laughing at prelates’ helplessness)

All sinners whom I hap to meet;

No prelate dare my work defeat,

Saving our lord the Pope alone,

From whom this privilege was won

For our most holy brotherhood.

Whatever prelate hath withstood

Or dared to speak against my men,

I soon have closed his mouth again.

But out, alas! the people now

Too well my ways and manners trow,

And nought am I received so well,

Since ugly tales of me men tell.

But what care I? I’m none the worse,

With silver have I stored my purse

And goods have heaped; so well I’ve striven,

That foolish folk have freely given