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Of niggard, or forsooth, doth give,

Only that he in peace may live;

Although his worldly goods he lose,

No profit from such alms ensues.

When worthy men to hear St. Paul

Flocked round, they offered him their all

For love of God; but he straightway

Refused, nor deigned his hands to stay

From useful work, whereby he gained

So much as all his need sustained.

But say then, in what way can live

A strong man who desires to give

Himself to God when he hath sold

His goods, as in the gospel told,

And made all over to the poor,

Yet, bound to prayer, would work no more:

May he do so?

Yea.

Tell me how.

This doth Saint Austin clearly show.

If men to God their lives have wed

Within an abbey garnishèd

With lands, where white and black monks are,

Or worthy canons regular,