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158

Right ready are the knaves with speech,

But slow to follow that they teach;

Burdens on poor men’s backs will they

With cheery heart and lightsome lay,

But scorn to help them e’en so much

As might they with a finger’s touch.

Why not?

Will lacks, and so they don’t.

They know that wretched folk are wont,

O’erburdened, oft to sink beneath

The load, and trouble shun like death;

And if some worthy work they do,

Be sure ’tis well within the view

Of others. Their phylacteries

And hems they broaden to men’s eyes,

And at the tables highest seats

They choose, anigh the choicest meats,

While in the synagogues with pride

They thrust poor humble men aside,

And dearly love in open street

Salutes to win from all they meet,

Nor are they anywise ashamed

To hear themselves as ‘Master’ named.

Yet these things Scripture hath forbid,

And suchlike ways and customs chid.

Behold another potent plan

We use against all those who ban