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Lordynges, I koude han toold yow, quod this Frere, |
| Hadde I had leyser for this Somonour heere, |
| After the text of Crist, Poul, and John, |
| And of oure othere doctours many oon, |
| 385 | Swiche peynes that youre hertes myghte agryse, |
| Al be it so no tonge may it devyse, |
| Thogh that I myghte a thousand wynter telle |
| The peynes of thilke cursed hous of helle. |
| But for to kepe us fro that cursed place, |
| 390 | Waketh, and preyeth Jhesu for his grace |
| So kepe us from the temptour Sathanas. |
| Herketh this word! Beth war, as in this cas: |
| "The leoun sit in his awayt alway |
| To sle the innocent, if that he may." |
| 395 | Disposeth ay youre hertes to withstonde |
| The feend, that yow wolde make thral and bonde. |
| He may nat tempte yow over youre myght, |
| For Crist wol be youre champion and knyght. |
| And prayeth that thise somonours hem repente |
| 400 | Of hir mysdedes, er that the feend hem hente! |
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|
Masters, I could have told you, said this friar, |
| Were I not pestered by this summoner dire, |
| After the texts of Christ and Paul and John, |
| And of our other doctors, many a one, |
| 385 | Such torments that your hearts would shake with dread, |
| Albeit by no tongue can half be said, |
| Although I might a thousand winters tell, |
| Of pains in that same cursed house of hell. |
| But all to keep us from that horrid place, |
| 390 | Watch, and pray Jesus for his holy grace, |
| And so reject the tempter Sathanas. |
| Listen to this word, be warned by this one case; |
| The lion lies in wait by night and day |
| To slay the innocent, if he but may. |
| 395 | Dispose your hearts in grace, that you withstand |
| The devil, who'd make you a slave among his band. |
| He cannot tempt more than beyond your might; |
| For Christ will be your champion and knight. |
| And pray that all these summoners repent |
| 400 | Of their misdeeds, before the devil torment. |
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