|
But shortly, myn entente I wol devyse; |
| I preche of no thyng but for coveityse. |
| Therfore my theme is yet, and evere was, |
| 140 | 'Radix malorum est Cupiditas.' |
| Thus kan I preche agayn that same vice |
| Which that I use, and that is avarice. |
| But though myself be gilty in that synne, |
| Yet kan I maken oother folk to twynne |
| 145 | From avarice, and soore to repente; |
| But that is nat my principal entente. |
| I preche no thyng but for coveitise. |
| Of this mateere it oghte ynogh suffise. |
|
|
"But briefly my intention I'll express; |
| I preach no sermon, except for covetousness. |
| For at my theme is yet, and ever was, |
| 140 | 'Radix malorum est cupiditas.' |
| Thus can I preach against that self-same vice |
| Which I indulge, and that is avarice. |
| But though myself be guilty of that sin, |
| Yet can I cause these other folk to win |
| 145 | From avarice and really to repent. |
| But that is not my principal intent. |
| I preach no sermon, save for covetousness; |
| This should suffice of that, though, as I guess. |
|
