| 230 |
Aaron, that hadde the temple in governaunce, |
| And eek the othere preestes everichon, |
| Into the temple whan they sholde gon |
| To preye for the peple, and do servyse, |
| They nolden drynken in no maner wyse |
| 235 | No drynke which that myghte hem dronke make, |
| But there in abstinence preye and wake, |
| Lest that they deyden. Taak heede what I seye! |
| But they be sobre that for the peple preye, |
| War that - I seye namoore, for it suffiseth. |
|
| 230 | Aaron, who ruled the temple of his nation, |
| And all the other great priests, every one, |
| When they into the temple would be gone |
| To pray there for the folk and do their rites. |
| They would not drink of that which man excites |
| 235 | And makes him drunk or stirs in any way, |
| But there in abstinence they'd watch and pray |
| Lest they should die - to what I say take heed! - |
| Were they not sober when they prayed, indeed. |
| Beware my words. No more! for it suffices. |
|
