World and wealth thee deceiveth,

I wis they be thy foe;

If the world with wealth thee sleeketh,
That is for to do thee woe;
Therefore, let lust overgo,

If after it thee liketh ;

Wellaway! sore he himself cheateth,

That, for one stound 2 or two,

Worketh him pain ever mo;
Man, do thou nought so.

(Early English Text Society.)

2 Hour.

And can at-blench 7
From Satan's wrench, 8

And from his deceit.

7 Escape.

(Early English Text Society.)

8 Snares.

HEN thine hue paleth,

And thy strength weakeneth,
And thy nose coldeth,

And thy tongue faltereth,
And thee leaveth thy breath,
And thy life thee leaveth;
He taketh thee now, wretch,
On floor he thee stretcheth,
And layeth thee on bier,

And seweth thee up there,

And doeth thee in pit, worm's ivere ;1

Then beeth it soon of thee as though

thou never were.

(Early English Text Society.)

1 Mate.