142 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

sently the world and her vanities appear to me
again, and when I find so many stones and
rubs in my way, and the examples of the crafty
men of all degrees, to enchant me, I am forth-
with taken again.

‘The world fills me with covetousness, and
the flesh with wantonness, so that losing my
good resolutions, | am only for evil and
wickedness. I hear their singing, piping,
laughing, playing, and all kind of mirth, and
I see their words and actions so contrary, that
nothing is more uncertain and various; from
them I learn my lying, and from lords’ courts
my flattery; for certainly lords, ladies, and
clerks use most dissimulation.

‘It is now an offence to tell great men truth ;
and he that cannot dissemble cannot live. I
have oft heard men speak truth, yet they have
still graced it with falsehood; for untruths
many times happen into discourse unwillingly
and without knowledge, yet having a handsome
garment it ever goes for current. Dear nephew,
it is now a fashion to lie, flatter, soothe, threaten,
pray, and curse, and to do anything that may
keep the weak in subjection; who does other-
wise is held foolish. But he that cannot wimple
falsehood in truth’s kerchief, hath neither art