154 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

‘Then said the ape, ‘ Cousin, cast off your
sorrow, for I know the way to ome well, and
am experienced in these businesses, for | am
called the bishop’s clerk, therefore I will go
thither, and enter a plea against the archdeacon,
and in spite of his will, bring you from the
Pope a well-sealed absolution.

‘«Tut, man, I have many great friends
there, as mine uncle Szmoz and_ others,
Prentout, Waytescathe, and the like, all which
will stand unto me; besides, I will not go
unfurnished of money, for I know praters are
best heard with gifts, and the law hath no feet
to walk on but money. A true friend is tried
in necessity, and you shall find me without
dissembling ; therefore cast off your grief, and
go to the court as soon as you can, for I will
presently to Rome, and in the meantime, here I
quit you of all your sins and offences, and only
put them upon myself.

‘« When you come to the court you shall
find there Dame Aukenaw my wife, her two
sisters, and my three children, with divers
others of our family. I pray you salute them
from me, and show them mine occasions; my
wife is exceeding wise, and she shall find that
her distressed friends shall not shrink when I