5
10
|
When lordes wille is londes law,
Prestes wylle trechery, and gyle hold soth saw, 1
Lechery callyd pryvé solace,
And robbery is hold no trespace -
Then schal the lond of Albyon torne into confusioun!
A M CCCC lx and on, few lordes or ellys noone.
Longe berde herteles,
Peyntede hoode wytles,
Gay cote graceles,
Maketh Engelond thrifles.
|
the law of the land
is called secret pleasure
held to be no crime
(see note)
In 1461 [there are]; (see note)
i.e., An old man; (see note)
foolish
ill-mannered
worthless
|