On earth there is a little thing That reigns as does the richest king, In this and every land; Sir Penny is his name, we're told, He compels both young and old To bow unto his hand. Popes and kings and emperors, Bishops, abbots, too, and priors, Parson, priest, and knight, Barons, earls, and dukes, also, Gladly in his service go, Both by day and night. Sir Penny changes a man's mood And makes him, often, don his hood And rise and stand again. Men honor him with reverence And give utmost obedience Unto that little swain. In the king's court it is no gain Against Sir Penny to complain, So great is he in might; He is so witty and so strong That be a matter ever so wrong He will make it right. With Penny women may be won By those men they once did shun, As often may be seen; Long with him they will not chide, For he can help them trail aside, In good scarlet and green. He may buy both heaven and hell And everything there is to sell, Such grace he has on earth. He may loose and he may bind; The poor are ever put behind, When he comes to a place. When he begins to take control, He makes meek the cruel soul And weak who bold has been; All men's needs are quickly sped, Without pledge or bail to dread, Where he is go-between. The justices he makes so blind They are unable right to find Or even truth to see; To give judgment they are loath, If it should make Sir Penny wroth, For dear to them is he. Where strife was, Penny soon makes peace; From anger he will bring release, As long as men will spend; Of foes he makes friends most true, His counsel they will never rue Who have him for friend. That lord is set above us all And richly served within the hall At the festal board; The more he gives men plenteously, The more beloved always is he, And, by a host, adored. He makes many be forsworn Who in body and soul are made forlorn By following after him. Other god they will not have, Except that little and round knave, To end their sorrows grim. On him alone they set their hearts, And no man from his love departs, Neither for good nor ill. All that he will on earth have done Is granted soon by everyone According to his will. Penny is a good fellow; Men greet him in deed and word, also, Whenever he comes near; He is not welcomed as a guest, But always served with what is best, A soft seat and good cheer. Whoever falls in any need, With Penny's help will win good speed, Whatever may betide; He that is Penny's friend, withal, Shall have his will in steed and stall When others are set aside.