Also, he must needs do as the world doth That intendeth any while here to reign; And follow the guise that now-a-day goeth, As far as his estate may it maintain. And who doth the contrary--I will be plain-- He is abject and despised utterly; And standeth ever banished from all good company. Sith God, therefore, had ordained this body To dwell here in this earthly region, Of convenience he must himself apply To worldly things; and be of such condition As all men be; and leave each fond opinion That is not approvable of wiser men than he; To take such way it is but vanity. Take this garment! man, do as I you bid! Be not ashamed hardely to do it on. So, lo! now this girdle have gird it in the mid; And this for your head go set it upon: By the charge of me! you be a goodly one As ever I saw sith that I was born; Worth a thousand that ye were beforne. Give me your hand! be not in fear! Sit down as ye are born to occupy this place! I give you here authority and power Over all thing that conceived is, in the space Of all the earth that round is in compass, To be as lord of every region; And, thereof, I give you peaceable possession. _Man._ Blessed be Thou, my Lord, most bounteous! That of Thy great abundant charity Me, Thy wretched creature, hast honoured thus With natural gifts and worldly dignity. Now, I beseech Thee, for Thy great pity, Sith Thou hast set me in so noble way, Suffer me not hereafter wretchedly to decay. For, certes! it is mine heart's desire So to demean me in this life present As may be most unto Thy pleasure, And unto nature not disconvenient. This is my will and my chief intent; This will I observe, Thy grace to borrow, Though I, therefore, suffer much worldly sorrow. _Rea._ Forsooth! these words be greatly to allow If they from meek and lowly heart proceed. Now, Mankind, sith thou hast made this vow, Shape thee, thereafter, thy life to lead; And let thy word be cousin to thy deed: That is to say, do thou none otherwise Than thou here openly to God dost promise. _Inno._ Yea, sir! and ever look that ye abstain, Not only from deed, but also from the assent; See that ye commit neither of them twain If ye will observe the high commandment. For, surely ye may not be cleped innocent, Nor guiltless of sin, as far as I can find, If once ye assent to folly in your mind. _Mun._ This is an hard word, sister, that ye have spoken; An hard word, surely, and an heavy sentence! But think ye God's commandment broken For a light trifle and matter of insolence? Alas! have ye such a spiced conscience That will be entriked with every merry thought? Leave it, woman! leave it! For it is nought. [_Loquitur ad ho[minem]._