Note 718 — XVII. NORMAN ENGLAND.

And thise ersedeknes that ben set to visite holi churche, Everich fondeth hu he may shrewedelichest worche; He wole take mede of that on and that other, And late the parsoun have a wyf and the prest another, At wille: Coveytise shal stoppen here mouth, and maken hem al stille. Wright, Political Songs of England, p. 326.

“In the consistorie bifore the commissarie He cometh noght but ofte; For hir lawe dureth over longe, But if thei lacchen silver, And matrimoyne for moneie Maken and unmaken.” Vision of Piers Ploughman, v. 10102-7 (Wright’s Edition).