Of Covetousness. Let us now somewhat see what this part of this medicine may do to the cure of covetousness, which is a sickness wherein men be very sore deceived. For it maketh folk to seem far of another sort than they be indeed. For covetous men seem humble, and yet be they very proud; they seem wise, and yet be they very foolish; they seem Christian, and yet have no trust in Christ; and, which most marvel is of all, they seem rich, and yet be very beggars, and have naught of their own.

As for pride of the possession of their goods, whoso be well acquainted with them shall well perceive it how heartily they rejoice where they dare speak and call their betters beggars, if money be not so rife 1 with them, because they regard it less and spend it more liberally.

1 plentiful.