HOPKINS: CHARACTKR AND OPINIONS OF WILLIAM LANGLAND. 261 



Haukyn complains (C, XVI., 217 ff. ) that for his support of the 

 pope, he has received nothing in return (Cf. B-text;, and wishes that 

 the pope might subdue the pestilence, not daring to impute his fail- 

 ure to a lack of power or holiness in the pope himself, but ascribing 

 it to the sinfulness of men upon whom the pestilence is sent. The 

 schism of the popes probably gives rise to several allusions. No 

 wit or strength of this world can make a peace between the pope and 

 his enemies profitable to both (C, XVI., 173). It is wrong for the 

 pope to pay men to make war upon other Christians, and the ways 

 of peace are preferable for the good of the church, and of Christ's 

 kingdom (C, XVIII., 234). Imperfect is the pope that all people 

 should help, and sendeth tliem that slay such as he should save (C, 

 XXII., 43°)- 



Cardinals. As the most virtuous virtues are the cardinal virtues, 

 cardinals should be most virtuous of men, and doubtless are so (C, 

 I., 134). But a certain ignorant vicar, who has already impeached 

 the pope, doubts this (C, XXII., 411-425), and looks upon cardinals 

 rather as sources of all evil. Coming from Rome to bring messages 

 and collect moneys, they are sources of great expense, lechers, and a 

 curse to the country they come into. 



Bishop!!!. The principal charge, among many, against bishops, is 

 that they seek sloth and ease, neglecting the care of souls, and are 

 particularly careless of the command of Christ to preach the gospel 

 to all nations; hence so-called bishops of foreign lands maintain resi- 

 dence in London or Rome, and never think of going elsewhere (C. 

 XVIII., 187). They should be learned, wise, and holy; fearless in 

 reproving sin, living as they teach. They are the rulers and judges in 

 the church, and with the apostles may act as judges at domesday (C, 

 X., 13-21). Their punishment will be according to their responsi- 

 bility if tliey fail (Ibid., 255). But poisoned by the gift of lands as 

 the church is, its bishops seek only for lands and money (C, XVIII., 

 220); often they purchase their positions (C, VI., 70), are ignorant of 

 their duties, and allow their subordinates to deceive the people with 

 false teaching, false miracles, and the sale of relics, images, and in- 

 dulgences (C, I., 66-100). 



Parocliial Upon the parochial clergy and friars, Langland ex- 



C'lergry. pends all his energy and indignation. As with the 

 bishops, the root of all is neglect of duty and eagerness for money. 

 They leave their charges to seek silver in London, allow traveling 

 pardoners to preach to their people, and divide with them the profits of 

 the sale of indulgences or pardons. Often they are unchaste, proud, 

 slothful, and ignorant. When pure, they often lack charity. As a 

 complete antithesis to Chaucer's parson, nothing better could be 



