XCVII.

“On Earth below, where men did owe   a thousand pounds and more. Could twenty pence it recompense?   Could that have clear’d the score? Think you to buy Felicity   with part of what’s due debt? Or for desert of one small part,   the whole should off be set?

XCVIII. [83]

“And yet that part whose great desert   you think to reach so far, For your excuse doth you accuse,   and will your boasting mar. However fair, however square   your way and work hath been Before men’s eyes, yet God espies   iniquity therein.

XCIX. [84]

“God looks upon th’ affecti-on   and temper of the heart; Not only on the acti-on,   and the external part. Whatever end vain men pretend,   God knows the verity, And by the end which they intend   their words and deeds doth try.

C. [85]

“Without true Faith, the Scripture saith,   God cannot take delight In any deed that doth proceed [86]   from any sinful wight. And without love all actions prove   but barren empty things; Dead works they be and vanity,   the which vexation brings.