How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #7
Poverte is this, although it seme alenge,
Possessioun, that no wight wol chalenge.
(1205 – 1206)
Here's another variation on the 'poverty is actually wealth' theme. This one plays upon the way people possess poverty as a characteristic of their lifestyle, but of course no one wants to take it away from them.
Quote #8
Poverte ful ofte, whan a man is lowe,
Maketh his God and eek himself to knowe.
(1207 – 1208)
This maxim draws upon a Christian idea that material possessions get in the way of one's communion with God. To be close to God, you must desire him above all else, but material possessions are things that distract your desire from God because you become too attached to them. Perhaps they also distract you from truly knowing yourself because you become unable to separate yourself from your possessions.
Quote #9
Poverte a spectacle is, as thynketh me,
Thurgh which he may hise verray freendes see.
(1209 – 1210)
Here the lady is using "spectacle" in the sense of eyeglass. She's saying that a man can assess who his friends are by paying attention to who helps him in his time of financial need. She may also be playing upon spectacle's meaning as something that draws people's attention.