Cxvii. [101]

“This you well knew: that God is true,   and that most men are liars, In word professing holiness,   in deed thereof deniers. simple fools! that having Rules,   your lives to regulate. Would them refuse, and rather choose   vile men to imitate.“

They urge that they were led by godly men’s Examples. But all their shifts turn to their greater shame.

CXVIII.

“But, Lord,” say they, “we went astray,   and did more wickedly, By means of those whom thou has chose   Salvation’s heirs to be.“ To whom the Judge: “What you allege   doth nothing help the case, But makes appear how vile you were,   and rend’reth you more base.