Lack of Steadfastness
A Ballad
At one time this world was so steadfast and stable that a man’s word was a sufficient bond; now it is so false and deceitful that, in effect, word and deed are in no way alike, for the whole world is so turned upside-down by willfulness and corruption that all is lost for the lack of steadfastness.
Why is this world so variable, except the desire that people have in dissension? Among us now a man is believed to be powerless unless by some conspiracy he can wrong or oppress his neighbor. What except willful wretchedness causes all to be lost for the lack of steadfastness?
Truth is put down, reason is judged to be a fable, virtue has now no dominion, pity is exiled, no man is merciful, and through covetousness discretion is blinded. The world has made a transmutation from right to wrong, from fidelity to instability, so that all is lost for the lack of steadfastness.
The Envoy to King Richard
O prince, desire to be honorable, cherish your people and hate extortion! Allow nothing to be done in your domains that may be a reproach to your office. Show forth your sword of chastisement, fear God, execute the law, love fidelity and worthiness, and wed your people again to steadfastness.
Here ends the Poem.
Translated and Edited by Gerard NeCastro
© Copyright, 2007, All Rights Reserved
Citation. Chaucer, Geoffrey. Lack of Steadfastness. NeCastro, Gerard, ed. and trans. eChaucer: https://www.echaucer.com. [Site Visit Date.]
