noon
-- Pshaw ! many a prince has been known To barter his robes for our cowl and our gown , But which of us e'er felt the idle desire To exchange for a crown the grey hood of a Friar ! The Friar has walk 'd out , and where'er he has gone , The land and its fatness is mark 'd for his own ; He can roam where he lists , he can stop when he tires , For every man 's house is the Barefooted Friar 's . He 's expected at noon , and no wight till he comes May profane the great chair , or the porridge of plums For the best of the cheer , and the seat by the fire , Is the undenied right of the Barefooted Friar . He 's expected at night , and the pasty 's made hot , They broach the brown ale , and they fill the black pot , And the goodwife would wish the goodman in the mire , Ere he lack 'd a soft pillow , the Barefooted Friar . Long flourish the sandal , the cord , and the cope , The dread of the devil and trust of the Pope ; For to gather life 's roses , unscathed by the briar , Is granted alone to the Barefooted Friar . `` By my troth , '' said the knight , `` thou hast sung well and lustily , and in high praise of thine order .