Three prose versions of the Secreta Secretorum / edited with an introduction and notes by Robert Steele and a glossary by T. Henderson

Of the mercy of a kyng. Cam. 22m.

dEre sone, y counselle the that thou gete gret purvyaunce of cornes and of alle othir vytaylis that the cuntre haue habundaunce therof, so that whan the tyme of derthe cometh thou maist with thi purveaunce and forsight helpe thi sugetis in her nede, and do crie and make knowe whan tyme is of thi vytaylis, and thi refresshyng thorugh thi Rewme in alle citees and borowes, that it may be fette of thi folke at nede, and this shalle be gret preysing to thi name, that so kanst ordeyne for the sauacioun of thi peple; than shalle þi sugetis with gret corage done alle thi comaundementis with fre hert and good wille, than shalle thi deedis falle (falle) [falle repeated in MS.] [folio 12a] to gret prosperite, and

euery man shalle merveyle of thi gret wisdome, and thus shalle thi wisdome be seen and knowe of alle men, and alle men shalle knowe and speke of thi forsight, and holde the gracious and worthi to ben a governour, and thus shalle þou stonde in love and preysing, and euery man loth to do the offence.