Translation:John Ball's letter to an unidentified community

by John Ball (1338-1381)

For other versions of this work, see John Ball's letter to an unidentified community.

John Ball, Saint Mary's priest, warmly greets all manner of men and bids them in the name of the Trinity, the Father, and Son and Holy Ghost, to stand manfully together in truth, and help truth, and truth shall help you.

Now reigns pride in price [wealth]
And covetousness is deemed wise
And lechery without shame
And gluttony without blame.
Envy rules with treason,
And sloth is in great season [is popular]
God help us, for now is the time. Amen