14. In a fabulous conference between the Emperor Adrian and
the philosopher Secundus, reported by Vincent of Beauvais,
occurs the passage which Chaucer here paraphrases: — “Quid
est Paupertas? Odibile bonum; sanitas mater; remotio Curarum;
sapientae repertrix; negotium sine damno; possessio absque
calumnia; sine sollicitudinae felicitas.” (What is Poverty? A
hateful good; a mother of health; a putting away of cares; a
discoverer of wisdom; business without injury; ownership
without calumny; happiness without anxiety)