The second bough that comes out of the stock of pride (so) is contempt
(despite), which is a very great sin. And though it be so, that no
deadly sin is without contempt of God, always by that which we here
specially call contempt, by this sin one may sin in three ways: either
because one praises not others aright in heart as one should, or because
one shows not honour and reverence where one should, or because one
obeys not aright them that one should rightfully obey.
Now, think right well in thy heart how often thou hast done the same sin
that thou hast in thy heart, despisest those that are more worthy than
thou because of some external graces that God hath given thee, either
because of nobility, or prowess, or riches, or wisdom, or fairness, or
other gifts, whatever they may be; wherefore thou praisest thyself more
than thou shouldst, and others less.
Afterwards, think how many times thou hast shown little honour and
reverence to whom thou shouldst (have shown them); first to God, and to
His mother, and to His saints, and to the angels of heaven. For there is
none against whom thou hast not sinned in contempt (despite), or by the
contempt that thou hast oftentimes evilly and badly kept their feasts.
After that, think how many times thou hast misserved our Lord Jesu
Christ, either in this, that thou hast not joyfully heard His service,
nor said His prayers, nor heard sermons; and when thou shouldst hear His
mass or His sermon at church, thou chatteredst and jestedst before God,
and in that thou showedst Him little honour.
Afterwards (think) how thou hast many times shown little honour to the
body of Jesu Christ when thou sawest it or when thou receivedst it, in
that thou wast not worthily prepared by shrift and by repenting, or
perchance, what is worse, that thou wittingly receivest in deadly sin,
which is great contempt (despite).
Afterwards, to thy sweet fellow, and to thy good guardian, thine angel,
who always guards thee: how many shames thou hast done him, in that thou
didst thy sins before him.
Afterwards, think how many times thou hast been disobedient to thy
father and to thy mother, and to those to whom thou shouldst be obedient
and show honour. If thou wilt in this manner call to mind thy life, thou
shalt see that thou hast sinned more times in such kind of pride as is
called contempt (despite) than (that not) thou canst reckon.