Personally his conduct was in most ways moderate and he avoided giving offence since he bore in mind that he had not taken the emperor's seat but it had been given him;indeed, he said so frequently:unfortunately, he collected money greedily since his wants were numerous, though he spent comparatively little after all, bestowing upon some persons not even denarii but merely asses.

A] you coxcomely asse, ile be. l. 6.

And thou pure asse, meere asse, thy eares become thee well, yfaith.

Were the world a waste, A thistle-waste, ass-nibbled, goldfinch-pecked, And all the men and women merely asses, I still could lay this hand upon this heart, And cry, 'Not yet alone!