His purchas was wel bettre than his rente.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue. The Friar has more money than his expenses, really illustrating the irony of the Friar’s character. Friars are commonly associated with a vow of poverty. But through skilful begging, socializing with the rich, and monetizing confession, Chaucer’s Friar has more money than he ever needs.