But I was overruled by the Archbishop of York and the Lord Darcy.

Their voices prevailed against the Abbot of Whalley--or, if it please you, the Earl of Poverty." "It is the assumption of that derisive title which has drawn upon you the full force of the king's resentment, lord abbot," observed Father Eastgate.
"It may be," replied the abbot.

"I took it in mockery of Cromwell and the ecclesiastical commissioners, and I rejoice that they have felt the sting.

The Abbot of Barlings called himself Captain Cobbler, because, as he affirmed, the state wanted mending like old shoon.

And is not my title equally well chosen?
Is not the Church smitten with poverty?
Have not ten thousand of our brethren been driven from their homes to beg or to starve?
Have not the houseless poor, whom we fed at our gates, and lodged within our wards, gone away hungry and without rest?
Have not the sick, whom we would have relieved, died untended by the hedge-side?
I am the head of the poor in Lancashire, the redresser of their grievances, and therefore I style myself Earl of Poverty.