The speaker counsels Sir Philip to steer clear of the general public and instead pursue honesty in the opening stanza. Even though his possessions are more modest than those of his colleagues, he should admit that they are sufficient. After all, trying to go up the social ladder forces one to constantly switch allegiances and feelings, and hoarding wealth makes people despise you. The speaker goes on in this manner, emphasizing that Philip will become oblivious to the outside world if he receives accolades, which will only make people envious of him. He should so be content with what he has and focus only on “ruling” himself. Philip is assured at the end of the stanza that if he follows these steps, the truth will rescue him from the erratic opinions of the throng.
The speaker shifts his focus from Philip’s ambitions to amass fortune and rank to his attempts to improve the world in the second stanza. He claims that because the world is a corrupt and untrustworthy place, Philip will feel better if he stays away from being “busy,” or overcommitting to too many obligations. Ultimately, attempting to alter the world is as pointless as hurling dishes against a sturdy wall or kicking an awl. Rather, once more, he should focus entirely on self-control since truth will ultimately save him from the unstable world.
Though the counsel is still given in the third stanza, the tone has changed to one of aggression and assertiveness. The speaker makes it clear that Philip views the globe as a “wilderness” that he travels through like a pilgrim rather than as his actual home. He ought to make an effort to put everything behind him and focus on heaven above, which is his true “country.” Truth will relieve his pain if he allows his spirit to lead him on the path to salvation.
There is a “envoy” in the last stanza. In French poetry, the envoy served as a customary epilogue, summarizing the poem or dedicating it to a specific individual. Here, Chaucer directly addresses Sir Philip with the message of “Truth.” He tells him not to be depressed at his diminished power, implying that depressive thoughts subjugate him to the unfair world. Rather, he ought to plead with God for forgiveness, concentrating once more on his redemption following his demise. The poem concludes by restating its refrain, “Truth shall deliver you, have no fear,” and promising to save Philip if he heeds it.
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