Its object is to contrast the life and character of the four orders of friars with those of a simple Christian.

There is considerable humour in the working plan of the poem.
A certain poor man says he has succeeded in learning his A B C, his Paternoster, and his Ave Mary, but he cannot, do what he will, learn his Creed.

He sets out, therefore, to find some one whose life, according with his profession, may give him a hope that he will teach him his creed aright.

He applies to the friars.

One after another, every order abuses the other; nor this only, but for money offers either to teach him his creed, or to absolve him for ignorance of the same.