He knew the tavernes wel in every toun
And everich hostiler and tappestere
Bet than a lazar or a beggestere.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue. This passage paints a very good picture of the Friar’s social priorities. They are drinking in taverns and hanging out with barmaids and innkeepers, rather than spending time giving comfort to the sick and the poor.