Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/39

 Anonymous.

A wilful wife.

[''Cottonian MS, Vesp. A, xxv.] A BALLET.''

The man is blest, that lives in rest And so can keep him still. And he's accurst that was the first That gave his wife her will.

What pain and grief, without relief, Shall we poor men sustain; If every GILL shall have her will, And over us shall reign.

Then all our wives, during their lives, Will look to do the same: And bear in hand, it is as land That goeth not from the name.

There is no man, whose wisdom can Reform a wilful wife: But only GOD, who made the rod For our unthrifty life.

Let us therefore, cry out and roar: And make to GOD request; That he redress this wilfulness And set our hearths at rest.

Wherefore good wives! amend your lives And we will do the same; And keep not still that naughty will That hath so evil a name.

FINIS.