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 wretch to be, that have brought you in the peril and danger that ye be in, and as fain would be to do that (that) might ease you, and gladder than ever I was to do anything that hath hurt you.

How THE Dying Creature putteth his Supplication TO THE Mother of Mercy, Mary, replete WITH Grace: Princess of Ruth, Mercy, AND Pity, to whom all Sinners resorteth

Meekly beseecheth and sorrowfully complaineth your dreadful suppliant, that all my life long unto my last age have lived and not obeyed the comandments of Almighty God in nothing; but misruled myself and my life in all the seven deadly sins, and sinfully and simply have occupied [my five wits, and set aside all virtues and used and occupied] all vices, and served the devil, the world and the flesh, having very knowledge both of good and evil: and knew well that what pleased them displeased God, but I dreaded to displease them. And now hath been a servant-of-arms with me, and laid upon me the mace of his office cruelly, and hath commanded me to make me ready every hour; for I shall not wit when I shall be called to my judgment.

The certainty of death hath brought me into so grievous an infirmity that none earthly medicine can cure me. Mine enemies be great in multitude, and have environed me and all my defaults brought with