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Rh

Well may you keep the solemn vow

You made against rich men but now:

We deem it nought but right and just.

And e’en if rich men put their trust

In you, and bow them ’neath your rules

And laws, they will but prove them fools.

Great lord, you shall in nowise break

Your solemn oath, nor cease to take

With others of the host divine

Your wonted draughts of piment wine.

And ladies shall for rich men brew

Such well-spiced drink, both sweet and new,

If they within their nets but fall,

That thence they ne’er shall ’scape at all.

So courteously their work they’ll do,

That you need nowise trouble you.

To triumph o’er them spare your care,

The ladies so will speak them fair,

That they will do your work although

Anigh them you forbear to go.

Discourse will they right pleasant tales,

And fool them till the daylight fails

With many a gentle coo and bill,

And secret clip and kiss, and fill

The time up so with blandishments,

That they shall work their full intents

Upon them, and delude them so,

That they of goods and lands shall go

Naked as needles. Speak forth then,

And, whether right or wrong, your men

Will your behests obey.

Great fear

False-Seeming hath to come anear.