Page:Wife of Beith (11).pdf/2

 N Beath once dwelt a worthy wife,

Of whom brave Chaucer mention makes,

She liv'd a licentious life

and namely in venereal acts;

But death did come for all her cracks,

when years were ſpent and days out driven,

Then ſuddenly ſhe ſickneſs takes,

deceaſt forthwith, and went to heaven.

But as ſhe went upon the way,

there followed her a certain guide,

And kindly to her he did ſay,

where me nmean [sic] you dame for to abide?

I know you are the wife of Beath,

and would not then that you go wrong;

For I'm your friend and would be loath,

that you go throw the narrow throng:

This way is broader, go with me,

and very pleaſant is the way;

I'll bring you there where you would be,

go with me friend ſay me not nay,

She look'd on him and then did ſpeer,

I pray you ſir, What is your name?

Show me the way how you came here,

to tell to me it it is no ſhame:

Is that a favour about thy neck?

and what is that upon your ſide?

Is it a bag or ſilver ſack;

What are you then, where do you bide?

I was a ſervant unto CHRIST;

and  is my name.

I knew you by your colours firſt,

indeed sir you are to blame;

Your maſter did you not betray?

wherefore you bide I will no ſtay.

Go then you knave let me alone.

Whatever I be I'll ye your guide,

becauſe you know not well the way

Will you but once in me confide,

I'll do all friendſhip that I may.