Page:Wife of Beith (13).pdf/2



Beith once dwelt a worthy wife, Of whom brave Chaucer mention makes: She lived 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, Deceas'd forthwith, and went to heaven. But as the went upon the way, There follow'd her a certain guide, And kindly to her did he say, Where mean you, dame, for to abide? I know you are the wife of Beith, And would not then that you go wrong, For I'm your friend, and will be leath That you go through this narrow throng: