Page:Wife of Beith (8).pdf/3



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 erackscracks [sic],

When years were spent and days out driven,

Then suddenly she sickness takes,

Deceased 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 mean you, dame, for to abide?

I know thou art 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;

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 looked on him, then did speer,

I pray you Sir, what is your name?