Page:Wife of Beith reformed and corrected.pdf/3



IN 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 the sekness takes, Deceas'd forthwith, and went to heaven But as she went upon the way, There followed her a certain guide, And kindly he to her did say, Where means you dame for to abide? I know you are the Wife of Beith, And would not them that you go wrong, For I'm your friend, and will be leath That you go through this narrow throng, This way it broadeir; go with me, And very pleasant is the way: I'll bring you there, where you would be, Come 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 is no shame, Is that a favour 'bout your neck; Or what is that upon your side? It is a bag, or silver sack? What are you then? Where do you dide?