How could it be supposed that e’er
A bold and brazen face you’d bear
Towards the lecherous wanton wights
Who follow loose-lived girls o’ nights?8920
For whom, I ask, do you prepare
The chestnuts I’m not asked to share?
’Twould seem indeed that you are fain
Of me as shield against the rain.
And pose you as a ring-dove simple
And soft, beneath your modest wimple.
But how about that ample cloak
’Neath which fine gallants know to poke
Themselves in tête-à-tête? I swear,
Except for shame and kindness ’twere.8930
I’d not for bezants four of gold,
Your trouncing, well deserved, withhold,
But use my stick to bate your pride,
Which sorely hath my patience tried.
For know that vastly ’tis to me
Displeasing that you decked should be
To join in carol, song, or dance,
Without my leave and countenance.
XLIX
The jealous husband scolds his wife,
Remonstrates, blames her course of life,8940
And setteth forth his dire distress
At that he calls her wantonness.
A wanton wife
Moreover, nought can I conceal
The righteous anger that I feel
When Robichon, with head-gear green,
Aye ready at your beck is seen.
