Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/95

Stupration is the least offence
Of women, saith he, for prepense
Are they to greater crimes; he tells
How mothers-in-law wrought poison spells
For daughters’ husbands, and with charms.
On those they loved not, worked dire harms
And devilish tricks, and more of crime,
That to set forth would waste all time.
Whoso takes pains to peel the rind
From woman will the harlot find,9600
And taking heed will prove women all
Fallen or ready-ripe to fall.
Women’s will unalterable And this advantage over men
Have women as to will, that when
They’ve settled what they’re fain to do,
They’ll do it, though the world should rue,
Or perish: none can change the heart
Of woman, though her body smart;
Could one a woman’s spirit quell,
Her body might he rule as well.9610

Now leave we that which ne’er can be;
But, Lord of Heaven! give help to me!
What can I ’gainst this ribald crew,
Who put my life to shame and do
Me wrongs untold? Whatever threat
I use against them is but met
With laughing gibe; if open war
I make upon them, then they are
Prepared to kill me. Brutal, proud,
And strong are they, right well endowed9620
For any crime; they spurn the law,
Nor care for me one single straw;