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THE
WIFE OF BEITH.
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:
Then 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 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;
This way is broader, go with me,
And very pleasant is the way;
I'll bring you there, where you would be,
