|
O perilous fyr, that in the bedstraw bredeth! |
| O famulier foo, that his servyce bedeth! |
| O servant traytour, false hoomly hewe, |
| Lyk to the naddre in bosom sly untrewe, |
| 575 | God shilde us alle from youre aqueyntaunce! |
| O Januarie, dronken in plesaunce |
| In mariage, se how thy Damyan, |
| Thyn owene squier and thy borne man, |
| Entendeth for to do thee vileynye. |
| 580 | God graunte thee thyn hoomly fo t'espye! |
| For in this world nys worse pestilence |
| Than hoomly foo al day in thy presence. |
|
| O dangerous fire that in the bedstraw breeds! |
| O foe familiar that his service speeds! |
| O treacherous servant, false domestic who |
| Is most like adder in bosom, sly, untrue, |
| 575 | God shield us all from knowing aught of you! |
| O January, drunk of pleasure's brew |
| In marriage, see how now your Damian, |
| Your own trained personal squire, born your man, |
| Wishes and means to do you villainy. |
| 580 | God grant that on this household foe you'll spy! |
| For in this world no pestilence is worse |
| Than foe domestic, constantly a curse. |
|
