|
But this word is nat taken of every wight, |
| But ther as God lust gyve it of his myght. |
| 85 | I woot wel, th'apostel was a mayde; |
| But nathelees, thogh that he wroot and sayde |
| He wolde that every wight were swich as he, |
| Al nys but conseil to virginitee; |
| And for to been a wyf, he yaf me leve |
| 90 | Of indulgence, so it is no repreve |
| To wedde me, if that my make dye, |
| Withouten excepcioun of bigamye. |
| Al were it good no womman for to touche, |
| He mente, as in his bed or in his couche; |
| 95 | For peril is bothe fyr and tow t'assemble; |
| Ye knowe what this ensample may resemble. |
| This is al and som, he heeld virginitee |
| Moore parfit than weddyng in freletee. |
| Freletee clepe I, but if that he and she |
| 100 | Wolde leden al hir lyf in chastitee. |
|
| But this word is not meant for every wight, |
| But where God wills to give it, of His might. |
| 85 | I know well that the apostle was a virgin; |
| Nevertheless, and though he wrote and urged in, |
| He would that everyone were such as he, |
| All is not counsel to virginity; |
| And so to be a wife he gave me leave |
| 90 | Out of permission; there's no shame should grieve |
| In marrying me, if that my mate should die, |
| Without exception, too, of bigamy. |
| And though 'twere good no woman flesh to touch, |
| He meant, in his own bed or on his couch; |
| 95 | For peril 'tis fire and tow to assemble; |
| You know what this example may resemble. |
| This is the sum: he held virginity |
| Nearer perfection than marriage for frailty. |
| And frailty's all, I say, save he and she |
| 100 | Would lead their lives throughout in chastity. |
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