| 230 |
Now herkneth hou I baar me proprely, |
| Ye wise wyves, that kan understonde. |
| Thus shul ye speke and bere hem wrong on honde; |
| For half so boldely kan ther no man |
| Swere and lyen, as a womman kan. |
| 235 | I sey nat this by wyves that been wyse, |
| But if it be whan they hem mysavyse. |
| A wys wyf, it that she kan hir good, |
| Shal beren hym on hond the cow is wood, |
| And take witnesse of hir owene mayde, |
| 240 | Of hir assent; but herkneth how I sayde. |
|
| 230 | Now listen how I bore me properly, |
| All you wise wives that well can understand. |
| Thus shall you speak and wrongfully demand; |
| For half so brazenfacedly can no man |
| Swear to his lying as a woman can. |
| 235 | I say not this to wives who may be wise, |
| Except when they themselves do misadvise. |
| A wise wife, if she knows what's for her good, |
| Will swear the crow is mad, and in this mood |
| Call up for witness to it her own maid; |
| 240 | But hear me now, for this is what I said. |
|
