| Thanne wolde I seye, "Goode lief, taak keep, |
| How mekely looketh Wilkyn oure sheep! |
| Com neer, my spouse, lat me ba thy cheke! |
| 440 | Ye sholde been al pacient and meke, |
| And han a sweete spiced conscience, |
| Sith ye so preche of Jobes pacience. |
| Suffreth alwey, syn ye so wel kan preche, |
| And but ye do, certein we shal yow teche |
| 445 | That it is fair to have a wyf in pees. |
| Oon of us two moste bowen, doutelees; |
| And sith a man is moore resonable, |
| Than womman is, ye moste been suffrable." |
| What eyleth yow to grucche thus and grone? |
| 450 | Is it for ye wolde have my queynte allone? |
| Wy, taak it al! lo, have it every deel! |
| Peter! I shrewe yow, but ye love it weel; |
| For if I wolde selle my bele chose, |
| I koude walke as fressh as is a rose |
| 455 | But I wol kepe it for youre owene tooth. |
| Ye be to blame, by God! I sey yow sooth." |
|
| Then would I say: "Good dearie, see you keep
| | In mind how meek is Wilkin, our old sheep;
| | Come near, my spouse, come let me kiss your cheek!
| | 440 | You should be always patient, aye, and meek,
| | And have a sweetly scrupulous tenderness,
| | Since you so preach of old Job's patience, yes.
| | Suffer always, since you so well can preach;
| | And, save you do, be sure that we will teach
| | 445 | That it is well to leave a wife in peace.
| | One of us two must bow, to be at ease;
| | And since a man's more reasonable, they say,
| | Than woman is, you must have patience aye.
| | What ails you that you grumble thus and groan?
| | 450 | Is it because you'd have my cunt alone?
| | Why take it all, lo, have it every bit;
| | Peter! Beshrew you but you're fond of it!
| | For if I would go peddle my belle chose,
| | I could walk out as fresh as is a rose;
| | 455 | But I will keep it for your own sweet tooth.
| | You are to blame, by God I tell the truth." |
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