THE LADIES’ ANSWER.
(Harl. MS. No. 6396.)
Blacke cypresse vailes are shroudes on night,
White linnen railes are raies of light,
Which though we to the girdles weare,
We’ve hands to keep your hands off there.
A fitter dresse we have in Lent,
To shew us trewly penitent.
Whoe makes the band to be a cloke
Makes John-a-style of John-an-oake.
We weare our garments to the feet,
Yet neede not make our bandes a sheet:
The clergie weare as long as we,
Yet that implies conformitie.
Be wise, recant what you have writt,
Least you doe pennance for your witte;
Love’s charm hath power to weare a stringe,
To tye you as you tied your ringe[120];
There by love’s sharpe but just decree
You may be censured, we go free.