295

I voyde companye, I flee gladnesse;

Who may avaunte hir bet of hevinesse

Then I? and to this plyte have ye me broght,

Withoute gilt; me nedeth no witnesse.

3. And sholde I preye, and weyve womanhede?

300

Nay! rather deth then do so foul a dede,

And axe mercy gilteles! what nede?

And if I pleyne what lyf that I lede,