Than down i’ the house where woman wields reproof.”

O what a list of ladies! What a world!

Hark, Alisoun! and after thou hast heard,

Repent, and cease to be a woman. Hark!

“Who first obeyed the snake’s advice, to thieve

The apple from God’s Eden?—Mother Eve.”

ALISOUN

That’s Adam’s whopper. He stole it and hid in’s throat:

Feel o’ your own; the apple sticks there yet.

CHAUCER