And to make her at home for to tary?
Is not that well done? yes, by Saynt Mary,
That is a poynt[244] of an honest man
For to bete his wyfe well nowe and than.
Therfore I shall bete her, have ye no drede! 55
And I ought to bete her, tyll she be starke dede.
And why? by God, bicause it is my pleasure,
And if I shulde suffre her, I make you sure,
Nought shulde prevayle[245] me, nother staffe nor waster,[246]
Within a whyle she wolde be my mayster. 60