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THE WIFE OF BATH.
In Bath a wanton wife did dwell,
as Chaucer he doth write.
Who did in pleasure spend her days,
and many a fond delight.
Upon a time sore sick she was,
and at the length did die;
And then her soul at heavens gate
did knock most mightily.
First Adam came unto the gate;
who knocketh there quoth he,
I am the wife of Bath she said;
and fain would come to thee.
Thou art a sinner Adam said,
and ⟨here⟩ no place ⟨shall⟩ have.
And so ⟨art thou⟩ I trow quoth she
now gip you doting Knave.
I will come in, in spite she ⟨said⟩
of all such churls as thee;
Thou art the causer of our woe,
