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4
THE WIFE OF BEITH

I was a ſervant unto Chriſt,
And Judas likewiſe is my name.
I knew you by your colours firſt,
Forſooth indeed you was to blame;
Your maſter did you not betray?
And hanged yourſelf when you had done?
Where'er you bide I will not ſtay:
Go then you knave let me alone.
Whatever I be I'll be your guide,
Becauſe you know not well the way
Will ye but once in me confide,
I'll do all friendſhip that I may,
What would you me? where do you dwell
I have no will to go with thee:
I fear it is ſome lower cell
I pray thee therefore let me be.
This is a ſtormy night and cold,
I'll bring you to a warm inn
Will ye go forward and be bold,
And send your pace till we win in.
I fear your inn will be too warm,
For too much hotness is not beſt;
Such hotness there may do me harm,
And keep me that I do not reſt.
I know your way it is to hell,
For you are none of the eleven
Go haſte you then into your cell,
My way is only unto heaven.
That way is by the gates of hell,
If you intend there for to go,
Go dame, I will not you compel,

But I with you will go also.