• The Norman Blake Editions of The Canterbury Tales

Here begynnyth the wyf of Bathe hire prologe

• The Norman Blake Editions of The Canterbury Tales

man called Melibeus myghty and riche , bygat vp on his wyf , that called was Prudence , a do- ughter , which that called was Sophie , vp on a day bifel , that he for his disport ,

• The Norman Blake Editions of The Canterbury Tales

As was þis Mellibeus wyf Prudence I hadde leuer þan a barel ale For sche nys no þing of such pacience That goode leef my wyf had herd þis tale Oure hoost sayde as I am feyþful man And By

• The Norman Blake Editions of The Canterbury Tales

youre wyf Is euery knyght of his , thus daungerous Is this the lawe , of kyng Arthures hous Fareth euery knyght thus with his wyf , as ye And seyde , o deere housbonde benedicite His olde wyf lay

• The Norman Blake Editions of The Canterbury Tales

liste lye Ne tak no wyf quod he , for housbondrye As for to spare , in houshold thy dispence A trewe seruant dooth moore diligence Thy good to kepe , than thyn owene wyf For she wol clayme ,

• The Auchinleck Manuscript

he may shrewedelichest worche., He wole take mede of þat on and þat oþer, And late þe persoun haue a wyf and þe prest anoþer, At wille., Coueytise shal stoppen here mouþ and maken hem al stille., For sone so

• The Auchinleck Manuscript

he is inne , þurw þe filþe of dedli sinne., Ac he þat liueþ in holy lyf,, Man, mayden, oþer wyf,, And serueþ God on eorþe her,, His gostli siht is swiþe cler;, For þerwid he may knowe and se