Classic Poem

God honourèd women in His life
And kept them in His company,
Both widow, wench and wife
That was withouten vilany.
'Gainst women some men like to strive,—
I say they should dread lest they die
And of that sin soon them shrive
And to Our Lady mercy cry;
And in worship of St. Mary
Such unwisdom should repeal.
Defend you all from such folly,
For of women cometh this world's weal.

God and man were far atwinne
When He made mankind of sea-flood:
I would then know when Eve did spin,
From whom you think your gentry stood?
How became ye God's own kin
Unless that women mothers were?
Alas, how many men do sin,
Who speak of women nothing fair.
Women are so mild of mood,
Lovesome, lovely, lively, leal.
Witness on Him that died on Rood,
Of women cometh this world's weal.

Women wrappen us in weed
When we are naked-born and bare;
And then they foster us and feed:
Their love for us is fond and rare.
When we are old they must us heed
And cheer us out of many a care;
When we are nasty them we need,—
Unless they helped how should we fare?
At dreadful doom how should we dare
For fear of false fiends fierce and fele
Unless we gave in life her share
To woman cause of this world's weal.

God that made both sun and moon,
To all the women succour send;
In all the deeds that they have done
And will do; keep away the fiend.
And to Mary I bid a bone,
Ward women whereso'er they wend;
From sin and sorrow shield them soon
Now in life and at its end.
I warn all that be women's friend,
I cannot praise them halfendele
—My vows of service now I send
To Her of whom came this World's Weal.