More Knaues yet? :: :: University of Virginia Library

One put a iest on's wife, (whose name I show not)
To try her wit or pacience, which, I know not.
Walking together, they a wench did meet,
A proper one, of beautie passing sweet,
Of whome, vnto his wife (my loue he said)
Behold and note well yonder dainty Maid,
She was my Mistris ere I met with thee,
A kinder creature I did neuer see,
So affable and gentle in her louing,
That of her like I neuer had the prouing,
But she hath one exceeding imperfection,
Neglecting euen her credit's chiefe protection:
For, what we wantons, euer did amisse,
She told her Mother, euen to a kisse.
Husband (quoth she) that proues your wench a foole,
My selfe am better taught in Venus Schoole,
For ere I met with you, I lou'd yong-men,
And we had meetings too like Cocke and Hen:
But I was neuer such a seely asse
To tell my Mother what good sport did passe:
Troth wife (quoth he) I hope you do but iest:
Husband (said she) because plaine dealing's best,
If you meane earnest, or your selfe belye,
Iust in the humor you are, so am I.