xxxix. The Spouse to her Beloued.
The Argument.
The
Spouse (whose flesh is not ful mortified, and obedient
to the spirit) is troubled sore with this request of her
Beloued. She is in the bed of quietnes already, and hath as
she thynketh, put of the vesture of olde Adam, with trust in
her owne righteousnes, and hath washed her feete from the
soule affecciōs, lustes, and desiers of worldly thynges. Thus
thynkyng (but she is deceyued) she reasoneth with her Beloued, syngyng.
My fleshly coat, my trust in wurkes of man
I haue put of, I count them all as vayne,
And rest in peace: o Lorde howe shal I than,
Attyre my selfe, and put it on agayne?
My feete also, my affectes and pleasures vyle,
Are washt away, as thou thyself moste good,
Commaundedst me: why shall I then defyle
My feete agayne, in vile and fylthy mud?
