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Reliques of ancient English poetry: consisting of old heroic ballads ...

Reliques of ancient English poetry: consisting of old heroic ballads ...

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Oh oh !<br />

ANDBALLADS, 145<br />

if my young babe were born,<br />

And fet upon the nurfes knee,<br />

And I my fell were dead and gane!<br />

For a maid again Ife never be. 40<br />

XII.<br />

THE WANTON WIFE OF BATH.<br />

From an <strong>ancient</strong> copy in black-print, in the Pepys collection,<br />

Mr. Addifon has pronounced this an excellent ballad': Seg<br />

the Speclator, N°. 248.<br />

IN<br />

Bath a wanton wife did dwelle,<br />

As Chaucer he doth write;<br />

Who did in pleafure fpend her dayes,<br />

And many a fond delight.<br />

Upon a time fore ficke fhe was, g<br />

And at the length did dye ;<br />

And then her foul at heaven gate<br />

Did knocke moll mightilye.<br />

Firft Adam came unto the gate<br />

Who knocketh there? quoth hee. I©<br />

I am the wife <strong>of</strong> Bath, fhe fayd,<br />

And faine would come to thee.<br />

Vol. Ill, L Thou<br />

:

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