For god it woot, that children ofte been 155
Unlyk her worthy eldres hem bifore; (100)
Bountee comth al of god, nat of the streen
Of which they been engendred and y-bore;
I truste in goddes bountee, and therfore
My mariage and myn estaat and reste 160
I him bitake; he may don as him leste.
Lat me alone in chesinge of my wyf,
That charge up-on my bak I wol endure;
But I yow preye, and charge up-on your lyf,
That what wyf that I take, ye me assure 165
To worshipe hir, whyl that hir lyf may dure, (110)
In word and werk, bothe here and everywhere,
As she an emperoures doghter were.