1790.
When Adam he first was created
Lord of the Universe round,
His happiness was not completed
Till for him a helpmate was found.
When Adam was laid in soft slumber,
'Twas then he lost part of his side,
And when he awakened, with wonder
He beheld his most beautiful bride.
She was not made out of his head, sir,
To rule and to govern the man;
Nor was she made out of his feet, sir,
By man to be trampled upon.
He had oxen and foxes for hunting,
And all that was pleasant in life;
Yet still his Almighty Creator
Thought that he wanted a wife.
But she did come forth from his side, sir,
His equal and partner to be;
And now they are coupled together,
She oft proves the top of the tree.
Adam lay i-bowndyn,
Bowndyn in a bond,
Fower thousand winter
Thowt he not to long;
And al was for an appil,
An appil that he tok,
As clerkes fyndyn wretyn
In here book.
Ne hadde the appil taken ben,
The appil taken ben,
Ne hadde never our lady
A ben hevene quen.
Blyssid be the tyme
That appil taken was!
Therefore we mown syngyn
Deo gracias.