The Magdalene's Prayer: May 2006

From William's Vision of Piers Plowman

And lightliche Oure Lord at hir lyves ende

Hath mercy on swiche men, that so yvele may suffre.

Ac the smoke and the smolder that smyt in oure eighen,

That is coveitise and unkyndenesse, that quencheth Goddes mercy.

For unkyndenesse is the contrarie of alle kynnes reson;

For ther nys sik ne sory, ne noon so muche wrecche

That he ne may lovye, and hym like, and lene of his herte

Good wille, good word--bothe wisshen and wilnen

Alle manere men mercy and foryifnesse,

And lovye hem lik hymself, and his lif amende.

"I may no lenger lette!" quod he, and lyard he prikede,

And wente awey as wynd--and therwith I awakede.