THE Sowle to the Dede Body

Capitulo lixº

`I putte caas', quod I, `that al this were sothe, yet must I nedes blame the, and sorowen and compleynen that euer I came in thy companye. For I was in my nature as clere as is the pure element of fyre withouten ony corrupcion. And ryght as the fyre taketh smoke and derkenesse of the mater to whiche he is conioyned, ryght soo toke I of the, what tyme that I approchid the and medled with thy company, suche fowle derkenes and smoke whiche thou castest oute fro the by thy fowle vnclene and stynkyng vapours.'