Classic Poem

To the right well-accomplisht Knight Sr Thomas Coningesby.

M Y better half's the better by a lease
Shee holds from you, till she (not you) decease;
Which once I held till you, (not I) should dye;
But it you altred as it now doth lye
Yet sith I am the moity of my wife
And one selfe purse supported eithers life,
I must confesse I am the better for you,
Then were I wicked if I should abhor you
Abhor you? No: myselfe I so should hate
Sith (like myselfe) you better mine estate:
 Then (spight of spight) for you I needs must say,
 Your Sheere and I stay better by your stay.