An Invective against Women

Are women fair? Aye, wondrous fair to see
Are women sweet? Yea, passing sweet they be too:
Most fair and sweet to them that inly love them;
Chaste and discreet to all, save those that prove them.

Are women wise? Not wise, but they be witty:
Are women witty? Yea, the more the pity:
They are so witty, and in wit so wily,
That be ye ne'er so wise, they will beguile ye.

Are women fools? Not fools, but fondlings many.
Can women fond be faithful unto any?
When snow-white swans do turn to colour sable,
Then women fond will be both firm and stable.

Are women saints? No saints, nor yet no devils.
Are women good? Not good, but needful evils;
So angel-like, that devils I do not doubt them;
So needful ills, that few can live without them.

Are women proud? Aye, passing proud, and praise them:
Are women kind? Aye, wond'rous kind, and please them:
Or so imperious, no man can endure them;
Or so kind-hearted, any may procure them.