The Bad Husbands Reformation, or, the Ale-wives Daily Deceit

I Was a bad Husband, that had a good Trade,
But I of the same such ill profit have made,
By taking my pleasure in folly so large,
I seldom or never took care of my Charge:

This caused much sorrow and grief to my Wife,
But now I'm resolved to lead a new Life.

While I run to ruin, she would me advise,
With tender expressions, and tears in her eyes,
If thou wilt be ruled, I then will contrive,
To do my endeavour in order to thrive:

Still I ne'r regarded the words of my Wife
Yet now, I'm resolved to lead a new Life.

Your jovial Companions and Ale-wives, you'l find,
When you are in trouble will prove most unkind;
They'l laugh at your folly, and slight you like dirt,
You'l find what I tell you is not for your hurt;

In scorn I disdain'd to be rul'd by my Wife,
But now I'm resolved to lead a new Life.

While I took my pleasure I'de ramble and roame,
And never delighted to come to my home;
In Gaming and Drinking I wasted my strength,
Till I was reduced to sorrow at length;

And then I remembred the words of my Wife,
Resolving therefore for to lead a new Life.

While I in Extravagant courses run on,
The Ale-wiFe would call me a right honest Man,
As long as I labour'd and brought it her all,
As likewise for Liquor most freely would call;

She would take my part then against my poor Wife,
But now I resolve for to lead a new life.

At length I did chance to be out of Imploy,
And my Wife sore sick, I, and likely to dye;
And I having nothing in time of distress,
My grief, care and sorrow, was great, you may guess:

Because I had nothing to nourish my Wife,
But now I'm resolved to lead a new life.

Away to my Hostis I went with all speed,
In hopes for to borrow a Crown in my need;
And when I had told her my sorrowful Tale,
It was but in vain, for I could not prevail,

In borrowing a Tester to comfort my Wife,
Therefore I resolved to lead a new life.

Tho' then I had told her the depth of my grief,
She would not afford me the least of relief;
Her words was so killing when to me she spoke,
I thought in my sorrows, my heart would have broke

Then, then I remembred the words of my Wife,
And therefore resolved to lead a new life.

Now just as I was at the point of dispair,
Wrapt in those troubles of sorrows and care;
Behold how good Providence then did provide,
I got into Labour, whereon I rely'd;

To bring in a daily supply to my Wife,
And likewise resolved to lead a new life.

And this did my grief and my troubles expell,
My Wife she recover'd, and all things went well,
Now Love, Peace, and Plenty, does daily abound,
I ne'r will forget how my Hostis she frown'd;

What ever I earn i'le bring home to my Wife,
As being resolved to lead a new Life.