Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes For Goddess love, as taak som laxative. Up peril of my soule and o lif, I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,

 Q. Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes For Goddess love, as taak som laxative. Up peril of my soule and o lif, I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,

It appears that you are referencing a passage from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, specifically from the "Wife of Bath's Tale." This excerpt is a part of a larger work that explores the nature of marriage, relationships, and gender dynamics through a collection of stories told by various pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The "Wife of Bath" is one of the most famous and complex characters in The Canterbury Tales, offering a commentary on the roles and expectations of women during the medieval period.

Let me provide some context for this particular passage, which involves a part of the Wife of Bath's advice to her fifth husband. The Wife of Bath, named Alisoun, is a widow who has been married five times, and she holds strong opinions about marriage and the power dynamics that often exist within it. In her prologue, she discusses her experiences, using them to justify her views on the authority of women over their husbands. She argues that women should have sovereignty in marriage and that the traditional subordination of women to men is outdated.

The excerpt you’ve referred to seems to be a playful yet slightly bawdy piece of advice or warning from the Wife of Bath. Her use of humor, frankness, and wit is characteristic of her character, who often challenges conventional social norms. The mention of "laxative" in this context might be a metaphorical suggestion for alleviating discomfort or perhaps even a reflection of the unrestrained nature of her advice. It’s important to recognize that Chaucer often uses humor and irony to critique social attitudes and behaviors, particularly those related to gender and authority.

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