4
He up into the tower went,
His lady being there,
Who when she saw his countenance grim,
She straight began to fear.
But now my trembling heart it quakes,
To think what I must write;
My senses all begin to faint,
My soul it doth afright.
Yet I must make an end of this,
Which here I have begun,
Which will make sad the hardest heart,
Before that I have done.
The wretch unto the lady went,
And there with speed did will,
His lust forthwith to satisfy,
His mind for to fulfil.
The Lady she amazed was,
To hear the villain speak;
Alas! quoth she, what shall I do!
With grief my heart will break.
With that he took her in his arms;
She straight for help did cry:
Content yourself, Lady, quoth he,
Your husband is not nigh:
The bridge is drawn, the gate is shut,
Therefore come lie with me,
Or else I do protest and vow,
Thy butcher I will be.
