7
The goldsmith that made it, sure had crafty skill,
Come let us go down since our minds are fulfill'd.
To strike it, said one, full resolved I be,
The rest bad a mind, so they struck it all three;
Thinking it w as the puree that gave three knocks there.
The beautiful Lady came forth I declare.
Said they, We have waited to see the best sight,
For in this base harlot, the Prince takes delight,
Therefore she shall die like a harlot in grain,
So all these disputed how she might be slain.
The first said, I think it fit to hang her with speed,
The second said, No, we will drown her indeed:
The last of the three then this answer return’d,
If I had my mind, she with speed should be burn’d.
The other two said, No, that shall not be done,
For out at the window a river did run;
They toss'd her out headlong, she swam to a tree,
Where she liv‘d three days and no person could see.
The suits of the clothes this Lady had on,
A maid went for water, and soon back did run;
Her master said, what makes your countenance change?
Sir, there is a sign that is wondrous strange.
The gentleman ran with all speed that might be,
Where he saw the lady sit upon the tree;
He went with a boat and got her in his arms,
And was almost ravish'd with her beauteous charms.
The gentleman to her these words did express,
Lady, how came you to be in this distress?
She told him her sorrows from first to the last,
Saying, Now I know all my sorrows are past.
Fair Lady, Your sorrows have not been few,