7
I will renounce my sinful life,
And in some cloister hide:
Or else be banished if you please,
To range the world so wide,
And sure the fault which I have done
I was forced thereunto,
Preserve my life, and punish me,
As you think fit to do.
And with these words her lily hands,
She rung full often there,
And down along her comely face,
Proceeded many a tear.
But nothing could this furious queen,
Herewith appeased be,
The cup of deadly poison strong,
Which she held on her knee,
She gave this comely dame to drink,
Who took it from her hand,
And from her bended knees arose,
And on her feet did stand;
Then casting up her eyes to heav'n,
She did for mercy call,
And drinking up the poison strong,
She lost her life withal.
And when that death through every limb,
Had done its greatest spite,
Her chiefest foes could but confess,
She was a glorious sight.
Her body then they did entomb,
When life was fled away,
At Woodstock near to Oxford town,
As may be seen this day?
