7
She was amazed in her mind
At such exceeding grace.
Cast off, said she, these fine wrought robes,
That rich and costly be,
And drink you up this deadly draught
Which I have brought to thee.
But presently upon her knees,
Fair Rosamond did fall,
And pardon of the Queen she crav’d,
For her offences all.
Take pity on my youthful years,
Fair Rosamond did cry,
And let me not with poison strong
Be forced for to die.
I will renounce my sinful life,
And in some cloister hide,
Or else be banish’d, 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 wrung 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,
