7
But when they had wounded him,
The queen his thread did get,
And went where Lady Rosamond
Was like a lady set.
But when the queen with stedfast eyes
Beheld her lovely face,
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 bide;
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.
