Page:Blackamoor in the wood, or, A lamentable ballad on a tragical end of a gallant lord and virtuous lady.pdf/4

 Не up into the tower went,

his Lady being there,

Wito when the law his count'nance grim,

the straight began to fear.

But now my trembling heart it quakes,

to think what I muſt write;

My ſenſes all begin to faint,

my foul 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 bear the villain ſpeak;

Alas! quoth ſhe, What ſhall I do!

with grief my heart will break.

With that he took her in his arms;

the 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 row,

thy butcher I will be.