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

 He up into the tower went,

the Lady being there,

Who when ſhe ſaw his count'nance grim,

ſhe ſtraight began to fear.

But now my trembling heart it quakes,

to think what I muſt write;

My ſenſes all begin to faint,

my ſoul it doth affright.

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 hear the villain ſpeak;

Alas! quoth ſhe, what ſhall I do!

with grief my heart will break.

With that he took her in his arms,

ſhe 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 vow

thy butcher I will be