Page:History of Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough, and William of Cloudeslie (1).pdf/19

 ( 19 ) I never asked one till now,

Therefore, good lord, grant me;

Now ask it, madam, said the king,

And granted it shall be.

Then, good lord, I do you beseech,

These yeomen grant to me;

Madam you might have ask’d a boon,

That might have been worth all three,

Ye should have ask’d towers and towns,

Parks and forests plenty;

None pleasant for me to pay, she said,

Nor none so leaf to me,

Madam, sith it is your desire,

Your asking granted be;

But I had rather given you,

Good market-towns e'en three;

The queen was then a glad woman,

And said, lord, grant mercy;

I dare undertake for them all,

That true men they shall be.

But, good lord, speak some mercy word,

That these may comfort see;

I grant you grace then said the king,

Wash, and to meat go ye,

They had not sitten but a while,

Certain without leasing,

There came 2 messengers from the north

With letters to the king.

When they came to his majesty before,

They kneel'd upon their knee;