Page:History of Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough, and William of Cloudeslie (1).pdf/3

 ( 3 ) William was the wedded man,

Much more then was his care,

Said to his brethren on a day,

To Carlisle he would fare.

To speak with fair Alice his wife,

And with his children three;

By my good truth, said Adam Bell,

Not by counsel of me:

If you go to Carlisle, brother,

And from this wild wood wend,

If that the justice do you take,

Your life is at an end.

If that I come not to-morrow,

Betime to you again,

Trust you that I am a prisoner;

Or else that I am slain.

He took his leave of brethren two,

And to Carlisle he’s gone;

There he knock'd at his window,

Both shortly and anon:

Where be you, fair Alice he said,

My wife and children three:

Lightly let in thine own husband,

William of Cloudeslie:

Alas! then said fair Alice dear,

And sighed very sore;

This place has been beset for you,

Full half a year and more.

Now I am here, said Cloudeslie,

I would that I in were;