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ARGESS and Courtesy their way

Make through the gate, without delay,

And silently together stand,

Awhile, this strong quadruple band.

The harridan, who watches o’er

Fair-Welcome, is by all the four

Seen to descend and more about

The court-yard, void of fear or doubt;

Bearing upon her head a simple

All-covering hood above her wimple.

Upon her set they all in haste,

And she, perceiving ’twere but waste

Of pains to strive against the four,

Exclaimed aloud.

Upon what score

Do ye, of look so debonair,

Within this castle’s precincts fare?

I’m not your prisoner, say then why

Ye hither come thus suddenly.

Our prisoner! nay then, dearest dame,

’Twas not to seize you that we came,