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Why then, I trow, the chance is nought

But what I should ere long be caught.

For God’s dear love I beg you, then,

That I may with this best of men

Be caged; but if it e’er be proved

That I have been by aught else moved

Than wish to serve him, let me be

Hence banished ignominiously.

No man exists but hath some fault,

But if I in your service halt,

Then bag and baggage drive me hence,

To purge my folly and offence.

And if your wrath I yet excite,

On me let chastisement alight,

But let none others judge of me

Than you, most honourable three,

Since justice true, for high or low,

Ye most inevitably know;

And were Fair-Welcome joined with ye,

He judge supreme o’er all might be;

And should occur some difference

Betwixt you, he would judge the sense

Of right and wrong, and hold the scale

With such clear wit as could not fail.

Fear not that I from hence will budge,

Though stripes or death ye should adjudge.

Then loudly Danger laughed, and said:

A fair request now, by my head!

Into one gaol to thrust ye twain!

You, with your merry heart and fain,