O sudden woe, that ev’r art successoúr To worldly bliss! sprent 1528 is with bitterness Th’ end of our joy, of our worldly laboúr; Woe occupies the fine 1529 of our gladness. Hearken this counsel, for thy sickerness: 1530 Upon thy gladë days have in thy mind The unware 1531 woe of harm, that comes behind.

For, shortly for to tell it at a word, The Soudan and the Christians every one Were all to-hewn and sticked at the board, 1532 But it were only Dame Constance alone. This oldë Soudaness, this cursed crone, Had with her friendës done this cursed deed, For she herself would all the country lead.