He wooed her, but it availed nought; She wouldë do no sinnë by no way: And for despite, he compassed his thought To makë her a shameful death to dey; 1589 He waiteth when the Constable is away, And privily upon a night he crept In Hermegilda’s chamber while she slept.

Weary, forwaked 1590 in her orisons, Sleepeth Constance, and Hermegild also. This knight, through Satanas’ temptatións, All softëtly is to the bed y-go, 1591 And cut the throat of Hermegild in two, And laid the bloody knife by Dame Constance, And went his way, there God give him mischance.