This messenger, on morrow when he woke, Unto the castle held the nextë 1654 way, And to the constable the letter took; And when he this dispiteous 1655 letter sey, 1656 Full oft he said, “Alas, and well-away! Lord Christ,” quoth he, “how may this world endure? So full of sin is many a creature.

“O mighty God, if that it be thy will, Since thou art rightful judge, how may it be That thou wilt suffer innocence to spill, 1657 And wicked folk reign in prosperity? Ah! good Constance, alas! so woe is me, That I must be thy tormentor, or dey 1658 A shameful death, there is no other way.”