I trow 2565 that to a norice 2566 in this case It had been hard this ruthë 2567 for to see: Well might a mother then have cried, “Alas!” But natheless so sad steadfást was she, That she endured all adversity, And to the sergeant meekëly she said, “Have here again your little youngë maid.

“Go now,” quoth she, “and do my lord’s behest. And one thing would I pray you of your grace, But if 2568 my lord forbade you at the least, Bury this little body in some place, That neither beasts nor birdës it arace.” 2569 But he no word would to that purpose say, But took the child and went upon his way.