The sland’r of Walter wondrous widë sprad, That of a cruel heart he wickedly, For 2608 he a poorë woman wedded had, Had murder’d both his children privily: Such murmur was among them commonly. No wonder is: for to the people’s ear There came no word, but that they murder’d were.

For which, whereas his people therebefore Had lov’d him well, the sland’r of his diffame 2609 Made them that they him hated therëfore. To be a murd’rer is a hateful name. But natheless, for earnest or for game, He of his cruel purpose would not stent; 2610 To tempt his wife was set all his intent.