"Farewel, dear children, I will go A fine thing for to buy;" But they, therewith nothing content, 35 Aloud began to cry. The mother takes them by the hand, Saying, "Come, go with me Unto the highest tower, where Your father you shall see." 40 The black-a-moor, perceiving now, Who then did stay behind, His lord to be a hunting gone, Began to call to mind: "My master he did me correct, 45 My fault not being great; Now of his wife I'll be reveng'd, She shall not me intreat." The place was moated round about; The bridge he up did draw; 50 The gates he bolted very fast; Of none he stood in awe. He up into the tower went, The lady being there; Who, when she saw his countenance grim, 55 She straight began to fear. But now my trembling heart it quakes To think what I must write; My senses all begin to fail, My soul it doth affright. 60 Yet must I make an end of this Which here I have begun, Which will make sad the hardest heart, Before that I have done. This wretch unto the lady went, 65 And her with speed did will, His lust forthwith to satisfy, His mind for to fulfil. The lady she amazed was, To hear the villain speak; 70 "Alas," quoth she, "what shall I do? With grief my heart will break." With that he took her in his arms; She straight for help did cry; "Content yourself, lady," he said, 75 "Your husband is not nigh: The bridge is drawn, the gates are shut, Therefore come lie with me, Or else I do protest and vow, Thy butcher I will be." 80 The crystal tears ran down her face, Her children cried amain, And sought to help their mother dear, But all it was in vain; For that egregious filthy rogue 85 Her hands behind her bound, And then perforce with all his might, He threw her on the ground. With that she shriek'd, her children cried, And such a noise did make, 90 That town-folks, hearing her laments, Did seek their parts to take: But all in vain; no way was found To help the lady's need, Who cried to them most piteously, 95 "O help! O help with speed!" Some run into the forest wide, Her lord home for to call; And they that stood still did lament This gallant lady's fall. 100 With speed her lord came posting home; He could not enter in; His lady's cries did pierce his heart; To call he did begin: