Whenas these princely twain Were thus debarr'd of pleasure, Through the king's disdain, Which their joys withstood, The lady lockt up close 25 Her jewels and her treasure, Having no remorse Of state or royal blood. In homely poor array, She went from court away,[L30] 30 To meet her love and heart's delight; Who in a forest great, Had taken up his seat, To wait her coming in the night. But lo, what sudden danger, 35 To this princely stranger, Chanc[e']d as he sat alone, By outlaws he was robbed, And with poinard stabbed, Uttering many a dying groan. 40 The princess, armed by him, And by true desire, Wandering all that night, Without dread at all, Still unknown, she past 45 In her strange attire, Coming at the last Within echo's call. "You fair woods," quoth she, "Honoured may you be, 50 Harbouring my heart's delight, Which doth encompass here, My joy and only dear, My trusty friend, and comely knight. Sweet, I come unto thee, 55 Sweet, I come to wooe thee, That thou may'st not angry be; For my long delaying, And thy courteous staying, Amends for all I make to thee." 60 Passing thus alone Through the silent forest, Many a grievous groan Sounded in her ear; Where she heard a man 65 To lament the sorest Chance that ever came, Forc'd by deadly fear. "Farewel, my dear!" quoth he, "Whom I shall never see, 70 For why, my life is at an end; For thy sweet sake I die, Through villain's cruelty, To shew I am a faithful friend. Here lie I a-bleeding, 75 While my thoughts are feeding On the rarest beauty found; O hard hap that may be, Little knows my lady My heart-blood lies on the ground!" 80