In heart and mind I did rejoyce, That I had made so sweet a choice; And therefore did my state resign, To be King Edward's concubine. 40 From city then to court I went, To reap the pleasures of content; There had the joys that love could bring, And knew the secrets of a king. When I was thus advanc'd on high, 45 Commanding Edward with mine eye, For Mistress Blague I in short space Obtain'd a living from his Grace. No friend I had, but in short time I made unto promotion climb; 50 But yet for all this costly pride, My husbande could not me abide. His bed, tho' wronged by a king, His heart with deadly grief did sting; From England then he goes away 55 To end his life beyond the sea.[L56] He could not live to see his name Impaired by my wanton shame; Altho' a prince of peerless might Did reap the pleasure of his right. 60 Long time I lived in the court, With lords and ladies of great sort; And when I smil'd, all men were glad, But when I mourn'd, my prince grew sad. But yet an honest mind I bore 65 To helpless people, that were poor; I still redress'd the orphan's cry, And sav'd their lives condemn'd to dye. I still had ruth on widows tears, I succour'd babes of tender years; 70 And never look'd for other gain But love and thanks, for all my pain. At last my royal king did dye, And then my days of woe grew nigh; When crook-back'd Richard got the crown, 75 King Edward's friends were soon put down. I then was punish'd for my sin, That I so long had lived in; Yea, every one that was his friend, This tyrant brought to shameful end. 80 Then for my lewd and wanton life,[L81] That made a strumpet of a wife, I penance did in Lombard-street, In shameful manner in a sheet: Where many thousands did me view, 85 Who late in court my credit knew; Which made the tears run down my face, To think upon my foul disgrace. Not thus content, they took from mee My goods, my livings, and my fee, 90 And charg'd that none should me relieve, Nor any succour to me give. Then unto Mistress Blague I went, To whom my jewels I had sent, In hope thereby to ease my want, 95 When riches fail'd, and love grew scant. But she deny'd to me the same, When in my need for them I came; To recompence my former love, Out of her doors she did me shove. 100