6 But when he came, his children twain, And eke his loving wife, With briny tears did wet the floor, For good Sir Charles' life. 7 'O good Sir Charles!' said Canterlone, 'Bad tidings I do bring.' 'Speak boldly, man,' said brave Sir Charles; 'What says the traitor king?' 8 'I grieve to tell; before that sun Doth from the heaven fly, He hath upon his honour sworn, That thou shalt surely die.' 9 'We all must die,' quoth brave Sir Charles; 'Of that I'm not afeard; What boots to live a little space? Thank Jesus, I'm prepared: 10 'But tell thy king, for mine he's not, I'd sooner die to-day Than live his slave, as many are, Though I should live for aye.' 11 Then Canterlone he did go out, To tell the mayor straight To get all things in readiness For good Sir Charles' fate. 12 Then Master Canynge sought the king, And fell down on his knee; 'I'm come,' quoth he, 'unto your Grace To move your clemency.' 13 'Then,' quoth the king, 'your tale speak out; You have been much our friend; Whatever your request may be, We will to it attend.' 14 'My noble liege! all my request Is for a noble knight, Who, though perhaps he has done wrong, He thought it still was right: 15 'He has a spouse and children twain-- All ruined are for aye, If that you are resolved to let Charles Bawdin die to-day.' 16 'Speak not of such a traitor vile,' The king in fury said; 'Before the evening star doth shine, Bawdin shall lose his head: 17 'Justice does loudly for him call, And he shall have his meed; Speak, Master Canynge! what thing else At present do you need?' 18 'My noble liege!' good Canynge said, 'Leave justice to our God, And lay the iron rule aside;-- Be thine the olive rod. 19 'Was God to search our hearts and reins, The best were sinners great; Christ's vicar only knows no sin, In all this mortal state. 20 'Let mercy rule thine infant reign; 'Twill fix thy crown full sure; From race to race thy family All sovereigns shall endure: 21 'But if with blood and slaughter thou Begin thy infant reign, Thy crown upon thy children's brow Will never long remain.' 22 'Canynge, away! this traitor vile Has scorned my power and me; How canst thou then for such a man Entreat my clemency?' 23 'My noble liege! the truly brave Will valorous actions prize; Respect a brave and noble mind, Although in enemies.' 24 'Canynge, away! By God in heaven, That did me being give, I will not taste a bit of bread While this Sir Charles doth live. 25 'By Mary, and all saints in heaven, This sun shall be his last.'-- Then Canynge dropped a briny tear, And from the presence passed. 26 With heart brimful of gnawing grief, He to Sir Charles did go, And sat him down upon a stool, And tears began to flow.