Part 116 (1/2)

45 'No, hapless Henry! I rejoice I shall not see thy death; Most willingly in thy just cause Do I resign my breath.

46 'O fickle people, ruined land!

Thou wilt know peace no moe; While Richard's sons exalt themselves, Thy brooks with blood will flow.

47 'Say, were ye tired of G.o.dly peace, And G.o.dly Henry's reign, That you did change your easy days For those of blood and pain?

48 'What though I on a sledge be drawn, And mangled by a hind?

I do defy the traitor's power,-- He cannot harm my mind!

49 'What though uphoisted on a pole, My limbs shall rot in air, And no rich monument of bra.s.s Charles Bawdin's name shall bear?

50 'Yet in the holy book above, Which time can't eat away, There, with the servants of the Lord, My name shall live for aye.

51 'Then welcome death! for life eterne I leave this mortal life: Farewell, vain world! and all that's dear, My sons and loving wife!

52 'Now death as welcome to me comes As e'er the month of May; Nor would I even wish to live, With my dear wife to stay.'

53 Quoth Canynge, ''Tis a goodly thing To be prepared to die; And from this world of pain and grief To G.o.d in heaven to fly.'

54 And now the bell began to toll, And clarions to sound; Sir Charles he heard the horses' feet A-prancing on the ground:

55 And just before the officers His loving wife came in, Weeping unfeigned tears of woe, With loud and dismal din.

56 'Sweet Florence! now, I pray, forbear; In quiet let me die; Pray G.o.d that every Christian soul May look on death as I.

57 'Sweet Florence! why those briny tears?

They wash my soul away, And almost make me wish for life, With thee, sweet dame, to stay.

58 ''Tis but a journey I shall go Unto the land of bliss; Now, as a proof of husband's love, Receive this holy kiss.'

59 Then Florence, faltering in her say, Trembling these words she spoke,-- 'Ah, cruel Edward! b.l.o.o.d.y king!

My heart is well-nigh broke.

60 'Ah, sweet Sir Charles! why wilt thou go Without thy loving wife?

The cruel axe that cuts thy neck Shall also end my life.'

61 And now the officers came in To bring Sir Charles away, Who turned to his loving wife, And thus to her did say:

62 'I go to life, and not to death; Trust thou in G.o.d above, And teach thy sons to fear the Lord, And in their hearts him love:

63 'Teach them to run the n.o.ble race That I their father run; Florence! should death thee take--adieu!-- Ye officers, lead on.'

64 Then Florence raved as any mad, And did her tresses tear;-- 'Oh, stay, my husband, lord, and life!'-- Sir Charles then dropped a tear;--

65 Till tired out with raving loud, She fell upon the floor: Sir Charles exerted all his might, And marched from out the door.

66 Upon a sledge he mounted then, With looks full brave and sweet; Looks that did show no more concern Than any in the street.

67 Before him went the council-men, In scarlet robes and gold, And ta.s.sels spangling in the sun, Much glorious to behold: