<poem> JEALOUS the gaoler bound me fast To hear the verdict of the bill. "GEORGE," quoth the Judge, "now thou art cast. Thou must go hence to heavy hill; And there be hanged all but the head. GOD rest thy soul when thou art dead!"
Down fell I then upon my knee, All flat before Dame BEAUTY'S face; And cried, "Good Lady, pardon me! Which here appeal unto your Grace. You know if I have been untrue, It was in too much praising you."
"And though this Judge do make such haste To shed with shame my guiltless blood; Yet let your pity first be placed, To save the man that meant you good. So shall you show yourself a Queen And I may be your servant seen."
Quoth BEAUTY, "Well! because I guess What thou dost mean henceforth to be: Although thy faults deserve no less Than JUSTICE here hath judgèd thee. Wilt thou be bound, to stint all strife, And be true prisoner all thy life?"
"Yea, Madam," quoth I, "that I shall. Lo, FAITH and TRUTH my sureties." "Why then," quoth she, "come when I call: I ask no better warranties." Thus am I BEAUTY'S bounden thrall; At her command when she doth call.
Ever or Never.
