( 3 )
William was the wedded man,
Much more then was his care,
Said to his brethren on a day,
To Carlisle he would fare.
To speak with fair Alice his wife,
And with his children three;
By my good truth, said Adam Bell,
Not by counsel of me:
If you go to Carlisle, brother,
And from this wild wood wend,
If that the justice do you take,
Your life is at an end.
If that I come not to-morrow,
Betime to you again,
Trust you that I am a prisoner;
Or else that I am slain.
He took his leave of brethren two,
And to Carlisle he’s gone;
There he knock'd at his window,
Both shortly and anon:
Where be you, fair Alice he said,
My wife and children three:
Lightly let in thine own husband,
William of Cloudeslie:
Alas! then said fair Alice dear,
And sighed very sore;
This place has been beset for you,
Full half a year and more.
Now I am here, said Cloudeslie,
