Page:Oxfordshire tragedy, or, The virgin's advice (2).pdf/6

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So then the devil did begin,
to enter in his wretched mind;
Her precious life he then must have,
thus he to act the thing did find.

He many tines did watch her out,
into the pleasant valley, where
One day he privately did go,
when he knew the lady was not there.
And privately he dug a grave
underneath an oaken tree;
Then in the branches he did hide,
for to act this piece of cruelty.

Poor harmless soul she nothing knew,
as usual she went there alone,
And on a bank of violets she,
in a mournful manner sat her down,
Of his unkindness did complain,
at length the grave she did espy,
She rose indeed to view the same,
little thinking that he was so nigh.

You gentle gods so kind said she,
did you this grave for me prepare?
He then descended from the tree,
saying, strumpet now thy death is near.
O welcome, welcome, she reply’d,
as long as by your hand I die,
This is a pleasant marriage-bed,
I’m ready, use your cruelty.

But may the heavens bring to light,
thy crime and thus let it appear,