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Then all was handsomely dispos’d,
 She prays them to have care
That nothing hap in their default,
 That might his health impair.

⟨And⟩ damsel, quoth she, for it seems
 This household is but three;
⟨And⟩ for thy parents age that this
 Shall chiefly rest on thee.
⟨Do⟩ me that good else would to God
 He hither come no more;
⟨So⟩ she took horse, but ere she went
 Bestowed gold good store.

⟨Full⟩ little thought the county that,
 His Countess had done so;
⟨Who⟩ now return’d from far affairs,
 Did to his sweetheart go.
⟨No⟩ sooner set he foot within
 The late deformed cote,
⟨But⟩ that the formal change of things
 His wond’ring eyes did note.

⟨But⟩ when he knew those goods to be
 His proper goods of late;
⟨Scarce⟩ taking leave, he home returns
 The matter to debate.
The Countess was abed and he
 With her his lodging took;
⟨Sir⟩ welcome home quoth she this night
 For you I did not look.