And forth she calla this trusty knight, Who kept this curious bower, Who with his clew of twined thread, Came from this famous flower ; And when that they had wounded him, The queen this thread did get, And went where Lady Rosamond Was like an angel set. But when the queen, with steadfast eye, Beheld her heavenly face, She was amazed in her mind At her exceeding grace. " Cast off from thee those robes," she said, " That rich and costly be ; And drink thou up this deadly draught, Which I have brought to thee." Then presently upon her knee, Sweet Rosamond did fall; And pardon of the queen she craved, For her offences all. " Take pity on my youthful years," Fair Rosamond did cry, " And let me not with poison strong, Enforced be to die. " I will renounce my sinful life, And in some cloister bide, Or else be banished if you please, To range the world so wide. And for the fault which I have done, Though I was forced thereto, Preserve my life and punish me, As you thiuk good to do." And with these words, her lily hands She wrung full often there, And down along her lovely face, Proceeded many a tear. But nothing could this furious queen Therewith appeased be ; The cup of deadly poison strong, As she sate on her knee, She gave this comely dame to drink, Who took it in her hand, And from her bended knee arose, And on her feet did stand, HEROINES OF THE CRUSADES.