4
William was the wedded man,
Much more theu was his care;
He said to his brethren upon a day,
To Carlile he would fare.
To speak to fair Alice, his wife,
And with his children three;
By my trouth, then, said Adam Bell,
Not by councel of me.
For if ye go to Carlile, brother,
And from this wild wood wende
If that the Justice may you take,
Your life were at an eude.
If that I come not to-morrow, brother,
By prime to you again,
Trust ye then that I am taken,
Or else that I am slain.
He took his leave of his brethren two,
And to Carlile he’s gone;
There he knocked at his own window,
Shortly and anone.
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,
And sighed wondrous sore,
This place hath been beset for you
This half a year and more.
Now I am here, said Cloudeslie,
I would that I in were;
Now fetch us meat and drink enough,
And let us make good cheer.
