Then first I did perceive I had offended;

My blood the tears were that from her descended.60

Before her feet thrice prostrate down I fell,

My fearèd hands thrice back she did repel.

But doubt thou not (revenge doth grief appease),

With thy sharp nails upon my face to seize;

Bescratch mine eyes, spare not my locks to break

(Anger will help thy hands though ne'er so weak);

And lest the sad signs of my crime remain,

Put in their place thy kembèd[168] hairs again.