When to the woods I sped;

I cut a hazel rod full long,

And hid it ’neath the bed.

‘Thy duty bids thee call me lord,

My darling wife,’ quoth I.

‘Nay, nevermore, that will I not.

And though I had to die.’

Then in my hand I took the rod

And beat my bosom’s wife,

Until she cried, ‘Thou art my lord!