Then soft himselfe inclyning on his knee
2 Downe to that well, did in the water weene
(So loue does loath disdainfull nicitee)
4 His guiltie hands from bloudie gore to cleene.
He washt them oft and oft, yet nought they beene
6 For all his washing cleaner. Still he stroue,
Yet still the litle hands were bloudie seene;
8 The which him into great amaz'ment droue,
And into diuerse doubt his wauering wonder cloue.
1 Then soft himself inclining on his knee 2 Down to that well, did in the water ween
well > spring; spring with supernatural powers ween > intend
3 (So love does loathe disdainful nicety)
nicety > scrupulosity, fastidiousness
4 His guilty hands from bloody gore to clean.
His > [The baby's]
5 He washed them oft and oft, yet naught they been
naught > not at all been > [were]
6 (For all his washing) cleaner. Still he strove, 7 Yet still the little hands were bloody seen; 8 Which him into great amazement drove, 9 And into diverse doubt his wavering wonder clove.