8 That not for naught his wife them loved so well, 9 When one so oft a night did ring his matins bell.

310.49

So closely as he could, he to them crept,
2 When wearie of their sport to sleepe they fell,
And to his wife, that now full soundly slept,
4 He whispered in her eare, and did her tell,
That it was he, which by her side did dwell,
6 And therefore prayd her wake, to heare him plaine.
As one out of a dreame not waked well,
8 She turned her, and returned backe againe:
Yet her for to awake he did the more constraine.

1 So closely as he could, he to them crept

closely > close, closely; secretly

2 When, weary of their sport, to sleep they fell, 3 And to his wife, that now full soundly slept:

full > very

4 He whispered in her ear, and did her tell 5 That it was he, who by her side did dwell, 6 And therefore prayed her wake, to hear him plain.

prayed her wake > [entreated her to awake] plain > plainly; also: complain, lament

7 As one out of a dream not waked well 8 She turned her, and returned back again: