It is hym tolde that in thin house,

A cockoldeis bowe is eche nyght bent.

He that shett the bolt is lyke to be schent:—

ffayre mayde, that tale ȝe kan best telle;

Now be ȝoure trowthe telle ȝour entent,

Dede not the archere plese ȝow ryght welle?

Maria. Of God in hevyn I take wyttnes,

That synful werk was nevyr my thought;

I am a mayd ȝit of pure clennes,

Lyke as I was into this werd brought.