"You of the eldest sister came,
I of the second in degree,
The earl of Hertford of the third,
A man of royal blood was he.
"And so good night, my sovereign liege,
Since in the Tower I must lie,
I hope your Grace will condescend,
That I may have my liberty."
"Lady Arabella," said the king,
"I to your freedom would consent,
If you would turn and go to church,
There to receive the sacrament.
And so good night, Arabella fair,"
Our king replied to her again,
"I will take council of my nobility,
That you your freedom may obtain."
"Once more to prison must I go,"
Lady Arabella then did say,
"To leave my love breeds all my woe,
The which will bring my life's decay.
"Love is a knot none can unknit,
Fancy a liking of the heart,
Him whom I love I can't forget,
Tho' from his presence I must part.
"The meanest people enjoy their mates,
But I was born unhappily,
For being cross'd by cruel fates,
I want both love and liberty.
"But death I hope will end the strife,
Farewel, farewel, my love," quoth she,
"Once I had thought to have been thy wife,
But now am forc'd to part with thee."
At this sad meeting she had cause,
In heart and mind to grieve full sore,
After that time Arabella fair,
Did never see lord Seymour more.