XX

They raysed the towne of mery Carleile
In all the haste they can;
And came thronging to Wyllyam’s house,
As fast as they might gone.

XXI

There they besette that good yeman
Round about on every syde:
Wyllyam hearde great noyse of folkes,
That thither-ward fast hyed.

XXII

Alyce opened a backe wyndowe,
And lokèd all aboute;
She was ware of the Justice and Shirife bothe,
Wyth a full great route.

XXIII

‘Alas! treason!’ cryed Alyce,
‘Ever wo may thou be!
Goe into my chamber, my husband,’ she sayd,
‘Swete Wyllyam of Cloudesley.’

XXIV

He toke hys sword and hys buckler,
Hys bow and hys chyldren thre,
And wente into hys strongest chamber,
Where he thought surest to be.