THE RAPE OF LVCRECE.
2431695At this reque
st, with noble di
spo
sition,
1696Each pre
sent Lord began to promi
se aide,
1697As bound in Knighthood to her impo
sition,
1698Longing to heare the hatefull Foe bewraide.
But shee that yet her sad taske hath not said,
1700 The prote
station
stops, ô
speake quoth
shee,
1701 How may this forced
staine be wip'd from me?
2441702What is the qualitie of my o
ffence
1703Being con
strayn'd with dreadfull circum
stance?
1704May my pure mind with the fowle a
ct di
spence
1705My low declined Honor to aduance?
1706May anie termes acquit me from this chance?
1707 The poy
soned fountaine cleares it
selfe againe,
1708 And why not I from this compelled
staine?
2451709With this they all at once began to
saie,
1710Her bodies
staine, her mind vntainted cleares,
1711While with a ioyle
sse
smile,
shee turnes awaie
1712The face, that map which deepe impre
ssion beares
1713Of hard misfortune, caru'd it in with tears.
1714 No no, quoth
shee, no Dame hereafter liuing,
1715 By my excu
se
shall claime excu
ses giuing.
Here