The Complaint of Ulallia for
the causing her Husband to
be murdered for the love of
Strangwidge, who were
executed together.
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IF ever woe did touch a womans heart,
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Or grief did gall for sin the outward part,
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Of conscience then and heavy heart within,
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Can witness well the sorrow for my sin.
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When years were young, my father forc'd me wed
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Against my will, where fancy was not fed,
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I was content his pleasure to obey,
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Although my heart was link'd another way.
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Great were the gifts they proffer'd in my sight,
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With wealth they thought to win me with delight,
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But gold nor gifts could not my mind remove,
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For I was link'd whereas I could not love.
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Me thought his sight was loathsome to my eye,
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My heart did grudge against him inwardly.
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This discontent did cause my deadly strife,
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And with this wealth did cause a grievous life.
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My constant love was on young Strangwidge set,
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And wo to him that did our welfare let:
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His love so deep a wo in me did take,
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I would have gone abegging for his sake.
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Wronged he was through fond desire of gain,
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Wronged he was even though my parents plain
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If faith and truth a perfect pledge might be,
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I had been wife unto no man but he.
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Eternal God, forgive my fathers deed,
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And grant all maidens may take better heed:
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If I had been but constant to my friend,
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I had not match'd to make so bad an end.
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But wanting grace I sought mine own decay,
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And was the cause to make my friend away,
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And he on whom my earthly joys did lie,
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Through my amiss a shameful death must die.
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Farewel sweet George always my loving friend,
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Needs must I laud and love thee to the end:
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And albeit that Page possest thy due,
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In sight of God thou wast my husband true.
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My watry eyes unto the heavens I bend,
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Craving of Christ his mercy to extend,
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My bloody deed to me, O Lord forgive,
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And let my soul within thy Kingdom live.
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Farewel false world, and friends that fickle be,
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All wives farewel, example take by me.
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Let not the Devil to murder you inspire,
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Seek to escape such foul and filthy mire.
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And now, O Christ, to thee I yield my sp'rit,
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Strengthen my faith in bitter pains of death:
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Forgive my faults, and folly of my sins,
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And with thy blood wash thou away my crimes.
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