And the Justice with a quest of squires,
That judged William hang-ed to be.

And Cloudeslie lay ready there in a cart,
Fast bound both foot and hand,
And a strong rope about his neck,
All ready for to be hanged.
The Justice called to him a lad,
Cloudeslie's clothes should he have
To take the measure of that yeom-an,
Thereafter to make his grave.

"I have seen as great marvel," said Cloudeslie,
"As between this and prime;
He that maketh this grave for me,
Himself may lie therein."--
"Thou speakest proudly," said the Justice;
"I shall hang thee with my hand."
Full well that heard his brethren two,
There still as they did stand.

Then Cloudeslie cast his eyen aside,
And saw his two brethren
At a corner of the market-place,
Ready the Justice to slain.
"I see good comfort," said Cloudeslie,
"Yet hope I well to fare;
If I might have my hands at will,
Right little would I care."