IT was a lordings
daughter, the fairest one of three, |
|
That liked of her master as well as well
might be, |
|
Till looking on an Englishman, the fairst
that eye could see, |
|
Her fancy fell a-turning. |
|
|
Long was the combat doubtful that love with
love did fight, |
5 |
To leave the master loveless, or kill the
gallant knight: |
|
To put in practice either, alas! it was a
spite |
|
Unto the silly damsel. |
|
|
But one must be refused; more mickle was
the pain |
|
That nothing could be used to turn them both
to gain, |
10 |
For of the two the trusty knight was wounded
with disdain: |
|
Alas! she could not help it. |
|
|
Thus art with arms contending was victor
of the day, |
|
Which by a gift of learning did bear the
maid away; |
|
Then lullaby, the learned man hath got the
lady gay; |
15 |
For now my song is ended. |
|