| IT was a lording’s daughter, the fairest one of three, | |
| That liked of her master as well as well might be, | |
| Till looking on an Englishman, the fair’st 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. |