Reliques of ancient English poetry: consisting of old heroic ballads ...

86 ANCIENT SONGS
Now marke what fortune did provide ; &5
The king he would a hunting ride
With all his lords and noble traine,
Sweet William muft at home remaine.
Thus being left alone behind,
My former ftate came in my mind, 70
I wept to fee my mans array,
No longer now a ladye gay.
And meeting with a ladyes vert,
Within the fame myfelf I dreft
With filken robes, and jewels rare*
I deckt me as a ladye faire.
And taking up a lute ftraitwaye,
Upon the fame I ftrove to play,
And fweetly to the fame did fing,
As made both hall and chamber ring. 80
" My father was as brave a lord,
** As ever Europe did afford ;
" My mother was a lady bright
" My hu&and was a valiant knight
" And I myfelf a ladye gay, 85
M Bedeckt with gorgeous rich array ;
" The happier! lady in the land,
" Had not more pleafure at command.
;
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75
" I had