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

8* ANCIENT SONGS
Then ftepping in, Faire ladye, rife,
And dry, faid he, thofe lovelye eyes.
For I have heard thy mournful tale, 1 15
The which fhall turne to thy availe,
A crimfon dye my face orefpred,
I blufht for fhame, and hung my head,
To find my fex and ftory knowne,
When as I thought I was alone. 1 20
But to be briefe, his royall grace
Grewe foe enamour'd of my face,
The richefl gifts he proffered mee,
Jtiis miftrefs if that I would bee,
Ah! no, my Jiege, I firmlye fayd, 125
I'll rather in my grave be iayd,
And though your grace hath won my heart,
I ne'er will ad foe bafe a part.
faire ladye, pardon me, fayde hee,
Thy virtue fhall rewarded bee, 130
And fince it is foe fairly tryde
Thou fhalt become my royal bride.
Then ftrait to end his amorous ftrife,
He tooke fweet William to his wife:
The like before was never feene, 135
A ferving-man became a queene.
xvni. Gij.