University of Virginia Library


xxij

[A TALE OF PLANTAGENETS.]

[Fragment from quarto note-book.]

Like the red side of a ripe apple
The face grew of this maid,
Then said the King, “Say out your mind
And be ye not afraid.”
[OMITTED]
But I have a vow to our Lord God
Also to S. Lucy
That I would wed no man on earth
But if he brought me thinges three;
And first from King Philip of France
He must take the right-hand glove,
When I wear this on my right hand
So far shall he have my love
[OMITTED]
Heed me well Sir Scheneschal,
Take good care of this lady,
In the little red house of Havering
Let her abide both night and day.

xxiij

It standeth right pleasantly
At the skirt of Waltham Chase;
Let her bide in that house and garden—
She shall see no man's face.
But she may have damozels
To wait on her body
And all things fitting to her estate
Such as it should be.
Right little time they lost, I trow
In a barget they set her
With hale and how they set sail
Upon the Thames river.
Right evil cheer had the Lady Anne,
The wan water was but cold,
She said as she fell a-weeping,
“I shall have no pity till I am old.”
But they went up the river of Thames
Till to Barking town came they
And they mounted on goodly steeds
And gat them quick away.
To the little red house of Havering
They rode through the green wood:
When the door shut after that lady
Right cold became her blood.

xxiv

For wete you well my good maidens
My love is a poor knight,
Yet I love him right sorely
For he is strong and wyght.
[OMITTED]
He will be wood when he cometh back
That never again he may see me.
[OMITTED]