A Metrical History of England :: :: University of Virginia Library

A Metrical History of England

Or, Recollections, in Rhyme, Of some of the most prominent Features in our National Chronology, from the Landing of Julius Caesar to the Commencement of the Regency, in 1812. In Two Volumes ... By Thomas Dibdin

Dibdin, Thomas (1771-1841)

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LOVE TALE THE FIRST.

Wilfrida was the fairest of the fair;
So thought the King, for lovers think on stilts;
Which made her parents, with most proper care,
Immure her in a Nunnery of Wilts.
(Whether 'twas Amesbury, where ancient Q
Imported Nuns from France, I never knew.)

King Edgar, living in such days as those,
When Dunstan took the Devil by the nose,
Was doubtful in what manner to proceed.
Now Dunstan and the Devil were not foes
(But in appearance) for, tout autre chose,
They help'd each other in the time of need.

To Dunstan quoth Old Nick, “My plans 'twill aid,
“If Edgar from yon abbey force the maid,

“Then, prithee, brother Dunny, don't impede him.”
Quoth Dunstan to Old Nick, “'Tis my design
“To let him take her, then a glorious fine,
“I'll levy first, and next the Pope shall bleed him.”

In short, the Monarch took the Nun away,
There was, in consequence, I scarce need say,
The Devil and the Friar both to pay.

Hume calls this lady Edita; she is, by another author named Wolfchild.

The Monks whom Dunstan and Edgar put in possession of Convents, were so nearly perfect, that they knew nothing of religion but continence and obedience. Ingulphus.