Ch. 807: XV

XV

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 fairest that eye could see,

Her fancy fell a-turning.

Long was the combat doubtful, that love with love did fight,

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,

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;

For now my song is ended.