'GAILY THE TROUBADOUR.'

(MORRIS)

Sir Ralph he is hardy and mickle of might,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

Soldans seven hath he slain in fight,

Honneur à la belle Isoline!

Sir Ralph he rideth in riven mail,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

Beneath his nasal is his dark face pale,

Honneur à la belle Isoline!

His eyes they blaze as the burning coal,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

He smiteth a stave on his gold citole,

'Honneur à la belle Isoline!'

From her mangonel she looketh forth,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

'Who is he spurreth so late to the north?'

Honneur à la belle Isoline!

Hark! for he speaketh a knightly name,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

And her wan cheek glows as a burning flame,

Honneur à la belle Isoline!

For Sir Ralph he is hardy and mickle of might,

Ha, la belle blanche aubépine!

And his love shall ungirdle his sword to-night,

Honneur à la belle Isoline!