There, as I rode by the maiden’s side,
Like red gold shone her hair;
And every man right well might mark
My heart was full of care.
We rode across the lee-land
To the good greenwood amain,
And never did my hand loose hold
Of the maiden’s bridle-rein.
“Hold off, hold off, thou fair young squire,
And do not ride so near!
Well can I see thy foolish heart
Doth hold me all too dear.”
“I may not eat, I may not drink,
I dwell in dule and pine—
And all the night and every night,
I dream that thou art mine.
“Good sooth, I am but a poor young squire—
God make me rich and great!
God give me land, as I have love,
To be thy worthy mate!”
“Now dress thee in thy fairest weed,
Speak not to living wight—
For I will pray my father dear,
And he will dub thee knight.
“Then come into the ladies’ bower,
And stand thou not too near,
That never a living wight may know
How thou dost hold me dear.”
I went into the ladies’ bower,
Right sore afraid was I!
I looked not at my own true love
Lest the serving-maid should spy.
She smiled, the lovely lady,
Beneath her veil so thin;
“Now who is he, the stranger squire,
That comes so boldly in?”
Now thanks be to the kindly Count,
So leal a lord was he!
He gave away his daughter dear
My beauteous bride to be.
(And is she glad, then I rejoice.)