"True to each other have we been;
No dearer object seeing,
Than each has in the other found;
In everything agreeing.
And every look, and word, and deed
That breed dissension fleeing.
"All this we swear, and take in proof
Our Lady of Dunmow!*
For She, who sits with saints above,
Well knows that it is so.
Attest our Vow, thou reverend man,
And bless us ere we go!"
* The accent in Dunmow is on the first syllable, not as placed by Ainsworth and other rhymers.
The Prior old stretch'd forth his hands;
"Heaven prosper ye!" quoth he;
"O'er such as ye, right gladly we
Say 'Benedicite!'"
On this, the kneeling pair uprose—
Uprose full joyfully.
Just then, pass'd by the Convent cook—
And moved the young man's glee;
On his broad back a mighty Flitch
Of Bacon brown bore he.
So heavy was the load, I wis,
It scarce mote carried be.
"Take ye that Flitch," the Prior cried,
"Take it, fond pair, and go;
Fidelity, like yours, deserves
The boon I now bestow.
Go, feast your friends, and think upon
The Convent of Dunmow."
"Good Prior," then the youth replied,
"Thy gift to us is dear,
Not for its worth, but that it shows
Thou deem'st our love sincere,
And in return broad lands I give—
Broad lands thy Convent near;
Which shall to thee and thine produce
A Thousand Marks a year!
"But this Condition I annex,
Or else the Grant's forsaken;
That whensoe'er a pair shall come,
And take the Oath we've taken,
They shall from thee and thine receive
A goodly Flitch of Bacon.
"And thus from out a simple chance
A usage good shall grow;
And our example of true love
Be held up evermo:
While all who win the prize shall bless
The Custom of Dunmow."