I alyght anone upon my gentyll stede,

Aboute the well then I rode to and fro,

And thought ryght well upon the joyfull mede

That I shoulde have after my payne and wo;

And on my lady I dyd thynke also:

Tyll at the last my varlet dyd me tell,

Take hede, quod he, here is a fende of hell!

My greyhoundes leped and my stede did sterte,

My spere I toke and did loke aboute;

Wyth hardy courage I did arme me herte;