Bertha was a maiden fair,

Dwelling in the old Minster-square;

From her fire-side she could see,

Sidelong, its rich antiquity,

Far as the Bishop's garden-wall;

Where sycamores and elm-trees tall,

Full-leaved, the forest had outstript,

By no sharp north-wind ever nipt,

So sheltered by the mighty pile,

Bertha arose, and read awhile,