He was the flower of noble wights,
None ever more sincere colde bee;30
Of comely mien and shape hee was,
And tenderlye hee loved mee.
When thus I saw he loved me well,
I grewe so proud his paine to see,
That I, who did not know myselfe,35
Thought scorne of such a youth as hee.
And grew soe coy and nice to please,
As women's lookes are often soe,
He might not kisse, nor hand forsooth,
Unlesse I willed him soe to doe.40
[ Thus being wearyed with delayes
To see I pittyed not his greeffe,
]
[ He gott him to a secrett place,
And there he dyed without releeffe.
]
Now, gentle heardsman, aske no more,
But keepe my secretts I thee pray:
Unto the towne of Walsingham55
Show me the right and readye way.
"Now goe thy wayes, and God before!
For he must ever guide thee still:
Turne downe that dale, the right hand path,
And soe, faire pilgrim, fare thee well!"60
[41-52]. Stanzas 11, 12, 13, have been paraphrased by Goldsmith in his ballad of Edwin and Emma.