From her, the lord he was to bring
A rich and costly diamond ring, 70
That was to prove and testify
How he did with his lady lie.
He tries, but never could obtain
Her favour, but with high disdain
She did defy his base intent; 75
So to her chambermaid he went,
And told her if she would but steal
Her lady's ring, and to conceal
The same, and bring it to him straight,
She should enjoy a fine estate. 80
In hopes of such a fine reward,
The ring she stole; then the Dutch lord
Did take it to the noble knight,
Who almost swooned at the sight.
Home he goes to the lady straight; 85
Meeting her at the palace gate,
He flung her headlong into the mote,
And left her there to sink or float.
Soon after that, in clothes of green,
She like a warlike knight was seen, 90
And in most gallant gay deport
She rode unto the Emperor's court.
Now when the Emperor beheld
Her brave deportment, he was fill'd
With admiration at the sight, 95
Who call'd herself an English knight.
The Emperor then did reply,
"We have an English knight to die
For drowning of his lady gay;"
Quoth she, "I'd see him, if I may." 100
'Twas granted; so to him she came,
And calling of him by his name,
She said, "Kind sir, be of good cheer;
Your friend I'll be, you need not fear."
She to the Emperor did ride, 105
And said, "Now let this cause be tried
Once more, for I've a mind to save
This noble gallant from the grave."