[See book i. No. 1, for the original of this ballad.]
In Carleile dwelt king Arthur,
A prince of passing might;
And there maintain'd his table round,
Beset with many a knight.
And there he kept his Christmas 5
With mirth and princely cheare,
When, lo! a straunge and cunning boy
Before him did appeare.
A kirtle and a mantle
This boy had him upon, 10
With brooches, rings, and owches[454]
Full daintily bedone.
He had a sarke[455] of silk
About his middle meet;
And thus, with seemly curtesy, 15
He did king Arthur greet.
"God speed thee, brave king Arthur,
Thus feasting in thy bowre.
And Guenever thy goodly queen,
That fair and peerlesse flowre. 20
"Ye gallant lords, and lordings,
I wish you all take heed,
Lest, what ye deem a blooming rose
Should prove a cankred weed."