But Robin he soon espy’d,
A[300] beautiful damsel all alone,
That on a black palfrey did ride. {225}
Her riding-suit was of a sable hew black,
Cypress over her face,
Through which her rose-like cheeks did blush,
All with a comely grace.
Come tell me the cause, thou pretty one,
Quoth Robin, and tell me aright,
From whence thou comest, and whither thou goest,