And here she sends thee a silken scarf
Bedewed with many a tear,
And bids thee sometimes think on her,
Who lovèd thee so dear.
And here she sends thee a ring of gold,
The last boon thou may'st have,
And bids thee wear it for her sake,
When she is laid in grave.
For, ah! her gentle heart is broke,
And in grave soon must she be,
For her father hath chose her a new love,
And forbid her to think of thee.
Her father hath brought her a carlish[29] knight,
Sir John of the north countrey,
And within three days she must him wed,
Or he vows he will her slay.
Now hie thee back, thou little foot-page,
And greet thy lady from me,
And tell her that I, her own true love,
Will die, or set her free.
Now hie thee back, thou little foot-page,
And let thy fair lady know,
This night will I be at her bower-window,
Betide me weal or woe.
The boy he tripped, the boy he ran,
He neither stint[30] nor stay'd
Until he came to fair Emmeline's bower,
When, kneeling down, he said,
O lady, I've been with thine own true love,
And he greets thee well by me;
This night will he be at thy bower-window,
And die or set thee free.
Now day was gone, and night was come,
And all were fast asleep,
All save the lady Emmeline,
Who sate in her bower to weep:
And soon she heard her true love's voice
Low whispering at the wall;
Awake, awake, my dear lady,
'Tis I, thy true love, call.