FAIR ROSAMUND
When as King Henry ruled this land
The second of that name,
Above all else, he dearly loved
A fair and comely dame.
Her crisped locks like threads of gold
Appear'd to each man's sight;
Her sparkling eyes, like orient pearls
Did cast a heavenly light.
The blood within her crystal cheeks
Did such a colour drive,
As though the lily and the rose
For mastership did strive.
Yea Rosamund, fair Rosamund,
Her name was called so,
To whom our queen, queen Ellinor
Was known a deadly foe.
The king therefore, for her defence
Against the furious queen,
At Woodstock builded such a bower,
The like was never seen.
Most curiously that bower was built,
Of stone and timber strong,
An hundred and fifty doors
Did to this bower belong.
And they so cunningly contrived,
With turnings round about,
That none, but with a clue of thread,
Could enter in and out.
And for his love and lady's sake.
That was so fair and bright,
The keeping of this bower he gave
Unto a valiant knight.
But fortune, that doth often frown
Where she before did smile,
The king's delight and lady's joy
Full soon she did beguile: