19
Then euery knight
that was in the kings court
Talked, laughed, and showted,
full oft att that sport.
20
Shee threw downe the mantle,
that bright was of blee,
Ffast with a red rudd
to her chamber can shee flee.
21
Forth came an old knight,
pattering ore a creede,
And he proferred to this little boy
twenty markes to his meede,
22
And all the time of the Christmasse
willinglye to ffeede;
For why, this mantle might
doe his wiffe some need.
23
When shee had tane the mantle,
of cloth that was made,
Shee had no more left on her
but a tassell and a threed:
Then euery knight in the kings court
bade euill might shee speed.
24
Shee threw downe the mantle,
that bright was of blee,
And fast with a redd rudd
to her chamber can shee flee.
25
Craddocke called forth his ladye,
and bade her come in;
Saith, 'Winne this mantle, ladye,
with a litle dinne.
26
'Winne this mantle, ladye,
and it shalbe thine
If thou neuer did amisse
since thou wast mine.'
27
Forth came Craddockes ladye
shortlye and anon,
But boldlye to the mantle
then is shee gone.
28
When shee had tane the mantle,
and cast itt her about,
Vpp att her great toe
itt began to crinkle and crowt;
Shee said, 'Bowe downe, mantle,
and shame me not for nought.