23
'I'll grow into your arms two
Like an adder or a snake;
But hold me fast, let me not go,
I'll be your earthly maick.
24
'I'll grow into your arms two
Like iron in strong fire;
But hold me fast, let me not go,
Then you'll have your desire.'
25
She rid down to Miles Cross,
Between twelve hours and one,
Took holy water in her hand,
And cast a compass round.
26
The first court that came along,
She let them all pass by;
The next court that came along
Saluted reverently.
27
The next court that came along
Were clad in robes of green,
When Tomlin, on a milk-white steed,
She saw ride with the queen.
28
She seized him in her arms two,
He to the ground did fa,
And then she heard a ruefull cry
'Tomlin is now awa.'
29
He grew into her arms two
Like to a savage wild;
She held him fast, let him not go,
The father of her child.
30
He grew into her arms two
Like an adder or a snake;
She held him fast, let him not go,
He was her earthly maick.
31
He grew into her arms two
Like iron in hot fire;
She held him fast, let him not go,
He was her heart's desire.
32
Then sounded out throw elphin court,
With a loud shout and a cry,
That the pretty maid of Chaster's wood
That day had caught her prey.