23 With a lamenting sigh, said she,
To dye I now am ready;
Must this dishonour fall on me?
A most unhappy lady!
24 He from his saddle did alight,
In gaudy rich attire,
And cried, I am a noble knight,
Who do your charms admire.
25 He took the lady by the hand,
Who seemingly consented,
And woud no more disputing stand:
She had a plot invented
26 How she might baffle him again,
With much delight and pleasure,
And eke unspotted still remain,
With her pure virgin treasure.
27 'Look yonder, good sir knight, I pray:
Methinks I do discover,
Well mounted on a dapple-grey,
My true, entire lover.'
28 The knight, he standing on the brink
Of the deep floating river,
Thought she, Thou now shalt swim or sink;
Choose which you fancy rather.
29 Against his back the lady run;
The waters strait he sounded;
He cry'd out, Love, what have you done!
Help! help! or I am drowned.
30 Said she, Sir knight, farewel, adieu;
You see what comes of fooling;
That is the fittest place for you,
Whose courage wanted cooling.
31 'Love, help me out, and I'll forgive
This fault which you've committed;'
'No, no,' says she, 'sir, as I live,
I think you're finely fitted.'
32 She rid home to her father's house,
For speedy expedition,
While the gay knight was soakd like souce,
In a sad wet condition.