53 Until the morning break of day,
And being warm summer weather,
A shepherd chanc'd to come that way,
Who pulld on his boots of leather.
54 Then mounting on his milk-white steed,
He, shaking his ears, was ready,
And whip and spur he rid with speed
To find out this crafty lady.
55 'If once this lady I come nigh
She shall be releasd by no man:
Why shoud so brave a knight as I
Be foold by a silly woman!
56 'Three times she has affronted me,
In crimes which I cannot pardon;
But if I an't revengd,' said he,
'Let me not be worth a farthing.
57 'I value not her beauty fair,
Tho once I did dote upon her;
This trusty sword shall now repair
My baffled, blasted honour.'
58 Unto her father's house he came,
Which every side was moated;
The fair sweet youthful charming dame,
His angry brows she noted.
59 Thought she, I'll have the other bout,
And tumble him in the river;
And let the Devil help him out,
Or there he shall soak for ever.
60 He will not let me live at rest,
Although I have often foild him;
Therefore once more, I do protest,
With flattering I'll beguile him.
61 The bridge was drawn, the gates lockd fast,
So that he could no ways enter;
She smil'd to him, and cry'd at last,
Sir knight, if you please to venture,
62 A plank lies over the moat hard by,
Full seventeen foot in measure;
There's no body now at home but I;
Therefore we'll take our pleasure.