10 'Henceforth when you doe meet a maide,
A mile out of the towne,
Sir knight, you must not be affraid
Of soyling of her gowne.
11 'And if you chance to meet a maid
Amongst the cockes of hay,
Sir knight, you must not be affraid
With her to court, and say
Sing loud, etc.
12 'It is a proverb, many say,
And truth it is in tryall,
He that will not when as he may
Shall after have denyall.
13 'And thus, sir knight, now fare you well,
To you I bid adieu;
And you hereafterwards may tell
How I have servëd you.'
R. C.
Printed at London for Thomas Lambert, at the signe of the Hors-shoo in Smithfield.
Percy's Reliques, III, 238, 1765.
1 There was a knight was drunk with wine
A riding along the way, sir,
And there he met with a lady fine,
Among the cocks of hay, sir.
2 'Shall you and I, O lady faire,
Among the grass lye downe-a?
And I will have a special care
Of rumpling of your gowne-a.'
3 'Upon the grass there is a dewe,
Will spoil my damaske gowne, sir;
My gown and kirtle they are newe,
And cost me many a crowne, sir.'