The Lay of Havelok the Dane

by Unknown

He was ful mykel & hardy, & strong as a Geaunt.

He was bold Curteys & fre, & fair & god of manere,

So th^t alle folk hym louede, th^t auewest hym were.

But for couetise of desheraison, of damysele Argill,

& for a chere th^t the kyng sey, scheo made Coraunt till,

He dide hem arraye ful symplely, & wedde togydere bothe,

For he ne rewarded desparagyng, were manion ful wrothe.

A while they dwelt after in court, in ful pore degre,

The schame & sorewe th^t Argill hadde, hit was a deol to se.

Then seyde scheo til hure maister, of whenne sire be ȝe?