And then my love built me a bower,
Bedeck’d with many a fragrant flower;
A braver bower you ne’er did see
Than my true love did build for me.
IV
But there came thieves late in the night,
They robb’d my bower, and slew my knight,
And after that my knight was slain
I could no longer there remain.
V
My servants all from me did fly
In the midst of my extremity,
And left me by myself alone
With a heart more cold than any stone.
VI
Yet, though my heart was full of care,
Heaven would not suffer me to despair;
Wherefore in haste I changed my name
From fair Elise to Sweet William.
VII
And therewithal I cut my hair,
And dress’d myself in man’s attire;
And in my beaver, hose, and band,
I travell’d far through many a land.