With a silver rapier by my side,
So like a gallant I did ride;
The thing that I delighted on,
It was to be a serving-man.
IX
Thus in my sumptuous man’s array
I bravely rode along the way;
And at the last it chancèd so
That I to the King’s court did go.
X
Then to the King I bow’d full low,
My love and duty for to show;
And so much favour I did crave,
That I a serving-man’s place might have.
XI
‘Stand up, brave youth,’ the King replied,
‘Thy service shall not be denied;
But tell me first what thou canst do;
Thou shalt be fitted thereunto.
XII
‘Wilt thou be usher of my hall,
To wait upon my nobles all?
Or wilt thou be taster of my wine,
To wait on me when I do dine?