[17. The Boy and the Mantle]
A Ballad of King Arthur’s Court.
I
In the third day of May
To Carleile did come
A kind curteous child
That co’ld[156] much of wisdome.
II
A kirtle and a mantle
This child had uppon,
With brauches and ringes
Full richelye bedone[157].
III
He had a sute of silke
About his middle drawne;
Without he co’ld of curtesye
He thought it much shame.
IV
‘God speed thee, King Arthur,
Sitting at thy meate;
And the goodly Queene Guenever!
I cannot her forget.