And four-and-twenty gay ladies
Were playing at the chess,
But Ellen, the fairest lady,
Must bring his horse to grass.
XXXI
When bells were rung, and mass was sung,
And a’ men bound to meat,
Burd Ellen was at the bye-table
Among the foot-men set.
XXXII
‘O eat and drink, my bonny boy,
The white bread and the beer.’—
‘The never a bit can I eat or drink,
My heart’s so full of fear.’—
XXXIII
‘O eat and drink, my bonny boy,
The white bread and the wine.’—
‘O I cannot eat nor drink, master,
My heart’s so full of pine[335].’
XXXIV
But out and spake Childe Waters’ mother,
And a skilly[336] dame was she:
‘Where met ye with that little foot-page
That looks so sad on thee?