IV

‘And as it falls as many times
As knots be knit in a kell[339],
Or merchantmen go to leeve[340] Londòn
To buy ware or to sell;

V

‘And as it falls as many times
As any heart can think,
Or school-masters are in any school
Writing with pen and ink.

VI

‘Here is a glove, a glove,’ he says,
‘Lined wi’ the silver-gris[341];
Bid her to come to Silver Wood
To speak with Childe Maurice.

VII

‘And here is a ring, a ring,’ he says,
‘A ring of the precious stone:
He prays her come to Silver Wood
And ask the leave of none.’—

VIII

‘Well do I love your errand, master,
But better I love my life.
Would ye have me go to John Steward’s castle,
To tryst away his wife?’—