XIII
‘If I be false unto my young lord,
Then God be the like to me indeed!’
—So now to France they both are gone,
And the God [of Heaven] be their good speed!
XIV
Over the sea into France land
They had not been three weeks to an end,
But meat and drink the child got none,
Nor penny of money in purse to spend.
XV
The child ran to a river’s side;
He was fain to drink the water thin;
And after follow’d the false steward
To drown the bonny boy therein.
XVI
‘But nay, by Mary!’ said the child,
He askèd mercy pitifullye;
‘Good Steward, let me have my life,
And all I have I will give to thee!’
XVII
Mercy to him the steward did take,
And pull’d the child out o’er the brim
But, ever alack, the more pitye!
He took his clothing even from him.