And whan they were the herber passed by,
I drest me forth, and happed to mete, anone,
Right a faire lady, I do you ensure;
And she came riding by herselfe alone,
Alle in white, with semblance ful demure,
I salued her, and bad good aventure
Might her befall, as I coud most humbly;
And she answered, “My doughter, gramercy!”
“Madame,” quoth I, “if that I durst enquere
Of you, I would faine of that company