5
PART III.
Early on a summer’s morning,
When bright Phœbus was adorning
Every bower with his beams,
The fair lady came it seems.
At the bottom of the mountain,
Near a pleasant crystal fountain;
There she left her gilded coach,
While the grove she did approanh,
Covered with her mask and walking.
There she met her lover talking
With a friend that he had brought;
Straight she ask’d him, who she sought.
I am challenged by a gallant,
Who resolves to try my talent;
Who he is I cannot say,
But I hope to shew him play.
It is that I did invite you,
You shall wed me or I’ll fight you,
Underneath those spreading trees;
Therefore choose you which you please.
You shall find I do not vapour,
I have brought my trusty rapier,
Therefore take your choice says she,
Either fight or marry me.
Said he, madam, pray what mean you?
In my life I never saw you;
Pray unmask, your visage ahow,
Then I’ll tell you Aye or No.
I will not my face uncover,
Till the marriage ties are over,
