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When she had seen the beauteous wench
(Than blushing fairness fairer)
Such beauty made the Countess hold
Them both excus’d the rather.

Who would not bite at such a bait,
Thought she: and who (though loth
So poor a wench, but gold might tempt,
Sweet errors lead them both.
Scarce one and twenty that had brag’d
Of proffer’d gold deny’d,
Or of such yielding beauty baulk’d
But, ten to one had ly’d.

Thus, thought she; and she thus declares
Her cause of coming thither;
My Lord, oft hunting in these parts,
Through travel night or weather,
Hath often lodged in your house,
I thank you for the same;
For why—it doth him jolly ease
To lie so near his game.

But, for you have no furniture,
Beseeming such a guest,
I bring his own, and come myself
To see his lodging drest.
With that two sumpters were discharg’d,
In which were hangings brave
Silk coverings, curtains, carpets, plate,
and all such turn should have.