ud of carriage. He was clad
all in white, like my lady. A more beauteous apparel I have never seen.

His doublet was of cloth of silver, with a close jerkin of white satin
embroidered in silver and little pearls. His girdle and the scabbard of
his sword were of cloth of silver, with golden buckles. His poniard and
sword were hilted and mounted in gold, together with many blazing orders
and richer devices that I know not how to enumerate.

My lady's gown was all of white satin, sewn down the front with little
pearls, like those on my lord's jerkin, and her ruff was of soft lace,
not stiff, as was the fashion, but falling about her bosom most modestly
and becomingly. Lord Robert, methinks, was eke as goodly, after his way,
as either his sister or Lord Denbeigh, being close clad from head to
foot in crimson sarcenet, slashed all with cloth of gold. My lady had
given me some suiting clothes for the occasion; and as for Marian,
methought in her new gown of sea-green taffeta, with her new ruff and
head-gear, that she looked as fair a matron as any mother of fine lads
in all England.

IV.

Seven months they had been wed, and it was May again. Methought such
love had never been on earth since Eden. 'Twas gladness but to see them.
And all, moreo'er, was so well with Lord Robert, who, folks did say, was
in mighty great favor at court, and like to become a shining light in
the land.

'Twas on a May morning. The trees were a-lilt with birds, and the sound
of waters set all the winds a-singing. All at once comes my lord, and
sets his hand on my shoulder. Then know I that something dire hath
happened. And he saith, "Friend, where is thy mistress?"

And I tell him that she is out among her roses.

Then saith he all at once, "The Queen hath sent for me--I must to war."

And I could do naught but stare at him. And he said to me: "In an hour I
must be gone. Say naught to thy mistress. I will go don a suiting dress,
and do thou bring me my sword and give it into my hand."

And he went, returning shortly, and I gave him the sword. It was then
that we heard the voice of my lady without, and she sang a song of the
spring-tide. The words I have ne'er forgot, though I did but hear them
once:

"For O! For O!
The cowslips blow,
And the ground's all gold below me;
The speedwell's eye
Peers up so bli'
I swear it seems to know me!

"The lady-smocks