recious stone
And compast all with crapotee[8]--
Stones of Orient great plenty; 25
Her hair about her head it hang;
She rode over that longe lea;
A while she blew, another she sang.
Her girths of noble silk they were;
The buckles were of beryl-stone; 30
Her stirrups were of crystal clear,
And all with pearl overbegone[9];
Her paytrell[10] was of iral-stone;
Her crupper was of orphare[11];
And as clear gold her bridle shone; 35
On either side hang belles three.
She led three grew-hounds in a leash,
And seven raches[12] by her they ran;
She bare an horn about her halse[13],
And under/her belt full many a flane[14]. 40
Thomas lay and saw that sight
Underneath a seemly tree.
He said "Yon is Mary most of might,[15]
That bare that child that died for me.
But-if[16] I speak with yon lady bright, 45
I hope my heart will break in three!
Now shall I go with all my might
Her for to meet at Eildon tree[17]."
Thomas rathely[18] up he rase,
And he ran over that mountain high; 50
If it be as the story says,
Her he met at Eildon tree.
He kneeled down upon his knee,
Underneath that greenwood spray,
And said "Lovely lady, rue on me, 55
Queen of heaven, as thou well may!"
Then spake that lady mild of thought,
"Thomas, let such wordes be;
Queen of heaven ne am I nought,
For I took never so high degree. 60
But I am of another country,
If I be 'parelled most of price;
I ride after these wilde fee[19];
My raches runnes at my device."
"If thou be 'parelled most of price, 65
And here rides thus in thy folly,
Of love, lady, as thou art wise,
Thou give me leave to lie thee by!"
She said "Thou man, that were folly;
I pray thee, Thomas, thou let me be; 70
For I say thee full sekerly[20],
That sin will fordo all my beauty,"
"Now, lovely lady, rue on me,
And I will evermore with thee dwell;
Here my troth I will plight to thee, 75
Whether thou wilt in heaven or hell."
"Man of mould, thou wilt me mar;
But yet thou shalt have all thy will;
And, trow it well, thou 'chievest the ware[21],
For all