Page:Factor's garland.pdf/3

 Being a hot country, this maid did prepare

To get fine light robes in that country to wear,

He bought a silk waist-coat, the which it is told

His servant maid flowered with silver and gold.

She said to him, Master, I do understand,

You are going Factor unto such a land;

And if you that Prince’s court enter in,

Be sure let this fine flowered garment be seen.

He said, to that Prince’s court I must go,

The meaning of your words I long for to know.

Sir I will not tell you, some reason you’ll find,

With that he replied, I’ll fulfill thy mind.

Then away he sailed, and came to the shore,

This Factor he came to the Emperor’s door;

For it was the usual custom of that place,

To present some noble gifts unto his grace.

His gift was accepted, and as he stood by,

On his flowered garment the Prince cast an eye,

Which made him colour, and thus he did say,

Who flowered that garment? Now tell me I pray.

If it please your Grace my last voyage was to Turkey

Where I saw a creature that strangled must be

And to save her life, gave an hundred pounds,

And carried her with me to fair London town.

There she’s my housekeeper while I'm in this land:

And when of my coming she did understand,

She flowered this robe, and gave strict charge to me

To let it be seen by your Majesty.

The prince cried, Behold! friends, this robe which I wear

Is of the same flower and spot I do swear,