Page:Factor's garland (2).pdf/3

 He said, fairest creature, thy weeping refrain,

And be of good comfort, thou shalt not be slain,

Behold, I have purchas'd thy pardon will ye

Be willing to go to fair England with me.

She said, Sir, I thank you, who freed me from death,

I'm bound to obey you so long's I have breath;

And if you are willing to fair England I'l go,

And due respects to you till death I will show.

E brought her to London where it is said,

He set up housekeeping, and made her his maid,

For to wait upon him, and finding her just,

With the keys of his riches he did her intrust.

At last this young factor was hired once more,

To cross the proud waves and billows that roar,

And into that country his course was to steer,

Which by this maid's father was govern'd we hear,

Being a hot country, this maid did prepare,

So get 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 wish for to know.

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

With that he reply'd I'll fulfil thy mind.

henThen [sic] away he sail'd, and came to the shore,

The Factor he came to the Emperor's door,

For it the usual custom of this place,

To present some noble gifts unto his Grace.

His gift was accepted of and as he stood by,

On this flowered garment the Prince cast an eye.