Page:Factor's garland (5).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 am bound to obey you so long's I have breath:

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

And due respect to you till death I will show.

He brought her to London where as 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,

To get light robes, in that country to wear,

He bought a silk waist-coat, the whiehwhich [sic] 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 my mind.

Then away he sail'd, 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 of and as he stood by,

On this flowered garment the Prince cast an eye.