Page:Life and death of Fair Rosamond (7).pdf/2



HEN as King Henry rul'd this land,

the second of that name;

Besides the queen he loved dear,

a fair and comely dame.

Most peerless was her beauty found,

her favour and her face;

A sweeter creature in the world

could never prince embrace.

Her crisped locks, like threads of gold,

appeared to each man's sight,

Her comely eyes like orient pearl,

did cast a heavenly light.

The blood within her crystal cheeks

did such a colour drive,

As tho' the lily and the rose

for mastership did strive.

Fair Rosamond, Fair Rosamond,

her name was called so,

To whom dame Eleanor our Queen,

was known a deadly foe.

The King therefore for her defence,

against the furious Queen,

At Woodstock builded such a bower,

The like was never seen.