Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/163

 , lively lordings all, Lithe and listen unto mee, And I will sing of a noble earle, The noblest earle in the north countrie.

Earle Percy is into his garden gone, And after him walks his fair leddie: I heard a bird sing in mine ear, That I must either fight, or flee.

Now heaven forefend, my dearest lord, That ever such harm should hap to thee: But goe to London to the court, And fair fall truth and honestie.

Now nay, now nay, my ladye gay, Alas! thy counsell suits not mee; Mine enemies prevail so fast, That at the court I may not bee.

O goe to the court yet, good my lord, And take thy gallant men with thee; If any dare to do you wrong, Then your warrant they may bee.

Now nay, now nay, thou ladye faire, The court is full of subtiltie: And if I goe to the court, ladye, Never more I may thee see.

Yet goe to the court, my lord, she sayes, And I myselfe will ryde wi’ thee: