Chapter 11

SHOWING HOW THEY MET BY APPOINTMENT IN A GROVE, WHERE SHE OBLIGED HIM TO FIGHT OR WED HER.

Early on a summer’s morning, When bright Phoebus was adorning Every bower with his beams, The fair lady came, it seems.

At the bottom of a mountain, Near a pleasant crystal fountain, There she left her gilded coach, While the grove she did approach.

Covered with her mask, and walking, There she met her lover talking With a friend that he had brought; So she asked him whom he sought.

‘I am challenged by a gallant, Who resolves to try my talent; Who he is I cannot say, But I hope to show him play.’

‘It is I that did invite you, You shall wed me, or I’ll fight you, Underneath those spreading trees; Therefore, choose you which you please.

‘You shall find I do not vapour, I have brought my trusty rapier; Therefore, take your choice,’ said she, ‘Either fight or marry me.’

Said he, ‘Madam, pray what mean you? In my life I’ve never seen you; Pray unmask, your visage show, Then I’ll tell you aye or no.’

‘I will not my face uncover Till the marriage ties are over; Therefore, choose you which you will, Wed me, sir, or try your skill.

‘Step within that pleasant bower, With your friend one single hour; Strive your thoughts to reconcile, And I’ll wander here the while.’

While this beauteous lady waited, The young bachelors debated What was best for to be done: Quoth his friend, ‘The hazard run.

‘If my judgment can be trusted, Wed her first, you can’t be worsted; If she’s rich, you’ll rise to fame, If she’s poor, why! you’re the same.’

He consented to be married; All three in a coach were carried To a church without delay, Where he weds the lady gay.

Though sweet pretty Cupids hovered Round her eyes, her face was covered With a mask,—he took her thus, Just for better or for worse.

With a courteous kind behaviour, She presents his friend a favour, And withal dismissed him straight, That he might no longer wait.