Chapter 16

But now mark, good people, the cream of the jest, In what sort of manner this creature was dressed; With cat-skins she made her a robe, I declare, The which for her covering she daily did wear.

Her own rich attire, and jewels beside, Then up in a bundle by her they were tied, And to seek her fortune she wandered away; And when she had travelled a cold winter’s day,

In the evening-tide she came to a town, Where at a knight’s door she sat herself down, For to rest herself, who was tirèd sore;— This noble knight’s lady then came to the door.

This fair creature seeing in such sort of dress, The lady unto her these words did express: ‘Whence camest thou, girl, and what wouldst thou have?’ She said, ‘A night’s rest in your stable I crave.’

The lady said to her, ‘I’ll grant thy desire, Come into the kitchen, and stand by the fire.’ Then she thankèd the lady, and went in with haste; And there she was gazed on from highest to least.

And, being well warmed, her hunger was great, They gave her a plate of good food for to eat, And then to an outhouse this creature was led, Where with fresh straw she soon made her a bed.

And when in the morning the daylight she saw, Her riches and jewels she hid in the straw; And, being very cold, she then did retire Into the kitchen, and stood by the fire.

The cook said, ‘My lady hath promised that thee Shall be as a scullion to wait upon me; What say’st thou girl, art thou willing to bide?’ ‘With all my heart truly,’ to him she replied.

To work at her needle she could very well, And for raising of paste few could her excel; She being so handy, the cook’s heart did win, And then she was called by the name of Catskin.