Chapter 6

Soon after, bold Henry he entered on board, The heavens a prosperous gale did afford, And brought him with speed to the kingdom of Spain, There he with a merchant some time did remain;

Who, finding that he was both faithful and just, Preferred him to places of honour and trust; He made him as great as his heart could request, Yet, wanting his Ruth, he with grief was oppressed.

So great was his grief it could not be concealed, Both honour and riches no pleasure could yield; In private he often would weep and lament, For Ruth, the fair, beautiful lady of Kent.

Now, while he lamented the loss of his dear, A lady of Spain did before him appear, Bedecked with rich jewels both costly and gay, Who earnestly sought for his favour that day.

Said she, ‘Gentle swain, I am wounded with love, And you are the person I honour above The greatest of nobles that ever was born;— Then pity my tears, and my sorrowful mourn!’

‘I pity thy sorrowful tears,’ he replied, ‘And wish I were worthy to make thee my bride; But, lady, thy grandeur is greater than mine, Therefore, I am fearful my heart to resign.’

‘O! never be doubtful of what will ensue, No manner of danger will happen to you; At my own disposal I am, I declare, Receive me with love, or destroy me with care.’

‘Dear madam, don’t fix your affection on me, You are fit for some lord of a noble degree, That is able to keep up your honour and fame; I am but a poor sailor, from England who came.

‘A man of mean fortune, whose substance is small, I have not wherewith to maintain you withal, Sweet lady, according to honour and state; Now this is the truth, which I freely relate.’

The lady she lovingly squeezèd his hand, And said with a smile, ‘Ever blessed be the land That bred such a noble, brave seaman as thee; I value no honours, thou’rt welcome to me;

‘My parents are dead, I have jewels untold, Besides in possession a million of gold; And thou shalt be lord of whatever I have, Grant me but thy love, which I earnestly crave.’

Then, turning aside, to himself he replied, ‘I am courted with riches and beauty beside; This love I may have, but my Ruth is denied.’ Wherefore he consented to make her his bride.

The lady she clothèd him costly and great; His noble deportment, both proper and straight, So charmèd the innocent eye of his dove, And added a second new flame to her love.

Then married they were without longer delay; Now here we will leave them both glorious and gay, To speak of fair Ruth, who in sorrow was left At home with her parents, of comfort bereft.