PART II.

But now mark, good people, the cream of the jest, In what a strange manner this female was drest: Catskins into a garment she made, I declare, 35 The which for her clothing she daily did wear.

Her own rich attire, and jewels beside, They up in a bundle together were ty'd; And to seek her fortune she wander'd away, And when she had wander'd a cold winter's day, 40

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 weary for sure. This noble knight's lady then came to the door,

And seeing this creature in such sort of dress, 45 The lady unto her these words did express, "From whence came you, or what will you have?" She said, "A night's rest in your stable I crave."

The lady said to her, "I grant thy desire, Come into the kitchen, and stand by the fire;" 50 Then she thank'd the lady, and went in with haste, Where she was gaz'd on from biggest to the least.

And, being warm'd, her hunger was great, They gave her a plate of good food for to eat; And then to an outhouse this damsel was led, 55 Where with fresh straw she soon made her a bed.

And when in the morning the day-light she saw, Her rich robes and jewels she hid in the straw; And being very cold, she then did retire, And went into the kitchen, and stood by the fire. 60

The cook said, "My lady promis'd that thou[L61] Shouldest be a scullion to wait on me now:[L62] What say'st thou, girl, art thou willing to bide?" "With all my heart," then she to her reply'd.

To work at her needle she could very well, 65 And [for] raising of paste few could her excel; She being so handy, the cook's heart did win, And then she was call'd by the name of Catskin.