Such a noble disposition Had this lady, with submission, Of whom I this sonnet write, Store of wealth, and beauty bright. She had left, by a good grannum, Full five thousand pounds per annum, Which she held without control; Thus she did in riches roll. Though she had vast store of riches, Which some persons much bewitches, Yet she bore a virtuous mind, Not the least to pride inclined. Many noble persons courted This young lady, ’tis reported; But their labour proved in vain, They could not her favour gain. Though she made a strong resistance, Yet by Cupid’s true assistance, She was conquered after all; How it was declare I shall. Being at a noble wedding, Near the famous town of Redding, {92} A young gentleman she saw, Who belongèd to the law. As she viewed his sweet behaviour, Every courteous carriage gave her New addition to her grief; Forced she was to seek relief. Privately she then enquired About him, so much admired; Both his name, and where he dwelt,— Such was the hot flame she felt. Then, at night, this youthful lady Called her coach, which being ready, Homewards straight she did return; But her heart with flames did burn. PART II. SHOWING THE LADY’S LETTER OF A CHALLENGE TO FIGHT HIM UPON HIS REFUSING TO WED HER IN A MASK, WITHOUT KNOWING WHO SHE WAS. Night and morning, for a season, In her closet would she reason With herself, and often said, ‘Why has love my heart betrayed? ‘I, that have so many slighted, Am at length so well requited; For my griefs are not a few! Now I find what love can do. ‘He that has my heart in keeping, Though I for his sake be weeping, Little knows what grief I feel; But I’ll try it out with steel. ‘For I will a challenge send him, And appoint where I’ll attend him, In a grove, without delay, By the dawning of the day. ‘He shall not the least discover That I am a virgin lover, By the challenge which I send; But for justice I contend. ‘He has causèd sad distraction, And I come for satisfaction, Which if he denies to give, One of us shall cease to live.’ Having thus her mind revealed, She her letter closed and sealed; Which, when it came to his hand, The young man was at a stand. In her letter she conjured him For to meet, and well assured him, Recompence he must afford, Or dispute it with the sword. Having read this strange relation, He was in a consternation; But, advising with his friend, He persuades him to attend. ‘Be of courage, and make ready, Faint heart never won fair lady; In regard it must be so, I along with you must go.’ PART III. SHOWING HOW THEY MET BY APPOINTMENT IN A GROVE, WHERE SHE OBLIGED HIM TO FIGHT OR WED HER.