But after the sumptuous dinner was done, 25 To talk and to reason a number begun, And of the Blind Beggars daughter most bright, And what with his daughter he gave to the knight. Then spoke the nobles, "Much marvel have we This jolly blind beggar we cannot yet see!" 30 "My lords," quoth the bride, "my father so base Is loathe with his presence these states to disgrace." "The praise of a woman in question to bring, Before her own face, is a flattering thing; But we think thy fathers baseness," quoth they, 35 "Might by thy beauty be clean put away." They no sooner this pleasant word spoke, But in comes the beggar in a silken cloak, A velvet cap and a feather had he, And now a musician, forsooth, he would be. 40 And being led in, from catching of harm, He had a dainty lute under his arm; Said, "Please you to hear any music of me, A song I will give you of pretty Bessee." With that his lute he twanged straightway, 45 And thereon began most sweetly to play, And after a lesson was played two or three, He strained out this song most delicately:-- _"A beggars daughter did dwell on a green, Who for her beauty might well be a queen,[L50] 50 A blythe bonny lass, and dainty was she, And many one called her pretty Bessee._ _"Her father he had no goods nor no lands, But begged for a penny all day with his hands, And yet for her marriage gave thousands three, 55 Yet still he hath somewhat for pretty Bessee._ _"And here if any one do her disdain, Her father is ready with might and with main, To prove she is come of noble degree, Therefore let none flout at my pretty Bessee."_ 60 With that the lords and the company round With a hearty laughter were ready to swound; At last said the lords, "Full well we may see, The bride and the bridegroom's beholden to thee." With that the fair bride all blushing did rise, 65 With chrystal water all in her bright eyes; "Pardon my father, brave nobles," quoth she, "That through blind affection thus doats upon me." "If this be thy father," the nobles did say, "Well may he be proud of this happy day, 70 Yet by his countenance well may we see, His birth with his fortune could never agree. "And therefore, blind beggar, we pray thee bewray, And look that the truth to us thou dost say,[L74] Thy birth and thy parentage what it may be, 75 E'en for the love thou bearest to pretty Bessee." "Then give me leave, ye gentles each one, A song more to sing and then I'll begone; And if that I do not win good report, Then do not give me one groat for my sport:-- 80