"Where might I be plac'd, Gentle forester tell me; Where might I procure A service in my need? Pains I will not spare, 145 But will do my duty; Ease me of my care, Help my extream need." The forester all amazed On her beauty gazed, 150 'Till his heart was set on fire: "If, fair maid," quoth he, "You will go with me, You shall have your heart's desire." He brought her to his mother, 155 And above all other He set forth this maiden's praise: Long was his heart inflamed, At length her love he gained, So fortune did his glory raise. 160 Thus unknown he matcht With the king's fair daughter; Children seven he had, Ere she to him was known. But when he understood 165 She was a royal princess, By this means at last He shew[e']d forth her fame: He cloath'd his children then[L169] Not like other men, 170 In party colours strange to see; The right side cloth of gold, The left side to behold Of woollen cloth still fram[e']d he. Men thereat did wonder, 175 Golden fame did thunder This strange deed in every place; The king of France came thither[L178] Being pleasant weather, In the woods the hart to chase. 180 The children there did stand, As their mother will[e']d, Where the royal king Must of force come by; Their mother richly clad 185 In fair crimson velvet, Their father all in gray, Most comely to the eye. When this famous king, Noting every thing, 190 Did ask him how he durst be so bold, To let his wife to wear, And deck his children there, In costly robes of pearl and gold,-- The forester bold repli[e']d, 195 And the cause descri[e']d, And to the king he thus did say: "Well may they by their mother Wear rich gold like other, Being by birth a princess gay." 200