At length the time of pay drew near, When the knight did begin to fear; He dreaded much the cruel Jew, Because the money it was due. 40 His lady asked him why he grieved: He said, "My jewel, I received Such sum of money of a Jew, And now the money it is due. "And now the day of payment's come, 45 I'm sure I cannot pay the sum; He'll have my flesh, weight for weight, Which makes my grief and sorrow great." "Hush, never fear him," she replied; "We'll cross the raging ocean wide, 50 And so secure you from the fate:" To her request he yielded straight. Then having pass'd the raging seas, They travelled on, till by degrees Unto the German court they came, 55 The knight, his son, and comely dame. Unto the Emperor he told His story of the sum of gold That he had borrowed of a Jew, And that for fear of death he flew. 60 The Emperor he did erect A court for them, and show'd respect Unto his guests, because they came From Britain, that blest land of fame. As here he lived in delight, 65 A Dutch lord told our English knight, That he a ton of gold would lay, He could enjoy his lady gay. From her, the lord he was to bring A rich and costly diamond ring, 70 That was to prove and testify How he did with his lady lie. He tries, but never could obtain Her favour, but with high disdain She did defy his base intent; 75 So to her chambermaid he went, And told her if she would but steal Her lady's ring, and to conceal The same, and bring it to him straight, She should enjoy a fine estate. 80 In hopes of such a fine reward, The ring she stole; then the Dutch lord Did take it to the noble knight, Who almost swooned at the sight. Home he goes to the lady straight; 85 Meeting her at the palace gate, He flung her headlong into the mote, And left her there to sink or float. Soon after that, in clothes of green, She like a warlike knight was seen, 90 And in most gallant gay deport She rode unto the Emperor's court. Now when the Emperor beheld Her brave deportment, he was fill'd With admiration at the sight, 95 Who call'd herself an English knight. The Emperor then did reply, "We have an English knight to die For drowning of his lady gay;" Quoth she, "I'd see him, if I may." 100