This maid, in her place, did all maidens excel, That the lady took notice, and lik’d her well; Saying, she was born of some noble degree, And took her as a companion to be. The Knight when he came to the house did behold This beautiful lady with trappings of gold, When he ask’d the lady to grant him a boon, And said it was to walk with that virgin alone. The lady consented, telling the young maid By him she need not fear to be betrayed. When he first met her, ‘Thou strumpet,’ said he, ‘Did I not charge thee never more to see me? This hour’s thy last, to the world bid good night, For being so bold to appear in my sight.’ Said she, ‘In the sea you flung your ring, And bid me not see you unless I did bring The same unto you. Now I have it,’ cries she, ‘Behold, ’tis the same that you flung into the sea.’ When the Knight saw it, he flew to her arms, And said, ‘Lovely maid, thou hast millions of charms.’ Said he, ‘Charming creature, pray pardon me, Who often contrived the ruin of thee: ’Tis in vain to alter what heaven doth decree, For I find you are born my wife to be.’ Then wedded they were, as I did hear say, And now she’s a lady both gallant and gay, They quickly unto her parents did haste, When the Knight told the story of what had passed. But asked their pardon, upon his bare knee, Who gave it, and rejoiced their daughter to see. Then they for the fisherman and his wife sent, And for their past troubles did them content. And so there was joy for all them that did see The farmer’s young daughter a lady to be.