"And taking up a lute straitway, Upon the same I strove to play; And sweetly to the same did sing, As made both hall and chamber ring: "'My father was as brave a lord, As ever Europe might afford; My mother was a lady bright: My husband was a valiant knight. "'But now, alas! my husband's dead, And all my friends are from me fled, My former days are past and gone, And I am now a serving man.' "The king who had a hunting gone, Grew weary of his sport anon, And leaving all his gallant train, Turn'd on the sudden home again. "And when he reached his statlye tower, Hearing one sing within his bower, He stopt to listen and to see Who sang there so melodiouslie. "A crimson dye my face orespred, I blush'd for shame and hung my head, To find my sex and story known, When as I thought I was alone. "'Faire ladye, pardon me,' says he, 'Thy virtue shall rewarded be. And since it is so fairly tryde, Thou shall become my royal bride.' "Then strait to end his loving strife He took Sweet Williame for his wife. The like before was never seen, A serving man become a queen." Francis laughed merrily when he finished. "Poor Williame! but it ended well after all. Well, my days for man's attire will soon be o'er." "'Tis to be hoped so," answered her father. "Though the dress well becomes thee." At length, though they had returned by easier stages than they had performed the journey to Stafford, Lyndhurst was reached, and soon the turrets of Stafford Hall became visible. "Home again, my child," spoke Lord Stafford cheerily. "Right glad am I to enter its gates once more. How is it with thee, Francis? Thou hast fared widely. Dost still revere thy home?" "More than ever, my father. Never have I seen it look so beautiful. Even the stones seem to smile a welcome." "Marry, there stands my lady wife! Look, she sees us." With a cry of joy the lady ran to greet them. "Ye are safe," she cried embracing them. "Ah, but it hath been long, long since ye left. Methought something had befallen you." "No; my sweet wife. Weary we may be with the journey, and ready for the good cheer which we know awaits us, but well otherwise. How now, sweet chuck? Thou art pale, and even though thou hast us safe with thee, yet doth thy lip still quiver, and thy form tremble. What is it? Speak, madam, I beseech thee." "My lord, I wot not what to think of it, but to-day a messenger came from the queen saying that Elizabeth in her royal progress through Hampshire would honor us with a visit." "Elizabeth here?" cried Lord Stafford in astonishment. "Art sure?"