That they would grant what he would have-- "But first your blessing I do crave, And beg you'll let me go away, 'T will do me good another day." 12 * * * * * * * * * * "And if I live I will return, When seven years are past and gone." 13 Both man and wife did then reply, "I fear, my son, that we shall die; If we should yield to let you go, Our aged hearts would break with woe." 14 But he entreated eagerly, While they were forced to comply, And give consent to let him go, But where, alas! they did not know. 15 In the third part you soon shall find, That fortune was to him most kind, And after many dangers past, He came to Durham at the last. PART III 1 He went by chance, as I heard say, To that same house that very day In which his Godfather did dwell; But mind what luck to him befell-- 2 This child did crave a service there, On which came out his Godfather, {p.300} And seeing him a pretty youth, He took him for his Page in truth. 3 Then in this place he pleased so well, That 'bove the rest he bore the bell; This child so well the Lord did please, He raised him higher by degrees. 4 He made him Butler sure indeed, And then his Steward with all speed, Which made the other servants spite, And envy him both day and night. 5 He was never false unto his trust, But proved ever true and just; And to the Lord did hourly pray To guide him still both night and day. 6 In this place, plainly it appears, He lived the space of seven years; His parents then he thought upon, And of his promise to return. 7 Then humbly of his Lord did crave, That he his free consent might have To go and see his parents dear, He had not seen this many a year. 8 Then having leave, away he went, Not dreaming of the false intent That was contrived against him then By wicked, false, deceitful men. 9 They had in his portmanteau put This noble Lord's fine golden cup; That when the Lord at dinner was, The cup was missed as come to pass. 10 "Where can it be?" this Lord did say, "We had it here but yesterday." {p.301} The Butler then replied with speed, "If you will hear the truth indeed. 11 "Your darling Steward which is gone, With feathered nest away is flown; I'll warrant you he has that, and more That doth belong unto your store." 12 "No," says this Lord, "that cannot be, For I have tried his honesty;" "Then," said the Cook, "my Lord, I die Upon a tree full ten feet high." 13 Then hearing what these men did say, He sent a messenger that day, To take him with a hue and cry, And bring him back immediately. 14 They searched his portmanteau with speed, In which they found the cup indeed; Then was he struck with sad surprise, He could not well believe his eyes. 15