My hostess asked me how I liked this tale? I said, it was long enough, and good enough to pass time that might be worser spent. I, seeing her dry, called for two pots: she emptied one of them at a draught, and never breathed for the matter: I emptied the other at leisure; and being late I went to bed, and did dream of this which I had heard. * * * * * THE ROMANCE OF THOMAS OF ERCELDOUNE FYTTE I As I me went this endris[1] day, Full fast in mind making my moan, In a merry morning of May By Huntlie banks myself alone, I heard the jay and the throstle-cock; 5 The mavis meaned[2] her of her song; The woodwale bered[3] as a bell, That all the wood about me rong. Alone in longing thus as I lay Underneath a seemly tree, 10 Saw I where a lady gay Came riding over a longe lea. If I should sit to Doomesday With my tongue to wrable and wry[4], Certainly that lady gay 15 Never be she described for me! Her palfrey was a dapple-gray,[5] Swilk[6] one ne saw I never none; As does the sun on summer's day, That fair lady herself she shone. 20 Her saddle it was of roelle-bone[7]; Full seemly was that sight to see! Stiffly set with precious stone And compast all with crapotee[8]-- Stones of Orient great plenty; 25 Her hair about her head it hang; She rode over that longe lea; A while she blew, another she sang. Her girths of noble silk they were; The buckles were of beryl-stone; 30 Her stirrups were of crystal clear, And all with pearl overbegone[9]; Her paytrell[10] was of iral-stone; Her crupper was of orphare[11]; And as clear gold her bridle shone; 35 On either side hang belles three. She led three grew-hounds in a leash, And seven raches[12] by her they ran; She bare an horn about her halse[13], And under/her belt full many a flane[14]. 40 Thomas lay and saw that sight Underneath a seemly tree. He said "Yon is Mary most of might,[15] That bare that child that died for me. But-if[16] I speak with yon lady bright, 45 I hope my heart will break in three! Now shall I go with all my might Her for to meet at Eildon tree[17]." Thomas rathely[18] up he rase, And he ran over that mountain high; 50 If it be as the story says, Her he met at Eildon tree. He kneeled down upon his knee, Underneath that greenwood spray, And said "Lovely lady, rue on me, 55 Queen of heaven, as thou well may!" Then spake that lady mild of thought, "Thomas, let such wordes be; Queen of heaven ne am I nought, For I took never so high degree. 60