Then every merry knight,

That was in Arthur's court,
Gib'd, and laught, and flouted,

To see that pleasant sport.

Downe she threw the mantle,
No longer bold or gay,
But with a face all pale and wan,
To her chamber slunk away.

Then forth came an old knight,
A pattering o'er his creed;
And proffer'd to the little boy
Five nobles to his meed;

:." And all the time of Christmass

Plumb-porridge shall be thine,

"If thou wilt let my lady fair
"Within the mantle shine."

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85

90

95

100 Ah!

"

Lye still," shee cryed, "O mantle! "And shame me not for nought, "I'll freely own whate'er amiss,

"Or blameful I have wrought.

125

"Once I kist Sir Cradocke

"Beneathe the green wood tree :

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"Once I kist Sir Cradocke's mouth "Before he married mee."

Then towards king Arthur's table

The boy he turn'd his eye:

Where stood a boar's head garnished

With bayes and rosemarye.

Thus he, that was a cuckold,

Was known of every man :

But Cradock lifted easily,

And wan the golden can.

Thus boar's head, horn and mantle,
Were this fair couple's ineed:

And all such constant lovers,

God send them well to speed.

Then down in rage came Guenever,
And thus could spightful say,

"Sir Cradock's wife most wrongfully

"Hath borne the prize away.

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