Part III
SHOWING HOW THEY MET BY APPOINTMENT IN A GROVE, WHERE SHE OBLIGED HIM TO FIGHT OR WED HER.
Early on a summer’s morning,When bright Phoebus was adorningEvery bower with his beams,The fair lady came, it seems.
At the bottom of a mountain,Near a pleasant crystal fountain,There she left her gilded coach,While the grove she did approach.
Covered with her mask, and walking,There she met her lover talkingWith a friend that he had brought;So she asked him whom he sought.
‘I am challenged by a gallant,Who resolves to try my talent;Who he is I cannot say,But I hope to show him play.’
‘It is I that did invite you,You shall wed me, or I’ll fight you,Underneath those spreading trees;Therefore, choose you which you please.
‘You shall find I do not vapour,I have brought my trusty rapier;Therefore, take your choice,’ said she,‘Either fight or marry me.’
Said he, ‘Madam, pray what mean you?In my life I’ve never seen you;Pray unmask, your visage show,Then I’ll tell you aye or no.’
‘I will not my face uncoverTill the marriage ties are over;Therefore, choose you which you will,Wed me, sir, or try your skill.
‘Step within that pleasant bower,With your friend one single hour;Strive your thoughts to reconcile,And I’ll wander here the while.’
While this beauteous lady waited,The young bachelors debatedWhat was best for to be done:Quoth his friend, ‘The hazard run.
‘If my judgment can be trusted,Wed her first, you can’t be worsted;If she’s rich, you’ll rise to fame,If she’s poor, why! you’re the same.’
He consented to be married;All three in a coach were carriedTo a church without delay,Where he weds the lady gay.
Though sweet pretty Cupids hoveredRound her eyes, her face was coveredWith a mask,—he took her thus,Just for better or for worse.
With a courteous kind behaviour,She presents his friend a favour,And withal dismissed him straight,That he might no longer wait.