"It chanced the king of that same place,
With all his lords a hunting was,
And seeing me weep, upon the same
Askt who I was, and whence I came.

"Then to His Grace I did reply,
'I am a poor and friendless boy,
Though nobly born, now forc'd to be
A serving man of low degree.'

"'Stand up, fair youth,' the king reply'd,
For thee a service I'll provide;
But tell me first what thou canst do
Thou shall be fitted thereunto.

"'Chuse, gentle youth,' said he, 'thy place,'
Then I reply'd, 'If it please Your Grace,
To show such favor unto me,
Your chamberlain I fain would be.'

"Now mark what fortune did provide;
The king he would a hunting ride
With all his lords and noble train,
Sweet Williame must at home remain.

"And meeting with a ladye's vest,
Within the same myself I drest;
With silken robes and jewels rare,
I deckt me as a lady faire.

"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 en