Berkshire Lady's garland (2)/Part 3

PART III.

Early on a summer's morning,
When bright Phœbus was adorning
Every bower with his beams,
The fair lady came it seems.

At the bottom of the mountain,
Near a pleasant crystal fountain;
There she left her gilded coach,
While the grove she did approach.

Cover'd with her mask and walking,
There she met her lover talking
With a friend that he had brought;
Straight she ask'd him, who he sought.

I am challeng'd by a gallant,
Who resolves to try my talent;
Who he is I cannot say,
But I hope to shew 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, says she,
Either fight or marry me.

Said he, Madam, pray what mean you?
In my life I never saw you;
Pray unmask, your visage show,
Then I'll tell you Aye or No.

I will not my face uncover,
Till the marriage ties are over
Therefore choose you what 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 will wander here the while.

While this eharming lady waited,
The young baehelors debated,
What was best for to be dono;
Quoth his friend, the hazard run.

If my judgment may be trusted,
Wed her first, you can't be worsted,
If she's rieh, you'll rise to fame,
If she's poor, why you're the same.

He eonsented to be married,
In her coaeh they all were earried,
To a ehurch without delay,
Where he weds the lady gay.

The sweet pretty Cupid's hover'd
Round her eyes, her face was eover'd
With 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 dismiss'd him straight,
That he might no longer wait.