7
And a hundred slaves veil dressed to attend her,
She sent for this young man to come to her.
Come, noble sailor, she cry’d, can you fancy
A lady whose riches are very great,
A hundred slaves you shall have to attend you,
And music to charm you in your silent sleep.
In robes of gold, my dear, I will deck you,
Pearls and rich jewels I’ll lay at your feet,
In a chariot of gold you shall ride for your pleasure,
If you can fancy me, answer me straight.
Amazed with wonder, awhile he stood gazing.
Forbear, noble lady, at length he replied,
In flourishing England I’ve vow’d to a lady,
At my return for to make her my bride.
She is a charming, young, beautiful creature,
She has my heart, and I can love no more;
I bear in my eye her sweet lovely feature,
No other creature in earth I’ll adore.
Hearing of this she did rave in distraction,
Crying, unfortunate maid, thus to love
One that does basely slight all my glory.
And of my person he will not approve.
Lords of renown, I their favours have slighted,
Now I must die for a sailor so bold:
I must not blame him because he is constant,
True love, I know, is far better than gold.
A costly jewel she instantly gave him,
Then in her trembling hand took a knife,
One fatal stroke, before they could save her,
Quickly did put an end to her life.
