CHAINMAIL HALL.
291
After the first dance, in which all classes of the company mingled, the young lady of the mansion took her harp, and following the reverend gentleman's suggestion, sang a song of the twelfth century.
FLORENCE AND BLANCHFLOR[1]
Florence and Blanchflor, loveliest maids,
Within a summer grove,
Amid the flower-enamelled shades
Together talked of love.
Within a summer grove,
Amid the flower-enamelled shades
Together talked of love.
A clerk sweet Blanchflor's heart had gain'd;
Fair Florence loved a knight:
And each with ardent voice maintained,
She loved the worthiest wight.
Fair Florence loved a knight:
And each with ardent voice maintained,
She loved the worthiest wight.
Sweet Blanchflor praised her scholar dear,
As courteous, kind, and true;
Fair Florence said her chevalier
Could every foe subdue.
As courteous, kind, and true;
Fair Florence said her chevalier
Could every foe subdue.
- ↑ Imitated from the Fabliau, De Florance et de Blanche Flor, alias Jugement d'Amour.