( 4 )
I’ll give thee the truth of my right hand,
the truth of it I’ll freely gi’e,
For seven years I’ll stay unwed,
for the kindness thou dost show to me.
She’s ta’en him from the dungeon deep,
and set him in a room so free,
She gave him the red wine to drink,
his meat was the spice cakes so free.
She kept him safe in her chamber,
till it fell out upon a day,
An English merchant there did come,
with whom she sent young Beichan away.
She broke a ring from her finger,
one half to Beichan gave speedily.
To keep in remembrance of that love,
the lady bore that set him free.
But when he arrived in London town,
his friends they all came him to see,
And would needs have him choose a wife,
among that jolly company.
O no, my friends, young Beichan said,
that would do me much injury,
Till seven years are almost gone,
I’ll marry none in this country.
When seven years were almost gone,
this lady began for to think long,
She thought she heard a voice that said,
young Beichan’s broke his vows, madam!
She packed up her gay clothing,
with rich jewels, many a one.
She set her foot into a ship,
away she came to see Beichan.
