His lordship lost his noble train,
Of lords, and knights, and gentlemen,
And hearing not the horns to blow,
He could not tell which way to go.
But he did wander to and fro,
Being weary, likewise full of woe:
At last, dame Fortune was so kind,
That he the keeper's house did find.
He went and knocked at the gate,
And though it was so very late,
The forester he let him in,
And kindly entertained him.
But in the middle of the night, When as the stars did shine so bright, The lord was in a full surprise,
Being waked with a dismal noise.
Then did he rise, and call with speed,
To know the reason there indeed
Of all that shrieking and that noise,
Which did so much his soul surprise.
I'm sorry, Sir the keeper said, That you should be so much afraid, But I hope that all will soon be well, My wife is into labour fell.
This noble lord was learn'd and wise, And knew the planets of the skies,
He saw an evil planet reign,
So call'd the forester again,
And gave him then to understand,
He'd have the midwife hold her hand
But he was answer'd by the maid,
Her mistress was delivered:
At one o'clock that very morn,
A lovely infant there was born:
He was indeed a pretty boy,
Which gave his parents mickle joy.
The lord was generous, kind and free
And proffer'd Godfather to be
This good man thank'd him heartily,
For his good will and curtesy
A parson was call'd for with speed
For to christen the child indeed.
And after as we did hear say,
In joy and mirth they spent the day.
This noble lord did presents give, And all the servants did receive,
He begg'd God would increase his store For they had ne'er so much before
And likewise to the child he
A noble present, and a brave;
It was a charming cabinet,
That was with pearls and rubies set.
Within a cabinet of gold,
Your eyes would dazzle to behold,
A richer gift, as I may say
Has not been seen this many-a-day.
He charg'd his father faithfully
That he himself should keep the key,
Until the child could write and read
And then to give it him indeed.
Pray do not open it at all,
Whatever does to you befal,
For it may do my Godson good,
If it be rightly understood.
The second part it will unfold,
As true a tale as e'er was told,
Concerning of this lovely child,
Who was obedient, sweet, and mild.
This child did take his learning so
If you the truth of this would know,
At eleven years of age indeed,
He could both Greek and Latin read.
But thinking of his cabinet,
Which was with pearls and jewels set,
He ask'd his father for the key,
The which he gave him speedily.
His cabinet he did unlock,
But he was in amazement struck,
When he the riches did behold,
And also saw the chain of Gold.
But searching farther he did find,
A paper that disturb'd his mind;
Which was within the cabinet,
In Greek and Latin it was writ.
My son, serve God that is on high,
And pray to him incessantly,
Obey your parents, serve the king,
That nothing may your conscience sting.
For seven years hence your fate will be,
To be hanged upon a tree :
So pray to God, both night and day,
To let that hour pass away.
When he these rueful lines did read
He with a sigh did say, Indeed
If hanging be my destiny,
I'll from my friends and country flee;
For I will wander to and fro,
And go whither I do not know.
But first I'll ask my parents' leave,
In view their blessings to receive.
Then locking up the cabinet, He went unto his chamber strait, And went unto his parents dear, Beseeching them with many a tear That they would grant what he did crave Your blessing first I beg to have,
And hope you'll let me go my way, 'Twill do me good another day.
For I indeed have made a vow,
But must not tell the reason now;
But if I live I will return,
When seven years are pass'd and gone.
Both man and wife did then reply,
We fear, dear son, that you will die,
If we should yield to let you go,
Our aged hearts will burst with woe.
Yet he entreated eagerly,
So that they forc'd were to comply,
And
gave consent that he should go,
But where, alas! they did not know.
In the third part you soon shall find,
That Fortune to him was most kind,
And after many dangers pass'd,
He came to Durham at the last.
He went, by chance, as I've heard say,
Unto the house that very day,
Whereat his Godfather did dwell,
Now mind what fortune him befel.
This youth did crave a service there,
And strait came out the Godfather,
|