ANONYMOUS

He. I can believe it shall you grieve,

And somewhat you distrain ; But afterward, your paines hard

Within a day or twain Shall soon aslake; and ye shall take

Comfort to you again. Why should ye ought ? for, to make thought,

Your labour were in vain. And thus I do ; and pray you to,

As hartely as I can : For I must to the green- wood go,

Alone, a banished man.

She. Now, sith that ye have showed to rne

The secret of your mind, I shall be plain to you again,

Like as ye shall me find. Sith it is so that ye will go,

I will not live behind. Shall never be said the Nut-brown Maid

Was to her love unkind. Make you ready, for so am I,

Although it were an one : For, in my mind, of all mankind

I love but you alone.

He. Yet I you rede to take good heed What men will think and say :

Of young, of old, it shall be told That ye be gone away

Your wanton will for to fulfil, In green-wood you to play;

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