  I followed my Duke ere I was a lover, To take from England fief and fee; But now this game is the other way over— But now England hath taken me! I had my horse, my shield and banner, And a boy’s heart, so whole and free; But now I sing in another manner— But now England hath taken me! As for my Father in his tower, Asking news of my ship at sea; He will remember his own hour— Tell him England hath taken me! As for my Mother in her bower, That rules my Father so cunningly; She will remember a maiden’s power— Tell her England hath taken me! As for my Brother in Rouen city, A nimble and naughty page is he; But he will come to suffer and pity— Tell him England hath taken me! As for my little Sister waiting In the pleasant orchards of Normandie; Tell her youth is the time for mating— Tell her England hath taken me! As for my Comrades in camp and highway, That lift their eyebrows scornfully; Tell them their way is not my way— Tell them England hath taken me! Kings and Princes and Barons famed, Knights and Captains in your degree; Hear me a little before I am blamed— Seeing England hath taken me! Howso great man’s strength be reckoned, There are two things he cannot flee; Love is the first, and Death is the second— And Love, in England, hath taken me! |
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