The Franklin’s Maid

(From ‘The White Company’)
    The franklin he hath gone to roam, The franklin’s maid she bides at home; But she is cold, and coy, and staid, And who may win the franklin’s maid?
    There came a knight of high renown In bassinet and ciclatoun; On bended knee full long he prayed— He might not win the franklin’s maid.
    There came a squire so debonair, His dress was rich, his words were fair. He sweetly sang, he deftly played— He could not win the franklin’s maid.
    There came a mercer wonder-fine, With velvet cap and gaberdine; For all his ships, for all his trade, He could not buy the franklin’s maid.
    There came an archer bold and true, With bracer guard and stave of yew; His purse was light, his jerkin frayed— Haro, alas! the franklin’s maid!
    Oh, some have laughed and some have cried, And some have scoured the countryside; But off they ride through wood and glade, The bowman and the franklin’s maid.