Laughd as long as they had breath, Laughd while they had sense or breath; And close about
us coild a mist Of gnats and midges, wasps and flies, Like the whirlwind shaft it rist.
Drawn up I was right off my feet, Into the mist and off my feet; And, dancing on each chimney-
top, I saw a thousand darling imps Keeping time with skip and hop.
And on the provosts brave ridge-tile, On the provosts grand ridge-tile, The Blackamoor first
to master me I saw, I saw that winsome smile, The mouth that did my heart beguile, And spoke the great
Word over me, In the land beyond the sea.
I calld his name, I calld aloud, Alas! I calld on him aloud; And then he filld his hand with
stour12, And threw it towards me in the air; My mouse flew out, I lost my powr!
My lusty strength, my power were gone; Power was gone, and all was gone. He will not let
me love him more! Of bell and whip and horses tail He cares not if I find a store.
But I am proud if he is fierce! I am as proud as he is fierce; Ill turn about and backward go, If I
meet again that Blackamoor, And hell help us then, for he shall know I seek another paramour.
And well gang once more to yon town, Wi better luck to yon town; Well walk in silk and cramoisie13, And
I shall wed the provosts son My lady of the town Ill be!
For I was born a crownd kings child, Born and nursed a Kings child, King o a land ayont14
the sea, Where the Blackamoor kissd me first, And taught me art and glamourie15.
Each one in her wame shall hide Her hairy mouse, her wary mouse, Fed on madwort and
agramie, Wear amber beads between her breasts, And blind-worms skin about her knee.
The Lombard shall be Elspies man, Elspies gowden husband-man; Nort shall take the lawyers
hand; The priest shall swear another vow: Well dance again the saraband!
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By PanEris
using Melati.
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