Songs of Action — The Franklin's Maid

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.