Cousin Kate

I was a cottage maiden         Hardened by sun and air,     Contented with my cottage mates,         Not mindful I was fair.     Why did a great lord find me out,         And praise my flaxen hair?     Why did a great lord find me out         To fill my heart with care?     He lured me to his palace home--         Woe's me for joy thereof--     To lead a shameless shameful life,         His plaything and his love.     He wore me like a silken knot,         He changed me like a glove;     So now I moan, an unclean thing,         Who might have been a dove.     O Lady Kate, my cousin Kate,         You grew more fair than I:     He saw you at your father's gate,         Chose you, and cast me by.     He watched your steps along the lane,         Your work among the rye;     He lifted you from mean estate         To sit with him on high.     Because you were so good and pure         He bound you with his ring:     The neighbours call you good and pure,         Call me an outcast thing.     Even so I sit and howl in dust,         You sit in gold and sing:     Now which of us has tenderer heart?         You had the stronger wing.     O cousin Kate, my love was true,         Your love was writ in sand:     If he had fooled not me but you,         If you stood where I stand,     He'd not have won me with his love         Nor bought me with his land;     I would have spit into his face         And not have taken his hand.     Yet I've a gift you have not got,         And seem not like to get:     For all your clothes and wedding-ring         I've little doubt you fret.     My fair-haired son, my shame, my pride,         Cling closer, closer yet:     Your father would give lands for one         To wear his coronet.