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.