Sir Richard's Song

(A. D. 1066) I followed my Duke ere I was a lover, To take from England fief and fee; But now this game is the other way over-- But now England hath taken me! I had my horse, my shield and banner, And a boy's heart, so whole and free; But now I sing in another manner-- But now England hath taken me! As for my Father in his tower, Asking news of my ship at sea, He will remember his own hour-- Tell him England hath taken me! As for my Mother in her bower, That rules my Father so cunningly, She will remember a maiden's power-- Tell her England hath taken me! As for my Brother in Rouen City, A nimble and naughty' page is he, But he will come to suffer and pity-- Tell him England hath taken me! As for my little Sister waiting In the pleasant orchards of Normandie, Tell her youth is the time for mating-- Tell her England hath taken me! As for my comrades in camp and highway That lift their eyebrows scornfully, Tell them their way is not my way-- Tell them England hath taken me! Kings and Princes and Barons famed, Knights and Captains in your degree; Hear me a little before I am blamed-- Seeing England hath taken me! Howso great man's strength be reckoned, There are two things he cannot flee. Love is the first, and Death is the second- And Love in England hath taken me!