FAIR ROSAMOND. When as King Henry rul'd this land, The second of that name: Besides the queen, he loved dear A fair and courtly dame. Most peerless was her beauty found, Her favour and her face ; A sweeter creature in the world, Could never prince embrace. Her crisped locks, like threads of gold Appear'd to each man's sight; Her comely eyes, like orient pear Did cast a heavenly light. The blood within her crystal cheeks, Did such a colour drive, As thongh the lily and the rose For mastership did strive Fair Rosamond, fair Rosamond, Her name was called so, To whom dame Eleanor our queen, Was known a deadly foe. The king therefore, for her defence Against the furious queen, At Woodstock builded such a bower, The like was never seen.
