I. THE TASK
Will you buy me, my lady, a cambric shirt?
Whilst every grove rings with a merry antine (antienne);
And stitch it without any needle-work?
O and then you shall be a true lover of mine.
O and you must wash it in yonder well,
Whilst every grove, etc.
Where never a drop of water in fell.
O and then, etc.
O and you must hang it upon a white thorn,
Whilst every grove, etc.
That never has blossomed since Adam was born.
O and then, etc.
O and when that these tasks are finished and done,
Whilst every grove, etc.
I will take thee and marry thee under the sun.
O and then, etc.
