(4)
O early, O early, into a morning,
King William rose early in a morning,
And a gown of grey russet King William put on,
As though he had been but a poor silly man.
The hounds were made ready prepar'd for the game,
The nobles attended of honour and fame;
But like a mean subject in humble array,
He to his own forest was taking his way.
O then bespoke Mary, our royal Queen,
My gracious King William where are you going,
He answer'd her quickly I count him no man,
That telleth his counsel unto a woman
The Queen with a modest behaviour, reply'd,
I wish kind providence may be thy guide,
And keep thee from danger, my sovereign Lord,
The which will the greatest of comforts afford.
He went to the forest some pleasure to spy,
The grey-hound run swift, and the keeper drew nigh,
Who cry'd you bold fellow, how dare you come here,
Without the King's leave, to chase his fallow deer.
Here are my three hound, I'll give them to you,
And likewise my hawks, they're as good as e'er flew,
Besides, I will give thee full forty shilling,
If you'll not betray me to William our King.
All that I have offer'd I pray thee now take,
And do thy endeavour my peace for to make,
Besides forty shillings I'll give thee a ring,
If you'll not betray me to William our King.
Your three hounds I tell you I never will take,
Nor yet your three hawks, your peace for to make;
Nor will I be brib'd with your money and ring,
But I will disclose you to William our King.
As I'm a true keeper, I'll not be unjust,
Nor, for a gold ring, will I forfeit my trust,
I'll bring you before him as sure as a gun,
And there you shall answer for what you have done.
