Page:Life and death of Fair Rosamond (7).pdf/2

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FAIR ROSAMOND.

WHEN as King Henry rul'd this land,
the second of that name;
Besides the queen he loved dear,
a fair and comely 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,
appeared to each man's sight,
Her comely eyes like orient pearl,
did cast a heavenly light.

The blood within her crystal cheeks
did such a colour drive,
As tho' 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.