The Maid and the Palmer         [pilgrim from Holy Land

I
The maid she went to the well to washe,
Dew fell off her lily-white fleshe.

II
White she washte, and white she rong,
White she hang'd on the hazel wand.

III
There came an old palmer by the way,
Says, 'God speed thee well, thou fair may.'         [maiden

IV
'Has tow either cup or can,         [hast thou
To give an old palmer drink therein?' --

V
Says, 'I have neither cup nor can,
To give an old palmer drink therein.' --

VI
'But an thy leman come from Rome,        [if; lover
Cups and cans thou wilt find soon.'

VII
She swore by God and good Saint John
Leman she had never none.

VIII
Says, 'Peace, fair maid, you are forsworne,
Nine children you have borne.

IX
'Three were buryed under thy bed's head,
Other three under thy brewing lead.        [vat

X
'Other three play on yon greene;
Count, maid, and there be nine.' --

XI
'But I hope you are the good old man
That all the world beleeves upon.

XII
'Old palmer, I pray thee,
Penaunce that thou wilt give to me.' --

XIII
'Penaunce I can give thee none
But seven year to be a stepping-stone.

XIV
'Other seven a clapper in a bell,
Other seven to lead an ape in hell.

XV
When thou hast thy penaunce done,
Then thou'st come a mayden home.'        [thou may'st

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