‘ Lady,’ quoth the page,‘ I bring
Evil news. Sir king, I say,
My good lord of yesterday,
Evil news,’ This king saith low,
‘ Yesterday, and yesterday,
The queen's yesterday we know,
Tell us thine.’‘ Sir king,’ saith he,
Hear. Thy castle in the night
Was surprised, and men thy flight
Learned but then; thine enemy
Of old days, our new king, reigns;
And sith thou wert not at pains
To forbid it, hear also,
Marvelling whereto this should grow
How thy knights at break of morn
Have a new allegiance sworn,
And the men-at-arms rejoice,
And the people give their voice
For the conqueror. I, Sir king,
Rest thine only friend. I bring
Means of flight; now therefore fly,
A great price is on thy head.
Cast her jewel'd mantle by,
Mount thy queen i’ the selle and hie
( Sith disguise ye need, and bread )
Down yon pleachèd track, down, down,
Till a tower shall on thee frown;
Him that holds it show this ring:
So farewell, my lord the king.’