Who long time wandred through the forest wyde And whether now he traveiled so fast : For sore he swat, and, ronning through that same Thicke forest, was bescracht and both his feet nigh lame. Now certes, swaine," saide he," such one, I weene, Fast flying through this forest from her fo, A foule ill-favoured foster, I have seene; Herselfe, well as I might, I reskewd tho, But could not stay; so fast she did foregoe, Carried away with wings of speedy feare." "Ah! dearest God," quoth he, "that is great woe, And wondrous ruth to all that shall it heare: But can ye read, sir, how I may her finde, or where?" 1 2 |