I was a cottage maiden Hardened by sun and air,Contented with my cottage mates, Not mindful I was fair.Why did a great lord find me out, And praise my flaxen hair?Why did a great lord find me out To fill my heart with care?
He lured me to his palace home-- Woe's me for joy thereof--To lead a shameless shameful life, His plaything and his love.He wore me like a silken knot, He changed me like a glove;So now I moan, an unclean thing, Who might have been a dove.
O Lady Kate, my cousin Kate, You grew more fair than I:He saw you at your father's gate, Chose you, and cast me by.He watched your steps along the lane, Your work among the rye;He lifted you from mean estate To sit with him on high.
Because you were so good and pure He bound you with his ring:The neighbours call you good and pure, Call me an outcast thing.Even so I sit and howl in dust, You sit in gold and sing:Now which of us has tenderer heart? You had the stronger wing.
O cousin Kate, my love was true, Your love was writ in sand:If he had fooled not me but you, If you stood where I stand,He'd not have won me with his love Nor bought me with his land;I would have spit into his face And not have taken his hand.
Yet I've a gift you have not got, And seem not like to get:For all your clothes and wedding-ring I've little doubt you fret.My fair-haired son, my shame, my pride, Cling closer, closer yet:Your father would give lands for one To wear his coronet.