I followed my Duke ere I was a lover, To take from England fief and fee;
But now this game is the other way over - But now England hath taken me!
I had my horse, my shield and banner, And a boy's heart, so whole and free;
But now I sing in another manner - But now England hath taken me!
As for my Father in his tower, Asking news of my ship at sea;
He will remember his own hour - Tell him England hath taken me!
As for my Mother in her bower, That rules my Father so cunningly;
She will remember a maiden's power - Tell her England hath taken me!
As for my Brother in Rouen city, A nimble and naughty page is he;
But he will come to suffer and pity - Tell him England hath taken me!
As for my little Sister waiting In the pleasant orchards of Normandie;
Tell her youth is the time of mating - Tell her England hath taken me!
As for my Comrades in camp and highway, That lift their eyebrows scornfully;
Tell them their way is not my way - Tell them England hath taken me!
Kings and Princes and Barons famed, Knights and Captains in your degree;
Hear me a little before I am blamed - Seeing England hath taken me!
Howso great man's strength be reckoned, There are two things he cannot flee;
Love is the first, and Death is the second - And Love, in England, hath taken me!
