(A.D. 1066)

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 for 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 famèd, Knights and Captains in your degree; Hear me a little before I am blamèd-- 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!