"The Gay Green Gown"
    from "The Chime Child",,,by Ruth Tongue

The Proud Layde she rode through the wood,
And there in her way the Wicked One stood.
'Now welcome Proud Layde, Light Down!, Light Down!
For I must give thee a gay green gown.
'Twill punish thy pride, for no honest Bride
Wears such a gown, wears such a gown-- a gay green gown.'

The Proud Layde rode out of the wood,
And her tears fast for he maidenhood.
'I will not cause my mother to frown,
I will not sully my Father's crown-
With my little pen-knife I will take my young life.'
And all for a gown, all for a gown- a gay green gown.

The Proud Layde she laughed in scorn
'No Imp of the Pit by me shall be born!
Now God me forgive that I take my own life,
For maid I am none, and I'll never be wife.
A Leman of Hell,¹, in flames I must dwell.
All for a gown, all for a gown - a gay green gown.

The Proud Layde she stabbed so deep
Her heart's blood trickled down to her feet.
The gown that was green was crimson to see
And red, red, red was her winding sheet.
Now let the bell toll for this Lost Ladye's soul.
And all for a gown, all for a gown-- a gay green gown.

¹Leman of Hell--the Devil's mistress.