As I laye a-thynkynge

As I laye a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge,

Merrie sang the Birde as she sat upon the spraye!

There came a noble Knyghte,

With his hauberke shynynge brighte,

And his gallant heart was lyghte,

Free and gaye;

As I laye a-thynkynge, he rode upon his waye.

As I laye a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge,

Sadly sang the Birde as she sat upon the tree!

There seemed a crimson plain,

Where a gallant Knyghte lay slayne,

And a steed with broken rein

Ran free,

As I laye a-thynkynge, most pitiful to see!

As I laye a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge,

Merrie sang the Birde as she sat upon the boughe;

A lovely Mayde came by,

And a gentil youth was nyghe,

And he breathed many a syghe

And a vowe;

As I laye a-thynkynge, her heart was gladsome now.

As I laye a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge, a-thynkynge,

Sadly sang the Birde as she sat upon the thorne;

No more a youth was there,

But a Maiden rent her haire,

And cried out in sad despaire,

'That I was borne!'

As I laye a-thynkynge, she perished forlorne.

As I laye a-thynkynge the golden sun was sinking,

O merrie sang that Birde as it glittered on her breast

With a thousand gorgeous dyes,

While soaring to the skies,

'Mid the stars she seem'd to rise,

As to her nest;

As I laye a-thynkynge, her meaning was exprest:-

'Follow, follow me away,

It boots not to delay,'-

'Twas so she seem'd to saye,

'HERE IS REST!'