The True Love's Knot Untied. Being the right path, whereby to advise Princely Virgins how to behave themselves, by the example of the renowned Princess, the Lady Arabella, and the second Son to the Lord Seymore, late Earl of Hertford.  
To the Tune of, Frogs Galliards.  
 

AS I from Ireland did pass,  
I saw a Ship at Anchor lay,  
Another Ship likewise there was  
which from fair England took her way.   

The Ship that sailed from fair England  
unknown unto our gracious King,  
The Lord Chief justice did command  
that they should us to London bring.   

I drew more near, and saw more plain  
Lady Arabella in distress,  
She wrung her hands, and wept amain,  
bewailing of her heaviness,   

When near fair London Tower she came  
whereas her landing place should be,  
The King and Queen with all their train  
did meet this Lady gallantly.   

How now Arabella, than our King  
unto this Lady strait did say,  
Who hath first fyed you to these things,  
that you from England took your way?   

None but myself, my gracious Liege,  
this ten long years I've been in love,  
With the Lord Seymors second Son,  
the Earl of Hertford so we prove.   

Though he be not the mightiest man  
of goods and Livings in the Land,  
Yet I have lands us to maintain,  
so much your grace doth understand.   

My lands and livings are well known  
unto your Books of Majesty,  
Amounting to twelvescore pound a week,  
besides what I do give, quoth she.   

In gallant Derbyshire likewise  
I ninescore Beadsmen maintain there  
With hats and gowns, & house-rent free,  
and every man five marks the year.   

I never raised rend said she  
nor yet oppressed the Tenant poor  
I never took no Bribes nor fines,  
for why, I had enough before.   

The second part  
to the same Tune  
 

WHom of your Nobles will do so  
for to maintain the Commonalty  
Such multitudes would never grow,  
nor be such store of poverty.   

I would I had a Milkmaid been,  
or born of some more low degree,  
Then I might have loved where I like  
and no man could have hindered me.   

Or would I were some Yeoman's Child,  
for to receive my portion now,  
According unto my degree,  
as other Virgins whom I know.   

The highest branch that springs aloft,  
needs must beshade the middle tree,  
Needs must the shadow of them both,  
shadow the third in his degree.   

But when the tree is cut and gone,  
and from the ground is born away  
The lowest tree that there doth stand  
in time may grow as high as they.   

Once when I thought to have been Queen  
but yet that still I do deny,  
I know your Grace had right to th' Crown  
before Elizabeth did dye.   

You of the eldest Sister came,  
I of the second in degree,  
The Earl of Hertford of the third,  
a man of royal blood quoth she.   

And so good night my Sovereign Liege,  
since in the Tower I must lie,  
I hope your Grace will condescend,  
that I may have my liberty.   

Lady Arabella said our King  
I to your Freedom would consent,  
If you would turn and go to Church  
there to receive the Sacrament.   

And so good night Arabella fair,  
our King to her replied again,  
I will take Counsel of my Nobility,  
that you your Freedom may obtain.   

Once more to prison must I go  
Lady Arabella then did say,  
To leave my Love breeds all my woe  
the which will be my lives decay.   

Love is a knot none can unknit  
fancy a liking of the heart,  
He whom I love I cannot forget  
though from his presence I must part.   

The meanest people enjoy their mates,  
but I was born unhappily,  
For being crossed by cruel fate,  
I want both love and liberty.   

But death I hope, will end the strife  
farewell, farewell, dear Love, quoth she  
Once had I thought to have been thy wife  
but now am forced to part from thee.   

At this sad meeting she had cause  
in heart and mind to grieve full sore,  
After that Arabella fair  
did never see Lord Seymore more.    
FINIS.   

London, Printed for F. G. on Snow-hill. Entered according to Order.