THE True Lover's Knot Untied,  
Being the right PATH whereby to advise Princely Vergins how to Behave themselves, by the Example of the Renowned Princess, the Lady ARABELLA, and the Second SON of the Lord Seymour, late Earl of Hartford.  
To the Tune of, Frogs Galliard etc.  
Licenced and Entered according to Order.  
 
 

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

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

I draw 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 & Queen with all their train  
did meet this Lady gallantly:   

How now Arabella, said our King,  
unto this Lady strait did say,  
Who hath first tied ye to this thing,  
that you from England took your way,   

None but myself, my gracious liege,  
these ten long years I've been in love.  
With the lord Seymor's second son,  
the Earl of Hartford so we prove.   

Though he be not the mightiest Man  
of goods and livings in the land,  
Yet I have lands us maintain,  
so much your grace doth understand:   

My lands and live are well known  
unto your books of Majesty,  
Amounts to twelve score pound a week,  
besides what I do give, quoth she.   

In Gallant Derbyshire likewise,  
I nine score beadsmen maintain there,  
With Hats and Gowns, and House-rent free,  
and every man five marks a year.   

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

Whom of your Nobles will do so,  
for to maintain the Community?  
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 as I know.   

The highest branch that soars aloft,  
needs must beshade the Myrtle-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 boar 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 knew your grace had right to th' crown,  
before Elizabeth did die.   

you of the eldest Sister came,  
I of the second in degree,  
The Earl of Hartford of the third,  
a man of Royal blood was he.   

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 replied to her 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 our lives decay,   

Love is a knot none can unknit,  
Fancy a liking of the heart,  
Him 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 fates,  
I want both love and liberty.   

But death I hope will end the strife,  
farewel farewel my love (quoth she)  
Once I had thought to have been thy wife,  
but now am forced to part with thee.   

At this sad Meeting she had cause,  
in heart and mind to grieve full sore,  
after that time Arabella fair,  
did never see lord Seymor more.    

Printed by and for A. M. and sold by the Booksellers of London.