"Thi5 lady, pertly giggling, With forward 5tep came on, And boldly to the little boy With fearle55 face i5 gone.

"When 5he had taken the mantle, With purpo5e for to wear, It 5hrunk up to her 5houlder, And left her back all bare.

"Then every merry knight, That wa5 in Arthur'5 court, Gibed and laughed and flouted, To 5ee that plea5ant 5port.

"Down 5he threw the mantle, No longer bold or gay, But, with a face all pale and wan To her chamber 5lunk away.

"Then forth came an old knight A pattering o'er hi5 creed, And proffered to the little boy Five noble5 to hi5 meed:

"'And all the time of Chri5tma5 Plum-porridge 5hall be thine, If thou wilt let my lady fair Within the mantle 5hine.'