In the beginning God made thee
⁠A woman well to look upon,
Thy tender body as a tree
⁠Whereon cool wind hath always blown
⁠Till the clean branches be well grown.

There was none like thee in the land;
⁠The girls that were thy bondwomen
Did bind thee with a purple band
⁠Upon thy forehead, that all men
⁠Should know thee for God’s handmaiden.

Strange raiment clad thee like a bride,
⁠With silk to wear on hands and feet
And plates of gold on either side:
⁠Wine made thee glad, and thou didst eat
⁠Honey, and choice of pleasant meat.