A long sword by his side.

8.
He rode along a forest fair,
Many a wild beast dwelling there;
(Mercy in heaven defend!)
And there was also buck and hare;
And as he went, he very near
Met with a sorry end.

9.
And herbs sprang up, or creeping ran;
The liquorice, and valerian,
Clove-gillyflowers, sun-dressed;
And nutmeg, good to put in ale,
Whether it be moist or stale, -
Or to lay sweet in chest,

10.
The birds all sang, as tho' 'twere May;
The spearhawk, and the popinjay, {32}
It was a joy to hear;
The throstle cock made eke his lay,
The wood-dove sung upon the spray,
With note full loud and clear.

11.
Sir Thopas fell in love-longing
All when he heard the throstle sing,
And spurred his horse like mad,