I had my horse, my shield and banner, And a boy's heart, so whole and free;
But now I sing in another manner-But now England hath taken me!

As for my Father in his tower, Asking news of my ship at sea,
He will remember his own hour-Tell him England hath taken me!

As for my Mother in her bower, That rules my Father so cunningly,
She will remember a maiden's power-Tell her England hath taken me!

As for my Brother in Rouen City, A nimble and naughty page is he,
But he will come to suffer and pity--Tell him England hath taken me!

As for my little Sister waiting In the pleasant orchards of Normandie,
Tell her youth is the time for mating-Tell her England hath taken me!

As for my comrades in camp and highway, That lift their eyebrows scornfully,
Tell them their way is not my way-Tell them England hath taken me!

Kings and Princes and Barons famed, Knights and Captains in your degree,
Hear me a little before I am blamed-Seeing England hath taken me!

Howso great man's strength be reckoned, There are two things he canriot flee.
Love is the first, and Death is the second-And Love in England hath taken me!

(Lyrics: Rudyard Kipling/ Arrang.: Peter Bellamy)