1914 Munson Aldrich Havens, :While he dressed he sang an ancient ballad, at the top of his voice, to an air he improvised.
Phillida was a fair maid As fresh as any flower; Whom Harpalus the herd-man praide To be his paramoure. Harpalus and eke Corin, Were herd-men both ysere; And Phillida would twist and spinne, And thereto sing ful clere.
"Phyllis!" cried John. "Can you hear in the bedroom? I sing of thee!" "I thought her name was Phillida," said Phyllis, setting the bedroom door ajar. "Phillida is Old English for Phyllis," he explained.
