a
reference to Rosamond Clifford (ca. 1140-1176), the mistress of Henry
II (1133-1189),
King of
England (1154-1189).
Subject to many legends, Rosamond is said to have been kept secretly by the
King in a mazelike
house, built to protect her from the Queen. However, the Queen apparently searched her out and killed her with poison. Although there is no
evidence to substantiate the mazelike
house, the story has appeared in ballads, poems and operas.