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The Norse King's Bridal Ballad 6
Seven long years as a lowly squire I served mine own liege-lord; But of his daughter fair to see They told me never a word. (And is she glad, then rejoice.) Ne'er did I hear a word of her, Nor see the lovely lass, Till Easter-day in the morning When she should go to Mass. Thus it went from Easter All unto Whitsuntide; The maiden donned her fairest weed Unto the kirk to ride. The maiden donned her fairest weed Unto the kirk to ride; I set my saddle on my steed And went at the maiden's side There, as I rode by the maiden's side, Like red gold shone her hair; And every man right well might mark My heart was full of care. We rode across the lee-land To the good greenwood amain, And never did my hand loose hold Of the maiden's bridle-rein. "Hold off, hold off, thou fair young squre, And do not ride so near! Well can I see thy foolish heart Doth hold me all too dear." "I may not eat, I may not drink, I dwell in dule and pine--- And all the night and every night, I dream that thou art mine. "Good sooth, I am but a poor young squire--- God make me rich and great! God, give me land, as I have love, To be thy worthy mate!" "Now dress thee in thy fairest weed, Speak not to living wight--- For I will pray my father dear, And he will dub thee knight. "Then come into the laidies' bower, And stand thou not too near, That never a living wight may know How thou dost hold me dear." I went into the ladies bower, Right sore afraid was I! I looked not at my own true love Lest the serving-maid should spy. She smiled, the lovely lady, Beneath her veil so thin; "Now who is he, the stranger squire, That comes so boldly in?" Now thanks be to the kindly Count, So leal a lord was he! He gave away his daughter dear My beauteous bride to be. (And is she glad, then I rejoice.) << Previous Page Next Page >>
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