Erik Emun and Swarthy Plog

The lark at dawn of the morning sang,
Beneath the brow of the greenwood hill
Sir Carl from his bed as gaily sprang.
Avenge it the king of Denmark will,

He first put on him a shirt so new,
His green silk jacket on that he threw.

His buckskin boots he drew on his feet,
And over them gilded spurs so neat.

He buckled his spurs and his horse bestrode.
Alone to the court of Assizes rode.

Unguarded and fearless he went his way,
Though many an omen he met that day.

In walked Sir Carl to the hall of doom
The people retired to make him room.

But summon'd the king his nine stout swains,
And bade them to lay Sir Carl in chains.

Uprose nine stout and active swains,
And bound, as he bade, Sir Carl in chains.

Sir Carl outside of the town they took,
And there on a new made wheel they broke.

To swarthy Sir Plog the news came back,
"The king has thy brother upon the rack."

Up sprang Sir Plog and across the board,
Nor tarried to waste one single word.

He drew on his leg his buckskin boot,
And gilded spurs upon either foot.

He buckled his spurs and his horse bestrode,
And off to the Court of Assizes rode.

He urged his horse to his utmost speed,
And gallantly sprang that noble steed.

As entered Sir Plog the justice hall,
Uprose the king in his scarlet pall.

"Had I not come to the hall so late,
"Things would not have been in such a state."

"If so thou talkest with tongue so free,
"Thou gettest the self-same doom as he."

He call'd nine servants and each a knight;
"Up! bind ye Sir Plog before my sight."

"If there be a manly heart in thee,
Thyself thou wilt lay the bonds on me."

King Erick he toss'd his gloves aside.
Sir Plog with his spear the court defied.

He first slew four, and he then slew five.
He left nor trooper nor king alive.

Aye eight at a blow and nine he slew,
The king and his bravest troopers too.

He slaughtered them all and cleared the room,
And drove with his brother's body home.