The Coward Bridegroom

It was upon a Saturday
The rain began to fall;
Sir Tyg, 'twas his wedding day,
In silence paced his hall.

Sir Tyg out of his window gazed
With frequent anxious look;
"My bride too dearly I should buy
"In crossing yonder brook.

"Now hark thee, Nilus Benditson,
"Thou hast so tall a steed;
"I pray thee ride and fetch her home,
And help a friend in need."

"Gladly," said Nilus Benditson,
And archly spake aside;
"I'll play my friend a pretty prank,
"If I shall fetch the bride."

Off rode Sir Nilus Benditson,
And went the bride to meet;
There hung both silk and velvet green
Before his horse's feet.

All clad in silk and golden lace
Did friends and kinsmen ride,
And slowly took their way to church
Beside the gentle bride.

Awhile before the door she stood,
Like blushing rose her hue,
And bade them towards the water look,
If Tyg were in view.

"Nay" answer'd Nilus Benditson,
And prompt the words he spake;
"He dared not cross yon angry stream,
"E'en for his trulove's sake."

They placed her on the bridal seat
In all her costly gear,
And often out of the window look'd,
If came Sir Tyg near.

From silver cup both wine and mead
They pour'd for every guest,
And waited on till eventide
And th' hour to go to rest.

On bridal bed they left the bride
Sir Tyg there to wait,
And all in anxious hope and doubt
Three weary hours she sate.

The priests they stood around the bed,
And sang with all their might,
"No bridegroom comes to claim his bride,
"Who sleeps with her tonight?"

Then forward brave Sir Nilus stepp'd,
And cast his silver'd shoe;
"Tis I will sleep with her tonight,
"And faithful be and true."

They quaffed in turn the wedding cup,
And hearty draughts they took,
The while Sir Tyg Hermanson,
Still fear'd to cross the brook.

'Twas not until the Wednesday mom
The stream began to fall,
And then came Tyg Hermanson,
And brought his bridesmen all.

Sir Tyg came to the wedding house,
And saw the pomp and state;
But answer'd him the youthful bride,
"Ride back, 'tis now too late."

"But listen, gentle Sidselille,
"A word I have with thee;
"Thou 'st wedded with another man,
"And foully cheated me."

"And hear, Sir Tyg Hermanson,
"A thing I'd have you know,
"I will not such for husband take,
"As fears the rain and snow.

"Now had'st thou been a gallant man,
"And had my love at heart,
"Thou wouldest with thy naked sword
"Have dash'd the waves apart"

"In cloister then I'll go and live
"A friar of orders gray,
"And trust me, gentle Sidselille,
"I come no more this way."

"Yet if the stream should be so low,
"And I should see thee back,
"If I have cheeses more than two,
"I'll put one in thy sack."