Duke Henry and the Maiden Malfred

One balmy night in summer,
All sparkling lay the dew,
As struck his harp Duke Henry,
And music from it drew.

Fair Malfred on her balcon
Had heard his soothing lay;
"Oh heavens! that brave Duke Henry
"Would only come this way.

"Then, should he wish to slumber,
"On me he might recline;
"And should his lips be thirsty,
"'Tis I would pour his wine."

As spake the maiden Malfred,
Her foster-mother came:
"Hush hush! my dearest Malfred,
"You'll bring yourself to shame.

"Too young are you and tender
"To think of wedlock's band,
"Nor will for three years longer
"Your father give your hand."

"And let me be so tender,
"And let me be so young,
"This evening he were welcome,
"Who such a lay has sung."

So guileless spake the maiden.
She thought none other near.
But stood below Duke Henry,
And lent a listening ear.

'Twas late one summer evening.
And dew lay on the mead;
The Duke from out his stable
Himself led out his steed.

He girt on him the saddle,
He rode away alone;
No squire or groom might follow.
Of them he trusted none.

His saddle all of silver,
His bit with gold so red,
He chose a little greenpath,
That up to her chamber led.

"Oh, rise, dear maiden Malfred,
"Admit me to thy bower;
"'Tis I, thy true Duke Henry,
"Beneath thy chamber tower."

"You lord it over castles,
"Have men at your behest;
"I've not the means at evening
"To treat so rich a guest."

"O spread for me no dainties,
"Nor pour for me the wine,
"But in thy bosom lay me,
"And call me, Malfred, thine."

"Should I unbar my chamber,
"Or should I call you dear,'
"How wroth would be my father,
"If he the news should hear!"

"To talk with thee, dear Malfred,
"I've hither spurr'd my steed;
"If now I may not enter,
"I come no more to plead."

"'Tis not your steed I care for,
"Or what the pace he came,
"But only for my honour,
"And not to lose my name."

"Oh! rise, dear maiden Malfred,
"And kindly let me in,
"I'll ride and see thy father,
"And try thy hand to win/'

"A thousand thanks, Duke Henry!
"I'll not admit you here;
"Go first and ask my father,
"And all my kinsmen dear."

Away he rode, Duke Henry,
And angry too of mood.
But laugh VI the maiden Malfred,
As in her bower she stood.

Well done the maiden Malfred!
For well had she replied;
He rode and pray'd her father
To give him her for bride.

Well one the brave Duke Henry!
The maiden's worth he found,
And pledged her troth on Courtday
With all her kinsmen round.

And so the maiden Malfred
The meed of virtue gains,
And now a wealthy princess,
O'er many a castle reigns.