The Two Sisters Who Avenged Their Father

A sister thus to a sister spake,
My trulove who secretly had my vows

"And never wilt thou a husband take?"
Is sheltering under the greenwood boughs.

"Nay wed will I never a living swain,
My trulove (c.
"Till vengeance I've had for a father slain."
Is sheltering c,

"But what will our own two hands avail?
"No sword have we here, nor coat of mail."

"These wealthy farmers, who near us dwell,
"Will lend us mail and a sword as well."

On cloak and collar they plied their shears,
And made them dresses for cavaliers.

They d'onn'd their mail, girt sword to side,
And mounted horse to the court to ride.

When up to the courtyard gate they came.
There stood beside it Sir Erland's dame.

"Our greeting. Sir Erland's wife! now say,
"Is he, Sir Erland, at home today?"

"Sir Erland sits in his hall to dine,
"With guests around him is quaffing wine."

As enter'd the hall those maidens two,
He rose to meet them with honour due.

The purple cushion Sir Erland pressed,
"Come hither, sit down, young men, and rest."

"We're not so weary, nor are we tired,
"And yet were a little rest desired."

"Now say, are ye married men, ye two?
"Or stealthily ride ye out to woo?"

"We are not married, nor have we bride,
"But hither to woo by stealth we ride,"

"Then hark ye, young gallants! for I can tell,
"Where two rich fatherless maidens dwell."

"But if so rich are these orphans two,
"Say, why for their favour did you not sue?"

"Their favour myself I had gladly sought,
"If hindered me not a crime, I wrought;

"The maidens' father had I not slain,
"And then with the widowed mother lain/'

"ris true, by thy hand our father died,
"But touching our mother 'tis foully lied."

With maidenly grace their swords they drew.
With manly courage the knight they slew.

They hack'd Sir Erland to bits as small,
As chips from a woodman's hatchet fall.

With teardrops many, and rueful face,
The maids to their shrift were seen to pace;

But all the penance the father bade,
Three Fridays on bread and water paid.