Sir John

As home Sir Peter came from town,
Ye're bidden every one!
All eagerly rushed his daughter down
To ask about Sir John.
So bind a golden helmet on,
And come along with John,

"Dear father, welcome home at last!
"Now tell me what at court has passed,
"And all about Sir John/'

"My dear, the news I bring is grand,
"The rich Sir Lave gets your hand,
"And not the rogue Sir John."

"And if he does, then I can tell,
"For him it we'nt turn out so well,
"If still alive Sir John."

His news Sir Peter had hardly told,
When up Sir Lave rode so bold,
Alas! 'twas not Sir John.

Sir Lave made his marriage feast,
Sir John got shod his trusty beast,
"I'll soon be there," said John.

Sir Lave rode to an isle away,
Ye're bidden every one
And there betroth'd a lovely may;
"I'll ride with them," said John.
So hind a golden helmet on
And come along with John,

Sir Lave brought him home his bride,
And knights and squires to meet them hied,
"And here am I," said John.

They set her down on bridal chair.
To deal the wine Sir John was there.
"Now drink away," said John.

They took to bed the blushing bride,
But left by chance her stay-lace tied;
"Come, I'll loose that," said John.

He lock'd the door with hearty glee,
"Sir Lave wish good night' from me,
"For here I stay," said John.

"Sir Lave, haste map! haste!" they cried,
"Sir John's up stairs and with the bride;"
"Aye! that I am," said John.

Sir Lave tapp'd the chamber door,
"Come out. Sir John, and jest no more;"
"Now wait a bit," said John.

With spear and shield he made a rout,
"Up. up, Sir John! this instant out."
"See if I do," said John.

"Unless at once you leave my bride,
"Before the King I'll have it tried."
"And that you may," said John.

The morrow morn at dawn of day
To court Sir Lave bent his way;
"And I'll go too," said John.

"I wooed and brought me home a bride,
"Sir John has stolen her from my side;"
"That's very true," said John.

"If she's to both of you so dear,
"Then go like men, and break a spear."
"With all my heart," said John.

The morrow, soon as it was light,
Went knights and squires to see the fight.
"I'm ready, boys," said John.

They rode and charged with all their force,
And knuckled down Sir John's good horse.
"God help me now!" said John.

They rode again and grappled well.
And on the ground Sir Lave fell.
"There let him lie," said John.

As reach'd Sir John his castle gate.
There waiting him his lady sate.
"You are mine then now," said John.

And so Sir John, apart from strife,
Can live in comfort with his wife.
"I've got her safe," said John.