Fair Signild and the Brother Whom She Rescued

Fair Signild had brew'd and mix'd the wine,
The rime begins to fall
And ask'd her brother to come and dine.
Up! don your harness, all!

The mead and the wine they set to run,
As long as was shining the cheerful sun.

Her brother, he then would homeward ride,
And swains she would give him his course to guide.

"What need have I now your swains to take?
"So late my foes are no more awake."

But just as the town from sight he lost,
His path seven foes, his bitterest, cross'd.

When round to the thickset wood he turn'd,
He there more plainly his foes discern'd.

"Now grant me, my foes, a boon, my last,
"On gilded cornet to sound a blast."

"Thereto we give thee a short reprieve,
"So blow, as thou wilt, thou hast our leave."

He blew on his horn, he blew so hard,
Fair Signild heard him in castle yard.

His horn so long and so loud he blew.
Its tone in her bed fair Signild knew.

O'er all the castle was heard her call;
"My palfrey bring me from out his stall.

"Aye bring from his stall the gallant gray;
"'Tis seven years, since he has seen the day.

"'Tis seven, since he the sun has seen;
"Since saddle he bare, at least fifteen.

"Bring forth my spear, and bring my brand,
"They've eighteen years not been in hand."

Fair Signild she urged her gallant steed.
And off he sprang at his utmost speed.

Fair Signild she call'd with voice so high,
"If living, my brother, make reply."

"I still am unhurt, nor think to bend,
"But yet, if thou canst, some succour lend,"

She charged his foes, and she cut them down.
And living she brought him back to town:

And though there had twice as many fought,
Their death had the fearless maiden wrought.