Sir Verner's Escape

The banquet was spread at Lindholm house,
The troopers were drinking a full carouse.

The troopers were drinking, and glad were they,
And singing Sir Verner in dungeon lay.

Dame Ingeborg woke, and heard his strain;
"Now singing is which of my maiden train?"

"So sweetly not one of your maidens can;
"Nay., that is Sir Verner, the captive man."

She call'd two pages, who serv'd her bower;
"Go fetch me Sir Verner from out the tower."

Sir Verner enter'd, and him to greet
Dame Ingeborg rose with courtesy meet.

Sir Verner he stood before the board;
"My Lady, you see me; you sent me word!"

Dame Ingeborg kindly the cushion press'd,
"Come hither. Sir Verner, sit down and rest.

"Now listen. Sir Verner, to what I say;
"You sing me of love some tender lay."

"Full fain would I sing one at your behest,
"But lovesong I cannot; I'll try my best."

Sir Verner he chanted so soft a strain,
He lull'd the ladies in chamber lain.

He liiird the ladies and maids to rest,
He liiird the dame in her scarlet dress.

Sir Verner saw hanging on chamber wall
The keys of the castle, the great and small.

Sir Verner so quick from the door withdrew,
He stay'd not to wish the dames Adieu.'

But soon as he came on the open plain,
He struck up as gaily his lay again.

Sir Verner he waved his hat on high,
"Go wish the lady for me Good bye.'

"And, watchman, in pacing here to and fro,
"Give ear to the songs of those below.

"A bushel of gold she scorn'd last night,
"Now gets not a doit for the captive wight/'

Sir Verner so quick from the door withdrew,
He stay'd not to wish the dames Adieu.'