In a Palace Tower

A winsome maiden took her way
Where on the tower the Warder stood:
"Now if a man steal here to-day,
Dear Warder, let thy heart be good!
Accost him gently, 'Who goes there?'
And be not overbold withal,
But promptly own his right to fare,
If 'yes' he answers to thy call.
Show him the casement then with speed:
So mayst thou win my lady's meed."

But little time thereafter sped,
When to the spot the gallant came.
And "Who goes there?" the Warder said,
Eager his promised hire to claim.
"'Tis I, and love is what I crave;
Look up, good Warder of the door!"
"The prize of love ye well may have,
But bide without a moment more."—
A gracious welcome soon was his:
Her rose-red mouth he 'gan to kiss.

"Ye may not check the rising morn,"
The Warder shrill struck up his song.
"I warn ye, as I needs must warn,
Who longer sleeps will sleep o'erlong.
Right loth were I to bear the fault,
If lovers twain should come to woe.
No man may make the day to halt;
I see the star of morning glow.
Even as 'tis wont, it glitters bright.
Now waken, waken, gallant knight!"

The lady shrank in sore surprise
When so she heard the Warder's lay,
And lovingly she spake, "Arise,
Dear knight, arise, for lo, 'tis day!
To me o'er other men thou'rt dear;
Even so do thou toward me incline!
I hold thy heart beside me here
And gladly will I give thee mine,
Commending thee to God on high.
It grieves me sore to say good-bye."

Therewith the gallant bade adieu,
From his dear lady to depart,
Even as fond lovers needs must do;
And sore they felt love's bitter smart.
A sweet exchange they 'gan to make,
And many a kiss between them passed.
Her heart on his was like to break,
And in his arms he held her fast;
For after weal comes ever woe.—
That knight departed even so.