Daysong

Warder. "Day's talons, driven
Through the clouds, have come to sight;
It mounts on high in all its strength.
I see the heaven
Paling in the dawning light
Of day, the day that will at length
From dalliance draw the gallant man
Whom I let in with anxious heed;
I'll bring him hence now, if I can;
His manifold valour urged me to the deed."

Lady. "The song thou singest.
Warder, robs me of great bliss
And maketh me to sorrow sore.
Tidings thou bringest
That, alas, are much amiss,
When day is dawning, evermore!
'Twere best no word of such to say;
I charge thee by thy fealty,
And I'll reward thee as I may.
So shall my dear love bide awhile with me."

Warder. "Nay, he must get him
Hence; he must not linger on.
Sweet lady, give him leave to go!
So may'st thou let him
Love thee all in stealth anon,
And save his life and honour so.
Trust in my fealty did he place,
To bring him hence secure from harm.
'Tis day; 'twas night when thy embrace
And kiss won me to bring him to thy arm."

Lady. "Sing as thou choosest,
Warder, but let him still remain
Who brought love with him, found love here.
Ever thou usest,
Ere the morning-star be plain.
With din to make us start in fear.
Yet never shone the light of day
On him who came to play love's part
Oft hast thou stolen him away
From my white arms, but never from my heart!"

But when day darted
Bright beams through the glass, and when
The warder sung his warning strain,
In fright she started
For his sake who was with her then.
Her breast on his she pressed amain.
Well did the knight his valour prove
(The warder's song gave cause for dread):
In haste they won the meed of love
With kiss and with caress ere thence he sped.