Marsk Stig: a ballad

Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas J. Wise pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
A BALLAD
by GEORGE BORROW
London: printed for private circulation
1913
Marsk Stig he out of the country rode To win him fame with his good bright sword; At home meantide the King will bide In hope to lure his heart’s ador’d.
The King sends word to the Marshal Stig That he to the fields of war should fare; Himself will deign at home to remain And take the charge of his Lady fair.
In came the Marshal’s serving man, And a kirtle of green that man he wore: “Of our good liege the little foot-page Is standing out the gate before.”
Up stood the young Sir Marshal Stig, By the side of his bed his clothes put on; And to speak the boy, the King’s envoy, Down to the gate is the Marshal gone.
“Now hear thou, Marsk Stig Andersen, ’Tis truth and sooth what I say to thee; Thou must away to the King’s palay, Then mount thy horse and follow with me.
“Oh, I know nought of my Lord King’s thought That I to thee can now declare, Except that thou to the war must go And there thy sovereign’s banner bear.”