I stopt before his palace–door, then gaily leapt I down.
They shut the door—my trusty score of friends were left behind;
I would not hear their whispered fear, no harm was in my mind;
I greeted Pedro, but he turned—I wot his look was cold;
His brother from his knee he spurned—“Stand off, thou master bold.
“Stand off, stand off, thou traitor strong!” ‘twas thus he saith to me,
“Thy time on earth shall not be long—what brings thee to my knee?
My lady craves a new year’s gift, and I will keep my word;
Thy head methinks may serve the shift—good yeoman, draw thy sword—“
The master lay upon the floor, ere well that word was said,