“But the Queen will be there and her maiden crew,
Pray let me go, mother, the dance to view.”
So long, so long begged the maiden young,
That at length from her mother consent she wrung.
“Then go, my child, if thou needs must go,
But thy mother ne’er went to the wake I trow.”
Then through the thick forest the maiden went,
To reach the wake her mind was bent.
When o’er the green meadows she had won,
The Queen and her maidens to bed were gone.
And when she came to the castle gate
They were plying the dance at a furious rate.
There danced full many a mail-clad man,
And the youthful King he led the van.
He stretched forth his hand with an air so free,
“Wilt dance, thou pretty maid, with me?”
“O, sir, I’ve come across the wold
That I with the Queen discourse might hold.”
“Come dance,” said the King with a courteous smile,
“The Queen will be here in a little while.”