"We are all daughters to a king,
210 Whom a brave Scottish knight
Did out of tribulation bring:
He having took his flight,
Now after him we are in quest."
Saint Patrick then replies,
215 "He is my friend, I cannot rest
Till I find him likewise.
"So, ladies, if you do intend
To take your lot with me,
This sword of mine shall you defend
220 From savage cruelty."
The ladies freely gave consent
To travel many miles;
Through shady groves and woods they went,
In search of fortune's smiles.
225 The Christian champion David, went
To the Tartarian court,
Where at their tilt and tournament,
And such like royal sport,
He overthrew the only son
230 Of the Count Palatine;
This noble action being done
His fame began to shine.
The young Count's sad and sudden death
Turn'd all their joys to grief;
235 He bleeding lay, bereaved of breath,
The father's son in chief;
But lords and ladies blazed the fame
Of our brave champion bold;
Saying, they ought to write his name
240 In characters of gold.
Here have I writ a fair account
Of each heroic deed,
Done by these knights, which will surmount
All those that shall succeed.
245 The ancient chronicles of kings,
Ere since the world begun,
Can't boast of such renowned things
As these brave knights have done.
Saint George he was for England,
250 Saint Dennis was for France,
Saint James for Spain, whose valiant hand
Did Christian fame advance:
Saint Anthony for Italy,
Andrew for Scots ne'er fails,
255 Patrick too stands for Ireland,
Saint David was for Wales.
Thus have you those stout champions names
In this renowned song:
Young captive ladies bound in chains,
260 Confined in castles strong,
They did by knightly prowess free,
True honour to maintain:
Then let their lasting memory
From age to age remain.
[107], which Dennis.