34 'This merry jest you must excuse;
You are but a stingless nettle;
You 'd never have stood for boots or shoes
Had you been a man of mettle.'
35 All night in grievous rage he lay,
Rolling upon the plain-a;
Next morning a shepherd past that way,
Who set him right again-a.
36 Then mounting upon his steed so tall,
By hill and dale he swore-a,
'I'll ride at once to her father's hall;
She shall escape no more-a.
37 'I'll take her father by the beard,
I'll challenge all her kindred;
Each dastard soul shall stand affeard;
My wrath shall no more be hindred.'
38 He rode unto her father's house,
Which every side was moated;
The lady heard his furious vows,
And all his vengeance noted.
39 Thought shee, sir knight, to quench your rage
Once more I will endeavor;
This water shall your fury swage,
Or else it shall burn forever.
40 Then, faining penitence and feare,
She did invite a parley:
'Sir knight, if you'll forgive me heare,
Henceforth I'll love you dearly.
41 'My father he is now from home,
And I am all alone, sir;
Therefore across the water come,
And I am all your own, sir.'
42 'False maid, thou canst no more deceive;
I scorn the treacherous bait-a;
If thou wouldst have me thee believe,
Now open me the gate-a.'
43 'The bridge is drawn, the gate is barrd,
My father has the keys, sir;
But I have for my love prepar'd
A shorter way and easier.