23 When unto him they did unfold
The circumstance all right,
He bade them go and tell the queen
That for her he would fight.
24 The day came on that was to do
That dreadful tragedy;
Sir Hugh le Blond was not come up,
To fight for our lady.
25 'Put on the fire,' the monster said,
'It is twelve on the bell;'
''T is scarcely ten, now,' said the king,
'I heard the clock mysell.'
26 Before the hour the queen is brought,
The burning to proceed;
In a black velvet chair she's set,
A token for the dead.
27 She saw the flames ascending high,
The tears blinded her ee:
'Where is the worthy knight,' she said,
'Who is to fight for me?'
28 Then up and spak the king himsell:
'My dearest, have no doubt,
For yonder comes the man himsel,
As bold as eer set out.'
29 They then advanced to fight the duel,
With swords of temperd steel;
Till down the blood of Rodingham
Came running to his heel.
30 Sir Hugh took out a lusty sword,
'T was of the metal clear,
And he has pierced Rodingham
Till's heart-blood did appear.
31 'Confess your treachery, now,' he said,
'This day before you die;'
'I do confess my treachery,
I shall no longer lye.
32 'I like to wicked Haman am,
This day I shall be slain:'
The queen was brought to her chamber,
A good woman again.