Or deem thee weaker than thy foe,

Yet for a while would have thee stay

Nor see thee tempt the fight to-day.

Now list, my loving lord, and learn

The reason why I bid thee turn.

Thy foeman came in wrath and pride,

And thee to deadly fight defied.

Thou wentest out: he fought, and fled

Sore wounded and discomfited.

But yet, untaught by late defeat,