6
The baron he woke—the baron he rose
And called his merry men all,
And come thou forth Sir John the knight,
Thy lady is carried to thrall.
Fair Emmeline scant had ridden a mile—
A mile forth of the town,
When she was aware of her father’s men
Come galloping o’er the down.
And foremost came the carlish knight,
Sir John of the north country;
Now stop, now stop thou false traitor,
Nor carry that lady away;
For she is come of high lynage
And was of a lady born;
For it ill beseems thee a false churle’s son
To carry her hence to scorn.
Now loud thou liest, Sir John the knight.
Now thou doest lie of me ;
A knight me got—and a lady me bore.
So never did none by thee.
But light thee down my lady fair,
Light down and hold my steed,
While I and this discourteous knight
Do try this arduous deed.
Fair Emmeline sighed—fair Emmeline wept,
And aye her heart was woe;
While ’twixt her love and the carlish knight
Past many a baleful blow.
