“What will ye now do, ye worshipful knights, Have drinking and dancing for ye delights?” Then they danced out and danced in with glee, And Brouk the clear wine poured so free. On the floor stood the nobles and ’gan to sing, Whilst Brouk proceeded to plot with the King. Then unto his brother Duke Valdemar said: “O Erik, we drink too much wine, I’m afraid. p. 21“Be we on our guard ’gainst Brouk’s pleasantries, He knoweth all manner of villanies.” p. 21 Duke Erik held up his good right hand: “Shall we fear aught in our fatherland? “We are come with a safety assurance fair, And of no quarrel are we aware.” They drank and they danced till the day had ta’en flight, Then illumined was torch and big wax light. To hie now to bed the nobles desired, And repose on the bolsters their bodies tired. Then in to the prison tower they were led, The King himself went in his cloak of red. They thought that in jest the thing was done, ’Till he slammed the doors to every one. Manlike fought Erik and scorned to yield, As long as he’d sword or a post to wield. p. 22Broke sword! broke post! they no more could defend! Into prison they naked were forced to wend. p. 22 The noble brothers suffered sore, From frost and from cold and from hunger much more. “We’ll give thee, Brouk, the gold so red, If thou’lt give us but water and bread.” “Ye shall not obtain in Sweden here, Or bread or water your hearts to cheer.” “Our dear brother’s wife we are confident, To let us be starved will ne’er consent. “We know the Queen has a pitying breast, She will straw send us whereon to rest.
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