They disputed which should break the wall, They disputed which therethrough should crawl.

But Allegast he should break down the wall, And Allegast he should creep through withall.

“But how shall we bear the Count’s saddle away? So many bells that saddle array.”

p. 28The Count to his page that evening said: “My saddle wipe, ere thou get thee to bed.

p. 28

“For to-morrow I’m bent to ride to the Ting, I’ll have Carl hanged, the son of the King.”

Then the Countess in bitter grief answer made: “You’ll ne’er live so long as to see him dead.

“My father’s servant last year thou wast, Now to sleep with his daughter the honour thou hast.”

The Count at that word so ireful grew, He smote his wife that the blood out-flew.

At hand was Sir Carl, heard all they spake: “I soon of this matter an end will make.”

Then Carl he entered through the door, And a naked sword in his hand he bore.

“Thou dog, thou shalt never more have the might The gentle daughters of Kings to smite.

p. 29“Thou dog, thou shalt never more have the power To threaten Kings’ children within thy bower.”

p. 29

The Count by his long yellow locks he took, And by the bed’s side his head off strook.

“Do thou lie there, and for ever be banned, I’ll bestow on another my sister’s hand.

“I’ll give her Sir Allegast, he is a knight So true and trusty and valiant in fight.”

The King’s sweet daughter has Allegast wed, For her infamous husband unwept lies dead.

These gallants were thieves in no other way, Than that they a trick on the Count would play.

But could all thieving come to so fair an end, There’s many, I trow, would a-thieving wend!

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