Ursula the Widow |
There were two brothers of Wiltshire Both good men and fair Young William was a baseborn son And John their father's heir. In battle and in festival, In hunt and feast and game, Young William loved his brother and good John loved him the same. John's pride was valor in battle, But William's was his hair Long and gold like a maiden's The wonder of all near. There came a gang of raiders out from a neighbor's land. They kidnapped Brother John away And ransom did demand. When word came to young William's ears, He rose in wrath and cried, "I'll neither rest nor feast again Till John is by my side." But softly spoke his friends then, And bid him hold his hand, for he need but do nothing to gain his father's land. Then down he struck those false friends And bid them from his sight, "I never shall betray good John And steal his own birthright." "My father did not own me Before the face of men But John has stood my brother Since he knew we were kin." |
"And when he came to his estate He sought me far and wide. He took me from the monast'ry and placed me by his side." "And let one name me bastard, My brother by me stands And says I am his father's son and share in all his lands." "So let them name their ransom and double it again. For all I have, e'en to my shirt, I'll give to spare John pain." He rode to them on his good grey horse Bold in his satin coat. They held his brother before his eyes A knife against his throat. "What will ye have for my brother's life? Ye shall have it, an' tis mine." "No gold will I, but only the length Of your yellow hair so fine." When William heard it said thus, He drew his knife from his boot. He smiled upon his brother And cut his braid at the root. Off ride the brothers on one horse And William back does call, "An ye had made my head the price, Still I had paid it all." |
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