He brought her home across the main,
With knights and ladies in the train:
"I'm close behind," said John.
They plac'd her on the bridal seat;
Sir Lave bade them drink and eat:
"Aye: that we will," said John.
The servants led her then to bed,
But could not loose her girdle red!
"I can, perhaps," said John.
He shut the door with all his might;
He lock'd it fast, and quench'd the light:
"I shall sleep here," said John.
A servant to Sir Lave hied;--
"Sir John is sleeping with the bride:"
"Aye, that I am," said John.
Sir Lave to the chamber flew:
"Arise, and straight the door undo!"
"A likely thing!" said John.
He struck with shield, he struck with spear--
"Come out, thou Dog, and fight me here!"
"Another time," said John.
"And since thou with my bride hast lain,
To our good king I will complain."
"That thou canst do," said John.
As soon as e'er the morning shone,
Sir Lave sought our monarch's throne;
"I'll go there too," said John.
"O King, chastise this wicked wight,
For with my wife he slept last night.
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