Classic Poem

1.

Sir Peter and Kirsteen sat over the board,
(While summer doth blow)
They spake so many a jesting word.
But day is dawning all in the East.

2.

" Now tell me, Sir Peter, and do not fail,
When shall we drink thy blithe bridale? "

3.

" Oh, so far hence is my bridal gay
No lady thither can find the way. "

4.

" And were it two hundred miles or more,
Yet would I ride to that castle door! "

5.

" And wilt thou to the bridal come,
Then leave my golden gifts at home. "

6.

" And may I not bear them and fear no blame?
Thou didst not bestow them for my shame! "

7.

She wrapped herself in the scarlet fine,
She went to the high-loft and poured the wine.

8.

Up spake the bride to her serving-maid:
" What lady now poureth the wine so red? "

9.

The serving-maid up and spake so free:
" Sir Peter's light-o'-love is she. "

10.

" And is she his love, that gay ladye,
Why rideth he hither to wed with me? "

11.

They feasted till far the night was sped,
And the bride must go to the bridal bed.

12.

To bridal bed the bride must fare,
And the bridal torch did young Kirsteen bear.

13.

The sheets of silk o'er the bed she drew:
" There lies the swaim I loved so true! "

14.

Young Kirsteen locked the door with speed
And the fire she set to roof and reed.

15.

The fire she set and did not stay,
And most o'er the place where Sir Peter lay.

16.

Sir Peter waked not in bridal bed
Till the flames in his young bride's hair shone red.

17.

" Kirsteen, Kirsteen, spare thou me!
In time to come I'll be good to thee. "

18.

Loud she laughed then, little Kirsteen:
" Right well wilt thou keep thy word, I ween! "

19.

Greater than all was his hurt and harm,
That the bride must burn in the bridegroom's arm.

20.

All must die in that woeful hour —
Fifteen maidens that lay in the bower.

21.

And in that hour so sore
Died thirty knights and more.