Classic Poem

Young men and maids, pray tell your age,
I'll tell you of a sweet one.
She is the darling of my heart,
She is the most complete one.
Me and my love lay down one night.
All on a bed together;
When I woke up, my love was gone,
I was forced to lie without her.

2

Her yellow hair, like strands of gold,
Came rolling down my pillow.
She's the little one I love so well,
She's like the weeping willow.
" You've caused your parents to owe me a grudge
And treat me most unkindly,
Because you're of some high degree
And me so poor and needy. "

3

I went into her uncle's house
Enquiring for my darling
The answer was: " She is not here,
I've no such in my keeping. "
Her voice came from the roof above
Came straightway to the window,
" O love, O love, it's I'd be yours,
But locks and bolts doth hinder. "

4

O passion flew, my sword I drew,
All in that room I entered,
O passion flew, my sword I drew,
All in that room I entered,
I took my sword in my right hand
All in that room I entered.
Come all young men that love like me
Fight on and take another.

5

Her uncle and three other men
Straightway after me did follow
Saying: " Leave this room, you villain, you,
Or in your heart's blood you shall wallow. "
The blood was shed from every side
Till I got her from them.
And all young men who get such wives
Should fight till you overcome them.