George Borrow

“ In the womb of the ocean it bellow’d alone,
The knights said their Aves in terrified haste,
And crowded each pinnacle, jetty, and stone:
“The high-hearted stripling is whelm’d in the tide,
Ah! wail him,” was echoed from every side. ”

“ With his Queen King Byrge must fly from his throne,
Beheaded was Magnus, his beautiful son.
But Brouk to the infamous wheel was consigned,
May all such traitors a like end find!
When sovereigns many there are to a land,
You’ll never see them go hand in hand.
p. 25The one ’fore the other must certainly fall,
Not seldom destruction comes o’er them all. ”

“ The Lovely Prince Hassan, the Emir Hoseyn.
Nor unnoticed by men shall be suffered to pass
Those excellent uncles, Hanozah and Abbess.
Unto each of that band be a thousand salaams,
An bless’d through all ages be each of their names. ”

“ Brouk has discovered another device:
“What will ye now do, ye worshipful knights,
Have drinking and dancing for ye delights?”
Then they danced out and danced in with glee,
And Brouk the clear wine poured so free.
On the floor stood the nobles and ’gan to sing,
Whilst Brouk proceeded to plot with the King.
Then unto his brother Duke Valdemar said:
“O Erik, we drink too much wine, I’m afraid.
p. 21“Be we on our guard ’gainst Brouk’s pleasantries,
He knoweth all manner of villanies.”
Duke Erik held up his good right hand:
“Shall we fear aught in our fatherland? ”