ight here," answered he.
'Twas brought, he stepped the threshold o'er.
Quoth he: "On coming to the door
I heard a man's voice in the bed."
"Ah, Johnny, when away you sped
In distant parts for work to roam,
I then with child was three months gone;
In bed there lies a comely boy,
Unto us both he'll be a joy."

Said John, "I've something to disclose.
My master, when I left his house,
Gave me this cake I have in hand,
And with it gave the strict command
When I with thee should merry make
Then and not till then it to break.
I'll now accomplish what he bade,
Mayhap we've wherefor to be glad."

They broke the cake in anxious haste,
The nine pounds in it, lo! were placed.
They took the money, ate the bread,
And I for truth have heard it said
No quarrel e'er or noisy word
'Twixt them from that time forth occurr'd.

Now, Gentles all, my tale is done,
I hope it has your favour won!

SIR VERNER AND DAME INGEBORG

In Linholm's house
The swains they were drinking and making carouse.
_The Dames ne'er could so gallant a prisoner keep in_.

The swains they drank deep and they made themselves gay,
And so did Sir Verner in prison that lay.

Dame Ingeborg woke, and she lifts up her eyes:
"O, which of my maidens doth sing in that guise?"

"O, none of your maidens can sing in such guise,
'Tis Sir Verner who's singing, in durance he lies."

Dame Ingeborg straightway two servants addressed:
"To come to my presence Sir Verner request."

In through the portal Sir Verner he strode,
And up to receive him Dame Ingeborg stood.

To the cushion Dame Ingeborg points with a smile:
"Go thither, Sir Verner, and rest thee awhile.

"Now hark thou, Sir Verner, what I to thee say:
I beg thou wilt sing me a pretty love lay."

"A love lay I've never learnt up to this hour,
But I'll sing to oblige thee the best in my power."

Sir Verner began, and he sang such a lay,
That soon in deep slumber Dame Ingeborg lay.

The Dames and the maids fell to sleep and to doze,
Dame Ingeborg sank to a peaceful repose.

Sir Verner he glanced then so cautiously round,
The keys great and small in a nook he has found.

To the door hied Sir Verner as fast as he might,
He forgot to bid Dame Ingeborg a good-night.

When out of the castle himself he perceived,
His voice in a ditty again he upheaved.

Sir Verner he waved up his hat with delight:
"Dame Ingeborg bid ye a very good night!

"And hear thou, Sir Warden, who stand'