I’ve slain a hundred Saracens in her name
I pledged them for this lovely maiden’s fame
But the king has in his sights
A joust for all his knights
I hate each famous king and I hate his game!

Well, here’s my rival - the Round Table’s best;
The king has sent before my lance another’s breast!
But my lance is aimed to start
At my tender lady’s heart -
These cruel royal affairs, I do detest!

His coat of arms displays hangman’s noose
Well I’ll hole it like a ship when I cut loose
He’s the favourite of the king
But no favours will I bring.
I have no truck at all with this kings abuse.

The king insists he’ll beat me easily
And remarks, "Rest in Peace" with eager glee.
I’ll be for worms and dead
When she marries him instead
I hate this dastard king in full degree!

The sign is given - were riding fit to bust.
Our steeds charging, choking, raising dust
Our visors both go down
Now the king begins to frown.
By god today, it’s in my sharp steel I trust!

Well it’s all over, so let the battle pass
His blood is shed and drying on the grass
The king shuns this victory
But now she belongs to me
And now his golden crown has turned to brass.

But our castle never saw happy days
The king sent me to campaign far away
And she won’t wait for me -
I’m a vassal now, I see.
It seems I must like kings, anyway.