Midnight Lovers The night hosted a fight by a tavern In old Denmark called the Gasping Dragon. In the brawl were two women of similar class, One was a farmer, held an amulet of brass. The other, a merchant’s wife from near port, A fair lady but like any hardy warrior she fought. The sweet late air was filled with curses from here And there, both calling aid which none would spare. The husbands watched with ale and bread Sympathy was thinly spread. Until one gentle knight rode past Looking upon these foolish commoners he gasped. “What disturbs this sleepy night With such noise and an unsightly fight? Waking the wagers from men’s lips, On strength of arms and sturdy hips?” The good ladies rose from the muddy ground A new more worthy cause was found. Their eyes followed his movement, And to his lips were bound. “Good Sir Knight, our wives fight for a cause so just, Of loyalty, companionship and lust. Let them squabble over whom feels loyal most And god will decide their fate And leave us men to deal with our hate.” The Knight looked upon the drunken pair, Their faces bright with ale in their hair. Dismounted off his horse and spoke, Sighed long and moved with each stroke. “I will end this fight for all to see, How foolish you are or shall be. If one of you can tell me which wife’s beauty is best, Then you would have completed my nightly test.” The drunks looked at his wife and said his own, Disagreement loomed and violence steered. From the good ladies the spirit left And into the foul bellies of the drunks now feared. The two men fought into the night, And the fair ladies sat and enjoyed the fight.