Jornibret's Last Dance

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Jornibret's Last Dance

(Traditional)

WOMEN'S VERSE 1 Every winter season, Except for the reason Of one war or another (Really quite a bother), The Queen of Rimmen and her consort Request their vassals come and cavort. On each and every ball, The first man at the Hall Is Lord Ogin Jornibret of Gaer, The Curse of all the Maidens Fair.

WOMEN'S REFRAIN Oh, dear ladies, beware. Dearest, dearest ladies, take care. Though he's a very handsome man, If you dare to take his handsome hand, The nasty little spell will be cast And your first dance with him will be the last.

MEN'S VERSE 1 At this social event Everyone who went Knew the bows and stances And steps to all the dances. The Queen of Rimmen and her consort Would order a trumpet's wild report, And there could be no indecision As the revelers took position. The first dance only ladies, separate Away from such men as Lord Jornibret.

MEN'S REFRAIN Oh, dear fellows, explain. Brothers, can you help make it plain: The man's been doing this for years, Leaving maidens fair in tears Before the final tune's been blast. And her first dance with him will be the last.

WOMEN'S VERSE 2 Lord Ogin Jornibret of Gaer Watched the ladies dance on air The loveliest in the realm. A fellow in a ursine-hide helm Said, "The Queen of Rimmen and her consort Have put together quite a sport. Which lady fair do you prefer?" Lord Jornibret pointed, "Her. See that bosom bob and weave. Well-suited for me to love and leave."

WOMEN'S REFRAIN

MEN'S VERSE 2 The man in the mask of a bear Had left the Lord of Gaer Before the ladies' dance was ending. Then a trumpet sounded, portending That the Queen of Rimmen and her consort Called for the men to come to court. Disdainful, passing over all the rest, Ogin approached she of bobbing breast. She was rejected, saved a life of woe, For a new maiden as fair as snow.

MEN'S REFRAIN

WOMEN'S VERSE 3 At the first note of the band, The beauty took Ogin's hand. She complimented his stately carriage Dancing to the tune about the marriage Of the Queen of Rimmen and her consort. It is very difficult indeed to comport With grace, neither falling nor flailing, Wearing ornate hide and leather mailing, Dancing light as the sweetest of dreams Without a single squeak of the seams.

WOMEN'S REFRAIN

MEN'S VERSE 3 The rhythms rose and fell No one dancing could excel With masculine grace and syncopation, Lord Jornibret even drew admiration From the Queen of Rimmen and her consort. Like a beauteous vessel pulling into port, He silently slid, belying the leather's weight. She whispered girlishly, "The hour is late, But I've never seen such grace in hide armor." It 'twas a pity he knew he had to harm her.

MEN'S REFRAIN

WOMEN'S VERSE 4 The tune beat was furious He began to be curious Where had the maiden been sequest'ed. "Before this dance was requested By the consort and his Queen of Rimmen I didn't see you dance with the women." "My dress was torn as I came to the dance," She said smiling in a voice deep as a man's, "My maids worked quickly to repair, While I wore a suit of hide, a helm of a bear."

WOMEN'S REFRAIN