HCA: 'Tavlebordsduetten'

Kirsten: "Hear, handsome youth, and don’t say no,

come toss the dice with me!"

Sverkel: "I do not own the crimson gold

that I can bet ’gainst thee,"

Kirsten: "Then thou shallst bet thine own good hat,

and even though it’s grey,

see, I my string of pearls have staked,

just win and I will pay,"

Both: The first time the gold dice o’er the gaming board did run,

the handsome youth no luck had, the maiden fair she won,

/: he lost all, she won. :/

Kirsten: "Hear, handsome youth, and don’t say no,

come toss the dice with me!"

Sverkel: " I do not own the crimson gold

that I can bet ’gainst thee."

Kirsten: " Then thou shallst bet thy kirtel now,

yes, even though it’s grey,

my crown of gold I then will stake,

just win and I will pay."

Both: The next time the gold dice o’er the gaming board did run,

the handsome youth no luck had, the maiden fair she won,

/: he lost all, she won. :/

Kirsten: "Hear handsome youth, and don’t say no,

come toss the dice with me!"

Sverkel: " I do not own the crimson gold

that I can bet ’gainst thee."

Kirsten: "Thy luck in gambling must soon turn,

come on, bet both thy shoes,

myself against them I will stake,

thy trust I’ll not abuse."

Both: The next time the gold dice o’er the gaming board did run,

the maiden fair no luck had, the handsome youth he won,

/: she lost all, he won. :/

Unto her bower the maiden went:

"Did I deserve such fate!"

The handsome youth, his sword unsheathed,

stood proudly at her gate.

"God, let me die" – was then her prayer.

"Thy tears I shall assuage,

the best of princes thou shallst have

and not some lowly page".

"Art thou the best of princes, then with joy thy bride I’ll be,

myself, and all my heart I will gladly give to thee."

/: She lost all, he won. :/

To hear the duet sung in Danish, go to here