If you were born before yesterday, <br />Surely you've heard about Tailor Nils, who flaunts him so gay. <br /> <br />If it's more than a week that you've been here, <br />Surely you've heard how Knut Storedragen got a lesson severe. <br /> <br />Up on the barn of Ola-Per Kviste after a punchin': <br />"When Nils heaves you again, take with you some luncheon." <br /> <br />Hans Bugge, he was a man so renowned, <br />Haunting ghosts of his name spread alarm all around. <br /> <br />"Tailor Nils, where you wish to lie, now declare! <br />On that spot will I spit and lay your head right there."-- <br /> <br />"Oh, just come up so near, that I know you by the scent! <br />Think not that by your jaw to earth I shall be bent!" <br /> <br />When first they met, 't was scarce a bout at all, <br />Neither man was ready yet to try to get a fall. <br /> <br />The second time Hans Bugge slipped his hold. <br />"Are you tired now, Hans Bugge? The dance will soon be bold." <br /> <br />The third time Hans fell headlong, and forth the blood did spurt. <br />"Why spit you now so much, man?" -- "Oh my, that fall did hurt!"-- <br /> <br />Saw you a tree casting shadows on new-fallen snow? <br />Saw you Nils on a maiden smiling glances bestow? <br /> <br />Have you seen Tailor Nils when the dance he commences? <br />Are you a maiden, then go!--It's too late, when you've lost your senses.<br /><br />Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ballad-of-tailor-nils/
