Lyrics:

Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm
That will not forsake you, 'til my tale is told and done
While the firelight's aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow
'Til things we've never seen will seem familiar
Shadows of a sailor forming ,winds both foul and fair all swarm
Down in Carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago
Here beside him stands a man, a soldier by the looks of him
Who came through many fights, but lost at love
While the storyteller speaks, a door within the fire creaks
And suddenly flies open, a girl is standing there
Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair
She takes her fan and throws it to the lion's den
Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell
I will not forgive you if you will not take a chance
The soldier gave at least a try, soldier being much too wise
Strategy was his strength, not disaster


The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him
That's how it stands today; you decide if he was wise
The storyteller makes no choice; soon you will not hear his voice
His job is to shed light, not to master

To master