[Wilder:]
Though born a man of high degree,
And greatly your superior,
I trust I know that courtesy
Is due to an inferior.
So, conscious that a ducal bow
Will liquidate the debt I owe,
I bend my back and bow my head,
And thus accept your board and bed.
[Chorus:]
He bends his back and bows his head,
And thus accepts your board and bed.
[Wilder:]
Exalted rank should condescend
On festival occasion,
And even dukes must learn to bend
Before a host's persuasion.
So, being graciously inclined
To take whatever I can find,
I bend my back and bow my head,
And thus accept your board and bed.
[Chorus:]
He bends his back and bows his head,
And thus accepts your board and bed.