p. 22

O’er her he threw his mantle wide, And set her upon his steed of pride.

When on the moor themselves they found, Met them a Count, in arms renown’d.

“Here, Ribolt, hear, dear comrade mine, Say, who’s that fair young page of thine?”

“Comrade, it is my youngest brother, I’ve ta’en him from his doting mother.”

“It little avails such tales to tell; Gulborg, Gulborg, I know thee well.

“Thy scarlet dress thou may’st disguise, But thy cheeks of rose I recognise.

“Thy hair I know of fairest sort, For long I’ve served at thy father’s court.

“By thy garb and shoon I know thee not, But I know the knight who thy troth has got.”

p. 23A bracelet drew she forth of gold, And gave it to that Count so bold:

p. 23

“Where’er thou rest thee at close of day, Be sure no word of me thou say.”

The Count he rode to Kulloe house, Where the kemps were drinking a deep carouse.

He enter’d at Sir Truid’s gate— At his table wide Sir Truid sate.

“Here, Truid, thou sitt’st the red wine taking, Whilst Ribolt off with thy bride is making.”

Then through his hall Sir Truid roar’d: “Up, up, ye knights, take helm and sward!”

Barely a mile had they advanced When fair Gulborg behind her glanced.

“O yonder my father’s steed I see, And the knight who is betrothed to me.”

“Gulborg, be therefore in no pain, But hold our steeds by the bridle rein.

p. 24“And though to earth thou see me fall, Gulborg thou must not upon me call.

 Prev. P 8/10 next