To Ribe house she was led.

p. 16So early in the morning tide Ere the sun illumed the lift, ’Twas young and beauteous Dagmar Queen That craved her morning gift.

p. 16

“The first, first boon that I crave of thee, My heart’s beloved lord, Let Bishop Valdemar leave his tower And be to his friends restor’d.

“The second boon I most earnestly crave, Nor must thou that refuse, Take off from each plough the tax that’s on, And from prison the captives loose.”

“Desist, desist from thy first prayer, Desist, my Dagmar dear, If Valdemar Bishop come but out, He’ll widow thee in a year.”

She took the gold crown off her brow, On the table that she set: “O what shall I do in Denmark, now My request denial has met?”

p. 17“Straight fetch to me hither Sir Strange knight, And Younker Canute to me call, They shall away to Oringsdorg And the prisoners free from thrall.”

p. 17

And when from the tower forth he came Nor walk nor stand he mought: “Therein for full twelve years I sat, So long the time I thought.”

A golden comb his sister took, And combed his yellow hair; For every lock of his she smoothed She shed a briny tear.

“And do thou hear, dear sister mine, Ne’er sorrow for my sake; If I one single year survive I’ll well my wrongs ywrake.”

“O hush, Bishop Valdemar! nor let Thy fury o’er thee reign; Comst thou once more into Seaborough tower, We ne’er shall meet again.”

p. 18But the Bishop could not stifle his wrath, So the land he was forced to quit; It grieved Queen Dagmar to the heart, That he showed so little wit.

p. 18

There was great joy over all Denmark That Dagmar for Queen they had got; Lived burger and boor in peace without The plague of plough-tax and scot.

Christ bless the youthful Athelings two, And lengthen their vital span, That justice they may, and equity, Do long in sight of man!

p. 19III. THE MERMAID’S PROPHECY.

 Prev. P 5/9 next