It was the Verner Raven, Perched on the turret tall: “What thou did’st promise me, Irmindlin, To thy mind I’d have thee call.” So sorely she wept, and her hands she smote, Because it a girl was not: “Thee shall the wild Death Raven have, That will cost thee thy life, I wot!” There came flying over the house The Raven, with looks to scare; So sorely then wept both Maidens and Dames, And their hands wrung in despair. Sir Nilaus went, and proffered the bird Proud castles many a one; He proffered him even the half of his land If he only might keep his son. p. 10“If I get not the little babe, Thou sorely shall rue it straight, Thee I limb from limb will tear And thy kingdom devastate.” p. 10 She has taken the babe, and in linen white Hath wrapped it tenderly; “Farewell, farewell, my dearest son, Thou owest thy death to me.” Then bore they out the little babe, On its mother’s breast that lay; O’er the cheeks of all did big tears fall, Such woe was and wail that day. The Raven took the child in his claw, He croaked in joyous guise; Sir Nilaus stood and looked thereon, Pouring forth bitter sighs. Then tore he amain its right eye out, Drank the half of its heart’s red blood; Then he became the handsomest knight That upon earth e’er stood. p. 11He changed into the loveliest knight That with eye man ever had seen: It was Irmindlin’s brother himself, Who had long enchanted been. p. 11 All the folk that stood thereby, They fell upon their knees bare; And the child it was to life restored When to God they had made their prayer. Now sitteth Dame Irmindlin so glad, All her grief has from her hied; For she has now both brother and son, And sleeps by Sir Nilaus’ side. p. 12THE COUNT OF VENDEL’S DAUGHTER p. 12 Within a bower the womb I left, ’Midst dames and maids who stood to aid; They wrapped me first in silken weft, And next in scarlet red array’d.
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