Rigissa came in, ’fore the table stood she: “What mean’st thou, O brother, by sending for me?”

“O here is a knight doth complaint of thee make, He cannot at night his repose for thee take.”

“It is but God’s truth that his chamber I sought, But nothing unseemly betwixt us was wrought.

“Steel, glowing steel, I will bear on my hand, And of crime with Child Stig I acquitted will stand.”

Long stood the Dane King, full of thought was his head: “With no better man I my sister can wed.”

p. 23All hearts in the Dane King’s palace were gay, The Dane King has given his sister away.

p. 23

There was pleasure and smiling in every look, For his beloved Lady Child Stig the maid took.

Child Stig he brews ale, and the wine doth prepare, He the Dane King invites to his castle so fair.

The King and his gallant men all biddeth he, And the Queen of the Danes of the party should be.

Outspake the fair Queen, on her steed as she rode: “Methinks I behold of Child Stig the abode.”

And thereto the page at her bridle replied: “Of Stig the brave castle is known far and wide.

“Within with the richest of gold it is graced, Without with white silver ’tis all over cased.”

p. 24And, lo, when the gate of the castle they gained, Five shaggy white bears stood before it enchained.

p. 24

And when in procession they entered the court, Within it the hart and the roebuck did sport.

In the midst of the court was a silver trough long, Of birds and of animals round it a throng.

Above spread the poplar and linden their shade, In its coolness the hart and the little hind played.

An apartment they entered, full lofty and fair, Was crowded with women so courtly of air.

All of red amber composed was the floor, The roof with gilt letters was written all o’er.

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