Tord of Hafsborough, and Other Ballads
chieftain good; He speedily Collected a host in the dark wood Of cavalry. And evil through that subtle plan Befell the Dane; They were ta’en prisoners every man, And last King Swayne. But Thorvald has freed his King.

“Now hear thou prison-foogd! [13b] and pray My message heed; Unto the castle take thy way, Thence Thorvald lead! p. 14Prison and chains become him not, Whose gallant hand So many a handsome lad has brought From slavery’s band.” But Thorvald has freed his King.

p. 14

The man brought this intelligence To the bower’s door,  But Thorvald, with loud vehemence,  “I’ll not go,” swore.  “What—go, and leave my sovereign here, In durance sore? No! Thorvald then ne’er worthy were To lift shield more.” But Thorvald has freed his King.

What cannot noble souls effect? Both freedom gain Through Thorvald’s prayer, and the respect His deeds obtain. p. 15And from that hour unto his grave, Swayne ever show’d Towards his youth’s friend, so true and brave, Fit gratitude. But Thorvald has freed his King.

p. 15

Swayne Tveskieg sat with kings one tide, O’er mead and beer, The cushion soft he stroaked and cried,  “Sit, Thorvald, here. Thy father ne’er rul’d land like me And my compeers! But yarl and nobleman is he Whose fame thine nears. For Thorvald has freed his King.”

p. 16PETER COLBIORNSEN

p. 16

’Fore Fredereksteen King Carl he lay With mighty host; But Frederekshal from day to day, Much trouble cost. To seize the sword each citizen His tools let fall, And valiant Peter Colbiornsen Was first of all. Thus for Norroway fight the Norsemen.

’Gainst Frederekshal so fierce and grim Turned Carl his might, The citizens encountered him In numbers slight, p. 17But ah, they fought like Northern men, For much loved land, And it was Peter Colbiornsen That led the band. Thus for Norroway fight the Norsemen.

p. 17

Such heavy blows the Norsemen deal Amid the foe, Like ripe corn ’fore the reaper’s steel The Swedes sink low. But sturdiest reaper weary will, So happ’d it here; Though many the Norwegians kill, More, more appear. Thus for Norroway fight the Norsemen.

Before superior force they flew, As Norsemen 
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