It was then the ancient man Was the first to make enquire: “O, what is the name of the young swain With the sword, and the look of fire?”

“O, he is hight young Swaigder, So wide his fame doth fly; And he for a maid is pining sore On whom he ne’er set eye.”

“There is within this land a maid, Who pining long hath been For a swain that hight is Swaigder, And him she ne’er has seen.”

“If longs she after a young swain On whom she ne’er set eye, And he is hight young Swaigder, He is here in verity.

p. 10“Now do thou hear, thou ancient man, If it as thou sayest be, Become I King upon this land, I’ll make a Count of thee.”

p. 10

“’Midst of yonder verdant wood Stands the castle of the maid; The house is of gray marble stone, The court with steel belaid.

“The house is of grey marble stone The court with steel is floored, The portal is of ruddy gold, Twelve bears before it guard.

“In middle of the maiden’s court A linden spreads its shade, If truly thou art Swaigder, Hie forward unafraid.”

Away then rode young Swaigder, Cast towards the gate his eye; And all the locks that before it hung, Down fell they instantly.

p. 11Then withered the leaf, then withered the linden, And the grass at the linden’s root; And the twelve bears who the portal guard They fell at the hero’s foot.

p. 11

When he came into the castle-court, He smoothèd his array, Then proudly up to the high, high hall To the King he took his way.

“Hail to thee, hail to thee, heathen King, Who dost at the wide board sit, Wilt thou give me thy daughter fair? Return me an answer fit.”

“I have no daughter, I have no daughter, No daughter but one have I; And she so sorely longing For a young swain doth lie.

“For a young swain whom she has never seen My daughter longing lies; The swain he hight is Swaigder, So far his fame it hies.”

p. 12In went the little serving boy, Wore a kirtle white to see: “If thou dost long for Swaigder, Know that hither come is he.”

p. 12

 Prev. P 3/9 next