diff options
Diffstat (limited to '27406.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 27406.txt | 1432 |
1 files changed, 1432 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/27406.txt b/27406.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..945ab15 --- /dev/null +++ b/27406.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1432 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of Axel Thordson and Fair Valborg, Edited by +Thomas J. Wise, Translated by George Borrow + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Axel Thordson and Fair Valborg + a ballad + + +Editor: Thomas J. Wise + +Release Date: December 4, 2008 [eBook #27406] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AXEL THORDSON AND FAIR VALBORG*** + + +Credit + + + +Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas J. Wise pamphlet by David Price, email +ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, +UK, for kindly supplying the images from which this transcription was +made. + + + + + + AXEL THORDSON + AND FAIR VALBORG + A BALLAD + + + BY + GEORGE BORROW + + LONDON: + PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION + 1913 + + _Copyright in the United States of America_ + _by Houghton_, _Mifflin & Co. for Clement Shorter_. + + + + +AXEL THORDSON AND FAIR VALBORG. + + +At the wide board at tables play, + With pleasure and with glee abounding +The ladies twain in fair array, + The game they play is most astounding. + +How fly about the dies so small, + Such sudden turnings are they making; +And so does Fortune's wheel withal, + We scarcely know the route 'tis taking. + +Dame Julli grand, and Malfred Queen, + At tables were their time employing; +Not distant on the floor was seen + A child with pear and apple toying. + +Upon the floor the child it walked, + It played with apples and with flowers; +Then in Sir Axel Thordson stalked, + Was bound for Rome's imperial towers. + +He greets the Dames repeatedly, + At courtesy he had no master; +He loved the child in secrecy, + But fate had doomed them much disaster. + +His eyeballs brimming full of tears + Full tenderly her cheek he patted: +"O would thou wast of fitting years, + With Axel Thordson to be mated!" + +Answered his youngest sister straight, + Thus answered she her gallant brother: +"Though she this night to woman's state + Had won, ye might not wed each other." + +Answered the Damsel's mother high, + And she the simple truth has stated: +"A worthy pair I don't deny, + But, oh! ye are too near related." + +A gold ring off his arm he drew, + To play with that he fondly bade her; +To years of reason when she grew + To palen and to pine it made her. + +"That I've betrothed thee, little bride, + In mind I beg that thou wilt carry; +And now from out the land I'll ride, + With foreign masters long to tarry." + +Sir Axel out of the country hied, + His breast with love and valour glowing. +In cloister they have placed his bride, + Instruction to receive in sewing. + +They taught to her the silken scam, + They taught her writing, taught her reading; +Through land and city soon the fame + Of Valborg's virtue goes, and breeding. + +The noble ways that she displays + Attract the general admiration, +And though full young she's ranked among + The very sages of the nation. + +And there eleven years she stay'd, + Till God had called away her mother; +The Queen to court then took the maid, + Selecting her 'fore every other. + +Served at the Emperor's court meantide + The knight, with gold his spurs were glaring; +A glittering faulchion decked his side, + And truly knightly was his bearing. + +Sir Axel lies in pomp and state + As well beseems so rich a noble; +But he at night no rest can get, + His dreams are full of woe and trouble. + +Sir Axel in the chamber high + Doth lie on softest silk and fairest, +But sleep alas has fled his eye, + He's ever thinking of his dearest. + +Sir Emmer's child, his Valborg fair, + He dreamt sat drest in costly fashion; +And Hogen, son of the King, by her + Sat softly pleading for his passion. + +The morning sun its lustre shed, + The lark's sweet voice on high was ringing; +Sir Axel started from his bed, + His clothes upon him swiftly flinging. + +He saddled straight his good grey horse, + Within the wood he'll take his pleasure; +His dreams from out his head he'll force + By listening to the wild bird's measure. + +When to the wood Sir Axel wan, + Where blushing roses thick were growing; +In foreign garb he met a man + Upon a pilgrimage was going. + +"Now pilgrim good a merry morn, + Say, whither, whither art thou faring? +Thou'rt from the land where I was born, + For that thy vestments are declaring." + +"My native land is Norroway, + From Gild's high race I boast my being; +To Rome's famed town I've vowed to stray, + My mind is bent the Pope on seeing." + +"From Gildish race if thou be sprung, + Then pilgrim thou art my relation; +Has Valborg me from memory flung? + Of her canst give me information? + +"O Valborg is a damsel bright, + There's few than I should know her better; +Full many a gay and gallant knight + She holds in love's enchanting fetter. + +"So well to me the maid is known, + The mard and sable rich she weareth; +From all the maids at court that wone + The belle, the belle sweet Valborg beareth. + +"Upgrown Sir Knight is Valborg now, + A lily she among the daisies; +Amongst our maidens high or low + No fairer ever met my gazes. + +"In earth beside her lord beloved + The good Dame Julli now is sleeping; +From cloister Valborg is removed, + The Queen is favours on her heaping. + +"With strings of pearls her hair is tied, + Around her wrist red gold there gloweth, +She's named 'Sir Axel's bonnie bride' + By every voice where'er she goeth. + +"They called her thy betrothed maid, + Sir Axel, but her friends united +Have hope she will Prince Hogen wed, + And with that hope they are delighted." + +Sir Axel robed himself that day + In the best guise that he was able, +And to the hall he took his way + Where Emperor Henrik sat at table. + +"Hail Henrik Emperor mild of heart, + In whose good grace I've long been basking, +For home that I may straight depart + The freedom I now take of asking. + +"My sire and mother both are dead, + Exposed to foes my lands are lying, +Another my betrothed will wed, + And that's the call to me most crying." + +"The leave for which thy heart doth yearn + Reluctantly Sir Knight I give thee; +Whene'er it please thee to return + Most gladly I'll Sir Knight receive thee." + +Away from court Sir Axel rode, + A gallant band attend behind him; +And all that at the Court abode + Unto the care of God consign'd him. + +So fast he speeded on his way, + Him followed thrice ten swains so merry; +But when he reached his castellaye + The noble knight was solitary. + +Alone he reached his castle good, + His gallant courser panting, snorting: +And there his sister Helfred stood, + Against the gate herself supporting. + +"Here standst thou, Helfred, sister dear, + Thou little didst expect my coming; +How doth it with sweet Valborg fare, + That roselet 'mongst the flowers blooming?" + +"Dear brother well doth Valborg fare + She all our maids exceeds in honor; +The Queen she tends, who's chosen her + Before them all to wait upon her." + +"Now rede me, Helfred, sister fine, + Thy very best advice I'm needing; +How can I speak with maiden mine + Apart removed from mortals heeding?" + +"The very best of silk put on, + And clothe thee in thy garments fairest; +And say that thou with her alone + Must speak, for thou my message bearest." + +It was Sir Axel Thordson, knight, + As he the hall's high steps ascended, +He met Queen Malfred's damsels bright + From evening song as back they wended. + +To Valborg he his snowy hand + Extends, with voice of sweetness saying: +"I come from Helfred fair, thy friend, + A private scroll to thee conveying." + +The lovely Valborg op'd in haste + And read with beating heart the letter; +Therein the words of love were trac'd, + No one could have imagined better. + +Within it lay five golden rings, + With roses wrought and lilies fairly; +"Sir Axel Thordson sends these things + Who thee betroth'd in childhood early. + +"I have thy word to be my bride, + Now prove thou to thy promise steady; +On earth so wide or sea's salt tide + I'll ne'er deceive thee, beauteous lady." + +Then to a niche proceeded both, + Obeying thus the wish of heaven; +They vowed an oath when they their troth + Had once more to each other given. + +They swore an oath by Mary may, + And eke by Dorothy the sainted, +That in pure honor live would they, + And die in honor pure untainted. + +Sir Axel to the King's court rides, + Delighted now beyond all measure; +In the Queen's bower Valborg bides, + And sports and smiles with glee and pleasure. + +For five months' tide thus matters stood, + And till nine months had over wended, +Forth stepped eleven counts so good + And fairly for her hand pretended. + +Eleven knights of prowess rare + Declared their passion well and fairly; +The twelfth was Hogen, Norway's heir, + And he pursued her late and early. + +"Now do thou hear, O Valborg fine, + If thou'lt accept me for thy lover +Thou as my lawful Queen shalt shine, + And Norway's crown thy brows shall cover." + +"Now do thou hear, thou King's son high, + Thy noble love I cannot favour, +For I've betrothed in secrecy + Sir Axel, and I'll wrong him never." + +O then with wrath the King's son shook, + The maid no longer he entreated; +He smoothed his garb, and him betook + To where his Mother high was seated. + +"Hail, hail to thee, dear Mother mine, + What counsel now canst thou award me? +I've long wooed Valborg, damsel fine, + But, ah! she deigns not to regard me. + +"I proffered hand, I proffered land, + For the proud maiden's acceptation; +But she loves Axel, and will stand + By him, that was her declaration." + +"If Valborg has on him bestowed + Her troth, to keep it is her duty; +There's many a maid in Norway broad, + My son, of noble birth and beauty." + +"Ah! yes, of maids there's many a one + Abounding both in wealth and graces; +But ah! so fair as Valborg none, + Or who such virtue bright possesses." + +"Thou canst not gain the maid by force, + For that were crying shame and scandal; +Shouldst thou to weapons have recourse + His sword Sir Axel well can handle." + +Then Hogen grew so wroth in mood, + And as in wrath he left his mother +Before him his confessor stood, + Was called Canute, the sable brother. + +"Why goes my Lord with face of gloom, + And whither, whither is he roving? +If any ill is o'er him come + O let him tell his servant loving." + +"Misfortune's come too hard to bear, + Beneath its heavy weight I cower; +Betrothed has Axel Valborg fair, + To gain her is beyond my power." + +"Though Axel to the maid aspires + There's matter shall prevent their mating; +Within the house of sable friars + Are papers to their birth relating. + +"They're children of relations near, + Of knightly race renowned and stately; +Unto the fountain them did bear + One Dame, she died at Hoiborg lately. + +"Relations by the fount to be + They by our cloister's law are rated; +Besides we see in third degree + The knight and damsel are related. + +"My Lord must to the Chapter write + To meet upon this grave occasion; +The Damsel shall not wed the knight, + For I'll prevent the abomination." + +It was Hogen, son of the King, + His little servant lad directed: +"To me the maiden's uncles bring, + And be my bidding straight effected." + +The counts before the wide, wide board + Are standing with respectful bearing: +"Thou'st summoned us, our gracious Lord, + Of your high will we crave the hearing." + +"I ask of ye your niece so dear + That she may share my pomp and power; +To rank of Queen I her will rear + If on your prince ye will bestow her." + +Then straight the uncles three replied, + With joyous eyes each other viewing: +"O she was born in lucky tide, + A noble prince for her is suing." + +Then quickly donned their best array, + Her uncles three, those counts of power; +And they together took their way + To good Queen Malfred's lofty bower. + +First Malfred Queen saluted they, + In manner as became them duteous; +And then they greeted Valborg may, + Of all the maiden band most beauteous. + +"Success attend thee through thy life, + Thou child of her we loved so tender; +Prince Hogen thee doth woo for wife, + And we to him will thee surrender." + +"And have ye promised me for wife? + Now my three gentle uncles mind me, +I love Sir Axel dear as life, + And faithless he shall never find me." + +Then answered her those counts so bold, + Her uncles three, with fury glaring: +"Ah ne'er shalt thou the promise hold + Which thou to make hast had the daring." + +It was Hogen the King's son then + So many letters broad endighted; +With seven times ten of priestly men + The Archbishop he to him invited. + +'Twas Master Erland the good and wise + So carefully the brief read over: +"Now shame on him who this device + Did hatch, Canute I here discover." + +The Archbishop placed him by the board, + Bowed to the prince his reverend figure: +"Thou'st sent for me, my gracious lord, + To learn thy high commands I'm eager." + +"O long have I a maiden woo'd, + And I to wife would gladly take her; +But most for Axel stands her mood, + Abandon him we now must make her." + +They've writ and caused upon the Ting + Be read so solemn a citation, +Which should the hapless couple bring + Before the priestly congregation. + +The matin singing was at end, + The sun its rays so freshly darted: +To church Sir Axel now must wend + With Valborg fair the loving hearted. + +Upsprang the knight on steed of height, + With sighs his anguish deep declaring; +In chariot rode the damsel bright, + In bosom locked her sorrow bearing. + +First rode the knight on steed of height, + His thoughts so wide and wild were flying; +Next him in coach the damsel bright + Did ride, to veil her sorrow trying. + +Then out and spoke proud Valborg fair, + As they the bridge were passing over: +"A glad heart seldom sighs with care, + Though smiles do oft a sad heart cover." + +They stopped Maria's Church before, + And from their steeds they have descended, +In stepped they through the lofty door, + By knights and noble friends attended. + +Midst of the Church's aisle they stay'd, + Their steps the advancing Chapter facing; +All saw they were at heart afraid + Who on that luckless two were gazing. + +Advanced with silver staff in hand + The Archbishop then, of reverend carriage; +Behind him all the priestly band + Who should forbid the lovers' marriage. + +Then forth Canute the brother trode, + With scrolls of pedigree was laden; +And from those scrolls alack he show'd + That near akin were knight and maiden. + +The tree of pedigree was read + By the command of that black brother; +They were akin full clear it made, + And both by lineage of the mother. + +Descended of a lineage high + Each to the other stood related, +In third degree their affinity, + So priests the pair have separated. + +Two cousins they from Gild's root sprung, + A prodigy of virtue either; +Proud Valborg fair and Axel young + Must never, never come together. + +What time they were baptized one Dame + Did bear them to the sacred fountain; +Their Godfather he was the same, + His name Sir Asbiorn of the mountain. + +Relations they by birth and blood, + Of Gildish race renowned and dreaded; +Relations they beside in God, + Alas! they never can be wedded. + +They led them to the shrine, and placed + A kerchief in their hands which quiver; +Their lineage and line are traced, + And priests are bent their bands to sever. + +They 'twixt the two the cloth cut through, + A portion each in hand retaineth; +However great and high his state + There's none that o'er his fortune reigneth. + +"The handkerchief is parted now, + Ye have parted us for good and ever, +But whilst with life our breasts shall glow + Our love ye shall dissever never." + +The gold ring off her hand to take + And bracelet from her wrist they hastened; +His gifts they gave to Axel back, + The knot of love was now unfastened. + +The gold he on the altar threw, + To Olave that he consecrated, +And swore to bide to Valborg true + As long as he to live was fated. + +Then wroth grew Hogen son of the King, + Who stood his scarlet garb array'd in: +"Since her from mind thou canst not fling + 'Tis clear and plain she is no maiden." + +Outspoke of the clerks the wisest wight, + E'en Erland he the good Archdeacon: +"The man who does not know the might + Of love an ignorant man I reckon. + +"With water we the fire can quench, + And slake the brand that's fiercely glowing, +But though the flame with floods we drench + The flame of love will yet be growing. + +"The sun shines bright on hill and plain, + We sink its scorching fury under, +But ah; love's chain is harder pain, + And none can break its links asunder." + +Then Axel turned to yonder Lord, + His manly cheek with rage was ruddy: +"To-morrow I'll rebut thy word + Although it cost me life and body." + +Then forward on the flagstone wide + The prince advanced, inflamed with passion: +"To-morrow thou an oath," he cried, + "Shalt swear without equivocation. + +"Thou on thy sword an oath to me + Shalt swear, and on the brevier holy, +Whether Valborg is a maid for thee + Or whether ye have committed folly." + +"Proud prince, if I must take that oath + I it can do with heart approving; +To fight thee ne'er shalt find me loth + Whilst I this hand have power of moving." + +That night Dame Eskelin in her bed + Was by her lord Sir Hagen sleeping: +"What have I dream'd?" she, starting, said, + "Saint Bridget take me 'neath thy keeping. + +"Methought that Julli fair and mild + Beneath the earth who long has rested, +That I would help her hapless child + So mournfully with tears requested. + +"I have full seven sons, my lord, + And each has thirty swains so steady, +They to their loins shall bind the sword + And up and help the beauteous lady. + +"And thou shalt saddle ten steeds so free + And ride away like gallant noble, +Heading our house's chivalry + To stand by Valborg in her trouble. + +"Full seven sons, my lord, have we, + They all are counts so bold and sprightly; +It is our joy and pride to see + They bear themselves so well and knightly. + +"Two cousins I and Julli were-- + The peace of God attend upon her! +If I forsake in this affair + Her child 'twill be to our dishonor." + +'Twas early in the morning tide, + Rose o'er the wold the sun in lustre; +Within the Castle's halls of pride + The knights to swear the oath now muster. + +Then up Sir Axel Thordson rose, + And lifted up his arm of power: +"Come, swear with me, of Gildish house + Ye counts of chivalry the flower." + +Then in their sable and mard array + Stepped forward stately knights eleven: +"We'll with Sir Axel swear to-day, + Betide whatever pleases heaven." + +Down Valborg's cheek ran tears as fleet + As winter rain when fastest pouring: +"Ah where shall I with friends now meet? + Destruction's voice for me is roaring." + +Answered her uncles all with speed, + Their voice it made her ears to tingle: +"As thou wast single in the rede, + So in the oath be also single." + +Then up and spake Archdeacon Erland, + That speech has broken all his patience: +"Thou hast not many friends at hand, + Poor maid, though plenty of relations. + +"Thou of relations hast a store, + But friends thou canst not one discover; +God help thee in this peril sore, + And may thou all thy woes get over." + +"That sire and mother mine are dead, + I've cause I trow to rue sincerely; +But God, who helpeth all in need, + He sees my innocence full clearly. + +"Dame Julli sleeps the slab below, + Sir Emmer lies in earth's embraces, +If they but lived my uncles now + Would scarcely turn from me their faces." + +And as she sat with cheek so white + And wrung her hands in piteous taking, +Sir Hagen bold appeared in sight, + With speed towards the castle making. + +To Valborg strode he hastily, + Behind him all his knightly party: +"My pretty maid to swear with thee + I come to offer free and hearty. + +"Full well loves thee Dame Eskelin, + Who every night doth sleep beside me; +Thy Dame and she were close of kin, + And therefore hither have I hied me. + +"Step forth my sons, I say the word, + And in the oath be ye partakers; +Ye too, stout sons of Carl, the lord + Of Sondervalley's fertile acres." + +Forward eleven warriors trode, + The mard and sable they were wearing, +They all were clad in princely mode, + In tresses each his hair was bearing. + +Then forward stepped with dauntless air + Those counts eleven all together; +Their trusty swords were gilded fair, + And gilded was their girdles' leather. + +We'll vouch the honour of yonder maid, + And blythe with her the oath embark in; +Ye noble couple forward tread, + And all unto your speech shall hearken." + +On the mass book Axel laid his hand, + His good sword holding by the handle; +By his side stood the knightly band, + All eager to refute the scandal. + +The hilt of his brand within his hand, + The point against a flagstone planted, +With demeanour staid the knight he made + The solemn oath from him was wanted. + +"'Tis true I had fair Valborg dear, + I loved none like her under heaven. +But ne'er to her have been so near + A kiss to her I might have given." + +Her hand then on the sacred book + The maiden laid with modest bearing: +"Upon Sir Axel's form to look + These eyes had never yet the daring." + +They raised a heaven o'er her head, + In dress of gala they installed her; +To the high hall the maid they led, + 'The cherished of the king' they called her. + +In came Hogen the king's son then, + He spake in high exhilaration: +"O there is neither knight nor swain + Shall leave this night my habitation. + +"Proud Valborg, from suspicion freed, + I here declare my bosom's dearie; +And she shall be my Queen with speed, + And on her brows the crown shall carry." + +The cloth was spread, and down to board + They sat, the skinkers did their duty; +Sir Axel sat, full many a word + Exchanging with his cherish'd beauty. + +"Now list, since here apart we be, + O Valborg, thou, my ravished jewel, +Canst form no plan which possibly + May chase from us love's anguish cruel?" + +"Sir Axel though to wed I go + The King, 'tis not from inclination; +Though I live years a thousand, thou + Within my heart wilt hold thy station. + +"And I will sit in chamber high, + And I'll embroider cap and kirtle: +I'll pass my time so mournfully + E'en like the gentle widow'd turtle. + +"Who on the green bough will not rest + Her legs, with weariness which fraught are, +Nor of the limpid pool will taste + Until her feet have soiled the water. + +"But Axel thou ride forth with glee, + The hind and savage roe in quest of; +Each thought of me that comes o'er thee + I pray thou wilt thyself divest of. + +"My gallant Lord ride forth with glee, + The nimble hare and leveret follow; +All thoughts of me that rise in thee + I beg thee drown in whoop and hollo." + +"Though in the green wood I should ride, + And rouse the savage deer from cover, +What should I do in night's still tide + When sleep comes not my eyelids over? + +"Forsooth my father's broad estate + I'll sell for gold and silver pieces, +And hie to foreign regions straight, + And pine until my life-pulse ceases." + +"My Lord sell not the lands so broad + Your fathers won with toil and slaughter, +But seek Sir Asbiorn's high abode, + And ask of him his lovely daughter. + +"His daughter Alhed thou shalt wed, + And with her live in pomp and splendour; +I'll stand ye in a mother's stead, + And ever kindly service render." + +"O I will wed no damsel bright, + When I can vow not faith unshaking; +The Emperor's daughter I would slight + Since thee my own I've failed in making." + +Archdeacon Erland now drew near, + To each a fatherly hand extended: +"Now breathe good-bye, my children dear. + 'Tis time that your discourse were ended." + +To himself aside the Archdeacon cried, + Was filled with indignation bitter: +"Now shame the black Canute betide, + Of this fond pair the ruthless splitter. + +Sir Axel to the lovely maid + Now bids good-night with groans and sighing; +His heart with sorrow down is weigh'd, + Like heart of wretch in fetters lying. + +Wends to her chamber Valborg fair, + Her maidens all behind her pacing; +Her heart with anguish and despair + With more than furnace heat was blazing. + +Early in the morning tide + The sun began to shine so proudly, +Queen Malfred to her maidens cried + Within her bower oft and loudly. + +To work the gold so red of blee + Queen Malfred has her maidens ordered; +But still stood Valborg, still stood she, + Her heart with care was all disordered. + +"Now Valborg hear, thou damsel dear, + Why sitt'st thou lonely and dejected? +A joy to thee it sure must be, + Thou art a prince's bride elected." + +"Much sooner I, O Queen, would wone + With Axel as his mate, much sooner +Than I would wear Norwegia's crown, + Enjoying all the regal honour. + +"'Twill profit me in scanty guise + That all are flatteries on me heaping, +If with the water of my eyes + My pallid cheeks I'm daily steeping." + +For many a day thus matters stood, + For many a day till months were ended; +Sir Axel and his damsel good + Their sports and laughs have all suspended. + +Then war, fierce war, drew near that clime, + The foes they were in force alarming; +For Hogen, son of the King, 'tis time + To rise and 'gainst his foes be arming. + +He summoned his good banner round + All, all his men both clerks and laity; +To the heart of Axel, knight renown'd, + The call to arms brought sudden gaiety. + +It was Hogen the King's son bold + Unto the field of battle wended, +And every one who brand could hold + His sovereign to the field attended. + +Each man in the land could bear a blade + To fight the foe with him has wended; +Sir Axel he his captain made, + He knew that much on him depended. + +Wide o'er the field shone Axel's shield, + That shield which was of white and azure; +Two hearts there stood, both red with blood, + For fame he'll risk his life with pleasure. + +Then soon they saw upon the plain + In glittering ranks outspread their foemen; +To fight with men was the question then, + I ween, and not to dance with women. + +Sir Axel on that dreadful day + For country fought in manner fitting; +Before him knights in steel array + Are fast their gilded saddles quitting. + +He slew so many of noble race, + And trampled them his warhorse under; +Not one, not e'en of highest place, + Was spared by Axel's hand of thunder. + +He slew the lords of Oppeland, + Upon gigantic coursers mounted; +King Aumund's sons, a stalwart band, + He slew, who manfully him confronted. + +Like hay, which in the loft up fling + The boors, the yard-long shafts are flying; +There wounded lies the son of the king, + Upon the earth is Hogen dying. + +And when from steed the King's son fell, + O there was none that hasted faster +Than the good knight redoubtable, + Axel, to aid his luckless master. + +"Hear, Axel Thordson," Hogen said, + "Avenge my death in gallant fashion, +And thou shalt Norway rule, and wed + The maid we loved with rival passion." + +"O I'll revenge, my Lord, thy death, + Or I will do my best endeavour, +For dread of this poor body's scathe, + While life shall last I'll faulter never." + +Now speed, his eyeballs gleaming wrath, + Sir Axel 'mongst the hostile forces, +And all the foes that crossed his path + To earth are smitten bleeding corses. + +Then fell the mighty on the plain + Like corn which hand of peasant reapeth; +Sir Axel, young and noble swain, + In all his woes a stout heart keepeth. + +So long and well he him did guard + That piecemeal lay his armour scattered; +And still fought hard that stalwart lord + Until his beamy shield was shattered. + +Still he defended himself full brave, + Inspiring all with fear and wonder; +Yes even 'till his trusty glaive + At the gold hilt was snapped asunder. + +With eighteen wounds, each dire to view, + The noble breast of Axel smarted; +To his tent bore him his friends so true, + At his sad fortune broken-hearted. + +Down ran his blood in reeking flood, + He for the victory won has perished; +The last, last word his lips proffer'd + Devotes he to his maiden cherished. + +"To Valborg bid a kind adieu, + To Christ's high care I now bequeath her; +We soon shall meet in yonder blue + Were we in joy shall live together." + +Enters the hall the little page, + And takes his stand before the table; +'Tis true he was of tender age, + But well to ply his words was able. + +"Doff the red silk and don the white, + Ye maids, I've news of sore disaster; +Hogen the prince is slain in fight, + And Axel, too, my gallant master. + +"In fight Sir Hogen the King's son fell, + Upon the bier now lies his body; +My master him avenged full well, + But got thereby his death wound bloody. + +"'Tis true we've won a victory, + But tempered is our exultation; +We have lost a host of peasantry + And all the best knights of our nation." + +How fair Queen Malfred wept that tide + Each mother's heart can form a notion; +The fair Valborg in secret sigh'd, + And wrung her hands in wild emotion. + +She calls her servitor in haste, + And him with tears is thus commanding: +"Now fetch ye down the gilded chest + From the high chamber where 'tis standing. + +"And the grey horse to the chariot set, + Me to the cloister it shall carry; +Sir Axel's death I'll ne'er forget + So long as on the earth I tarry." + +Before Maria's high church door + From out the chariot she alighted; +So sadly on the Church's floor + She stepped, her every joy was blighted. + +She took the gold crown from her brow, + And gently that gold crown she laid on +A stone: "I'll have no husband now," + She sighed, "but die a spotless maiden. + +"I twice have been a plighted may, + But wedded bride I could be never: +From henceforth in this abbey grey + From the bleak world myself I'll sever." + +Forward her chest adorned with gold + They brought, wherein her treasure's warded; +The treasure 'mongst her friends she dol'd, + Amongst those friends she most regarded. + +First she took out a necklace fine, + Hung round with ornaments of splendor; +And that she gave to Eskeline, + The Dame who showed her love so tender. + +The big arm-band and bracelet broad + Then taking from the gilded coffer, +On bold Sir Hagen she bestow'd, + To swear with her who made the offer. + +A hundred golden rings so sheen, + With silver and with gold no little, +She gave the counts of handsome mien + Who swore the oath was her acquittal. + +To church she gave, to cloister gave, + Her bounty priest and prelate booted; +And for the soul of Axel brave + She daily masses instituted. + +She gave to orphans, and the clan + Who rove with hunger's pangs tormented; +Unto the image of Saint Ann + A red gold crown she has presented. + +"Now Bishop with the earth so black + Do thou effect my consecration; +And when a nun let me not lack + Thy mild paternal consolation. + +"Come Aage, dear Archbishop, come, + Do thou the Lord's devoted make me; +This blessed place shall be my home + Till out a lifeless corse they take me." + +There were so many warriors bold + Whose hearts were all with sorrow laden, +When they saw cast the dingy mould + O'er Valborg's arm, the lovely maiden. + +Now Valborg in that abbey grey + Doth go, its utmost strictness bearing; +From no mass will she keep away, + In every matin song she's sharing. + +Of maids and dames there's every year + Full many a one to cloister given; +But none so fair as Valborg dear, + Whose equal lives not under heaven. + +'Tis better ne'er to breathe the air + Than pine for ever on in sadness; +Each day to eat one's bread with care, + And ne'er enjoy a moment's gladness. + +To them repentance God impart, + By whose vile means are those divided, +Who have each other dear at heart, + And whose love is by honor guided. + + * * * * * + + LONDON: + Printed for THOMAS J. WISE, Hampstead, N.W. + _Edition limited to Thirty Copies_. + + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AXEL THORDSON AND FAIR VALBORG*** + + +******* This file should be named 27406.txt or 27406.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/7/4/0/27406 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://www.gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: +http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + |