diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:47:57 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:47:57 -0700 |
| commit | 0351f7fb47556625766cb59818272299446f98f2 (patch) | |
| tree | 20e881b7371d3cb272f882aab64c247de0a6853e /29649-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '29649-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 29649-h/29649-h.htm | 1072 |
1 files changed, 1072 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/29649-h/29649-h.htm b/29649-h/29649-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4fb320a --- /dev/null +++ b/29649-h/29649-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1072 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII" /> +<title>The Serpent Knight, translated by George Borrow</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + P { margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + P.gutsumm { margin-left: 5%;} + P.poetry {margin-left: 3%; } + H1, H2 { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + } + H3, H4, H5 { + text-align: left; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; + } + BODY{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + table { border-collapse: collapse; } +table {margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;} + td { vertical-align: top; border: 1px solid black;} + td p { margin: 0.2em; } + .blkquot {margin-left: 4em; margin-right: 4em;} /* block indent */ + + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .pagenum {position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + color: gray; + } + + div.gapspace { height: 0.8em; } + div.gapline { height: 0.8em; width: 30%; } + div.gapdoubleline { height: 0.3em; width: 50%; + margin-left: 25%; border-top: 1px solid; + border-bottom: 1px solid;} + div.gapshortline { height: 0.3em; width: 20%; margin-left:40%; + border-top: 1px solid; } + .citation {vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none;} + img.floatleft { float: left; + margin-right: 1em; + margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } + img.floatright { float: right; + margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; } + img.clearcenter {display: block; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; + margin-bottom: 0.5em} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Serpent Knight, by Anonymous, 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: The Serpent Knight + and other ballads + + +Translator: George Borrow + +Editor: Thomas J. Wise + +Release Date: August 9, 2009 [eBook #29649] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SERPENT KNIGHT*** +</pre> +<p>Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas Wise pamphlet by David Price, +email ccx074@pglaf.org.</p> +<h1>THE SERPENT KNIGHT<br /> +<span class="smcap">and</span><br /> +OTHER BALLADS</h1> +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">by</span><br /> +GEORGE BORROW</p> +<div class="gapspace"> </div> +<p style="text-align: center"><span +class="smcap">London</span>:<br /> +<span class="smcap">printed for private circulation</span><br /> +1913</p> +<h2><!-- page 5--><a name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +5</span>Table of Contents</h2> +<table> +<tr> +<td><p> </p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span +class="smcap">page</span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Serpent King</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page7">7</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">Sir Olaf</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page10">10</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Treacherous Merman</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page15">15</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Knight in the Deer’s +Shape</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page18">18</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Stalwart Monk</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page24">24</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Cruel Step-dame</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page30">30</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td><p><span class="smcap">The Cuckoo</span></p> +</td> +<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a +href="#page34">34</a></span></p> +</td> +</tr> +</table> +<h2><!-- page 7--><a name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +7</span> THE SERPENT KNIGHT</h2> +<p class="poetry">Signelil sits in her bower alone,<br /> +Of her golden harp she waked the tone.</p> +<p class="poetry">Beneath her mantle her harp she played,<br /> +Then in came striding the worm so laid.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Proud Signelil, if thou me wilt wed,<br +/> +I’ll give thee store of gold so red.”</p> +<p class="poetry">“Forbid the heavenly God so great<br /> +That I should become the Lindworm’s mate.”</p> +<p class="poetry">“Since thee I may not for a wife +acquire,<br /> +Kiss me only and I’ll retire.”</p> +<p class="poetry">The linen so white betwixt she placed,<br /> +And the laidly worm she kissed in haste.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 8--><a name="page8"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 8</span>With his tail of serpent up strook +he,<br /> +From beneath her dress the blood ran free.</p> +<p class="poetry">The Lindworm down from the chamber strode,<br +/> +Wringing her hands behind she trode.</p> +<p class="poetry">And when she came out upon the stair<br /> +Her seven bold brothers met her there.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Welcome our sister, whither dost hie?<br +/> +Keep’st thou the Lindworm company?”</p> +<p class="poetry">“Ah, yes! with the laidly worm I go,<br +/> +Because hard fate will have it so.”</p> +<p class="poetry">The Lindworm into the mountain strode,<br /> +Wringing her hands behind she trode.</p> +<p class="poetry">She fell on her knee, and her prayer she +made,<br /> +“Now son of Mary deign to aid.”</p> +<p class="poetry">And when he had come to the mountain in,<br /> +Off he cast his serpent’s skin.</p> +<p class="poetry">His snake’s appearance off he shook,<br +/> +And the form of a stately knight he took.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 9--><a name="page9"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 9</span>“Thanks for thy trouble, proud +Signelil,<br /> +Now live and die with thee I will.”</p> +<p class="poetry">Now is proud Signild free from fright,<br /> +In a prince’s arm she sleeps each night.</p> +<h2><!-- page 10--><a name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +10</span>SIR OLAF</h2> +<p class="poetry">Sir Olaf rides on his courser tall,<br /> +Guests to bid to his bridal hall.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">In fours and fives the elfins dance,<br /> +The elf-king’s daughter I see advance.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Olaf, cease so fierce to ride,<br /> +And dance with me for a little tide.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“I may not dance, I may not stay,<br /> +To-morrow is my bridal day.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Olaf, if thou wilt dance with me,<br +/> +Two buckskin boots I’ll give to thee.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 11--><a name="page11"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 11</span>“I dare not dance, I dare not +stay,<br /> +To-morrow is my bridal day.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Olaf, if thou wilt dance with me,<br +/> +A silken shirt I’ll give to thee.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“A silken shirt so fair and fine,<br /> +Which my mother bleach’d in the pale moon-shine.”<br +/> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“I dare not dance, I must away,<br /> +To-morrow is my bridal day.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Olaf, if thou wilt dance with me,<br +/> +A helm of gold I’ll give to thee.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“A helm of gold is a bonny thing,<br /> +But I dare not tread the elfin ring.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 12--><a name="page12"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 12</span>“And if thou wilt not dance +with me,<br /> +Disease and death shall follow thee.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">She struck him on the shoulder bone,<br /> +Fiercer pain he ne’er had known.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">Upon his steed she lifts the knight,<br /> +“Now hie thee home to thy heart’s delight.”<br +/> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">And when he came to his home so late,<br /> +His mother stood at the castle gate.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Now tell to me, my dearest son,<br /> +Why look’st so pale and woe-begone?”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“O well may he look pale, I ween,<br /> +Who has felt the stroke of the Elfin Queen.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 13--><a name="page13"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 13</span>“Sir Olaf, list, my joy and +pride,<br /> +What shall I say to thy youthful bride?”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Thou’lt tell my bride the wood I +rove,<br /> +My courser and my hounds to prove.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">The next, next morn at break of day<br /> +The bride arrives with her friends so gay.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">They skinkéd mead, they skinkéd +wine:<br /> +“Where is Sir Olaf, bridegroom mine?”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Olaf’s gone the woods to +rove,<br /> +His courser and his hounds to prove.”<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">She lifted up the mantle red,<br /> +There lay Sir Olaf stark and dead.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 14--><a name="page14"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 14</span>The next, next day at early morn,<br +/> +Corses three from the gate are borne.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">Olaf the knight, and his youthful bride,<br /> +And his mother dear, who of care had died.<br /> + <i>Gaily they dance in the greenwood</i>.</p> +<h2><!-- page 15--><a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +15</span>THE TREACHEROUS MERMAN</h2> +<p class="poetry">“Now rede me, mother,” the merman +cried,<br /> +“How Marsk Stig’s daughter may be my +bride.”</p> +<p class="poetry">She made him of water a noble steed,<br /> +Of sands a saddle, and reins of reed.</p> +<p class="poetry">To a young knight chang’d she then her +son,<br /> +And to Mary’s church at speed he’s gone.</p> +<p class="poetry">To the church’s ring his steed he +bound,<br /> +And three times backward the church pac’d round.</p> +<p class="poetry">When in he strode so proud and tall<br /> +Away the images turned them all.</p> +<p class="poetry">The priest was standing with open book:<br /> +“O who is yon knight of stately look?”</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 16--><a name="page16"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 16</span>Then laughed the maiden within her +sleeve:<br /> +“If he were my husband I should not grieve.”</p> +<p class="poetry">He step’d over benches one and two:<br /> +“O Marsk Stig’s daughter I doat on you.”</p> +<p class="poetry">He stepped over benches three and four:<br /> +“Give me thy troth I thee implore.”</p> +<p class="poetry">She gave him her hand with an air so free:<br +/> +“Here take thy troth, I will go with thee.”</p> +<p class="poetry">A bridal train from church they go,<br /> +They danc’d so lightly and free from woe.</p> +<p class="poetry">And when they came to the salt sea strand,<br +/> +The little boats turn’d away from the land.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Now Marsk Stig’s daughter hold my +steed,<br /> +To cross the water a boat we need.”</p> +<p class="poetry">To a little boat he chang’d his steed,<br +/> +And over the waves away they speed.</p> +<p class="poetry">And when in the midst of the sound they +were,<br /> +Dissolv’d the boat into water fair.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 17--><a name="page17"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 17</span>Up the land far was heard the cry<br +/> +Of Marsk Stig’s maid in her agony.</p> +<p class="poetry">Now will I caution each maiden bright,<br /> +To dance not away with an unknown knight.</p> +<p><i>Note</i>.—The above Ballad is a later, and greatly +improved, version of one which appeared under the title <i>The +Merman</i> only, in the <i>Romantic Ballads</i> of 1826. +The introduction of the incident of the changing by magic of the +horse into a boat, furnishes a reason for the catastrophe which +was lacking in the earlier version.</p> +<h2><!-- page 18--><a name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +18</span>THE KNIGHT IN THE DEER’S SHAPE<br /> +<span class="smcap">or</span><br /> +THE DECEIVER DECEIVED</h2> +<p class="poetry">It was the Knight Sir Peter,<br /> + He dwelleth down by Oe;<br /> +Nothing, nothing, will he do<br /> + But sail about and row.</p> +<p class="poetry">Sail about and row about<br /> + Is all that he will do,<br /> +So many a maiden he allures<br /> + And proves to them untrue.</p> +<p class="poetry">To servants two addressed him,<br /> + Sir Peter of the isle:<br /> +“With wily speeches win me<br /> + The Damsel Usalile.”</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 19--><a name="page19"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 19</span>The gallant swains then riding<br /> + To Usalile’s home,<br /> +A message sent inquiring<br /> + If they to her might come.</p> +<p class="poetry">In then came the gallants,<br /> + Before the board they stood—<br /> +O, they were nimble at the tongue,<br /> + Could speak in wily mode!</p> +<p class="poetry">“Thy brothers seven from Skaane<br /> + Thee lovingly do greet,<br /> +On board this ship to meet them<br /> + Their sister they entreat.”</p> +<p class="poetry">“O if with me for parlance<br /> + My brothers are inclined,<br /> +Here at her table sitting<br /> + Their sister they will find.</p> +<p class="poetry">“No lovely maid on shipboard<br /> + Is ever wont to go,<br /> +But sharp reproofs pursue her,<br /> + And taunting words, I trow.”</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 20--><a name="page20"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 20</span>Away then ride the gallants<br /> + And to their lord repair:<br /> +“We cannot win the damsel<br /> + By means of speeches fair.”</p> +<p class="poetry">“O I will have the damsel,<br /> + And she shall yet be won;<br /> +I vow me to deceive her<br /> + By force of magic Rune.”</p> +<p class="poetry">Then o’er his broider’d +trousers,<br /> + And jacket flower’d fair,<br /> +The skin of a hart he donneth<br /> + The maiden to ensnare.</p> +<p class="poetry">Now sported the wild little hart<br /> + The damsel’s house before,<br /> +Glitter’d like the ruddy gold<br /> + Each hair the creature bore.</p> +<p class="poetry">Open stood the castle gate,<br /> + The hart therein has stray’d;<br /> +And lo with little puppies<br /> + The merry maiden play’d.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 21--><a name="page21"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 21</span>Up and down he sported,<br /> + To the green wood he sped;<br /> +Behind the Damsel hasting<br /> + In a leash the puppies led.</p> +<p class="poetry">He sported up, he sported down,<br /> + Towards the mead he hied;<br /> +The Damsel speeding after<br /> + With hand to lure him tried.</p> +<p class="poetry">The Damsel speeding after<br /> + With hand to lure him strove:<br /> +“That yonder lovely hart were tame<br /> + O would to God above!</p> +<p class="poetry">“O would to God in heaven,<br /> + That yonder hart were mine!<br /> +Nothing should he ever drink<br /> + Except the rosy wine.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Nothing should he ever drink<br /> + Except the rosy wine,<br /> +And nowhere should he slumber<br /> + Save in these arms of mine.”</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 22--><a name="page22"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 22</span>The knight he off has shaken<br /> + The deer shape from his frame;<br /> +In verity fair damsel,<br /> + The hart he now is tame!</p> +<p class="poetry">Long stood she, the Damsel,<br /> + So deep reflected she:<br /> +“O for some cunning artifice<br /> + To rid me quick of thee!”</p> +<p class="poetry">“Sir Peter, if what now I know<br /> + I had but known before,<br /> +The children I shall bear thee<br /> + They ne’er should have been poor.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Within my father’s castle<br /> + A little girl I strayed,<br /> +When in the earth a treasure<br /> + Of ruddy gold they laid.</p> +<p class="poetry">“Down by the strand ’tis buried,<br +/> + Beneath a mighty stone.”<br /> +Thither to fetch the treasure<br /> + In haste Sir Peter’s gone.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 23--><a name="page23"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 23</span>He has broken up the flinty rock,<br +/> + So deep a hole he’s made—<br /> +But none shall ever gold dig up<br /> + Where gold was never laid!</p> +<p class="poetry">One shall never gold dig up<br /> + Where gold was never laid;<br /> +Never came together more<br /> + The knight and lovely maid.</p> +<h2><!-- page 24--><a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +24</span>THE STALWART MONK</h2> +<p class="poetry">Above the wood a cloister towers,<br /> + Gilt window it displays;<br /> +There lie before it Kempions twelve,<br /> + The cloister they will raze.</p> +<p class="poetry">There lie before it Kempions twelve,<br /> + The cloister down will tear;<br /> +The oxen and the cows they slew<br /> + The monks should have for fare.</p> +<p class="poetry">The monk he out of the window looked,<br /> + Then shook both beam and wall:<br /> +“And be the Kemps no more than twelve,<br /> + I’ll easily tame them all.”</p> +<p class="poetry">The monk he called to his serving lad:<br /> + “My club go fetch me in,<br /> +For I will out to the forest straight<br /> + And make them cease their din.”</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 25--><a name="page25"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 25</span>It took fifteen to bring the club,<br +/> + And they strain’d all their might;<br /> +The monk took it up with fingers two<br /> + And swung it round so light.</p> +<p class="poetry">He takes the club upon his back<br /> + And into the wood he’s gone,<br /> +And there met him the Kempions twelve<br /> + Would fain set him upon.</p> +<p class="poetry">They drew a circle on the ground,<br /> + And each one troll’d a song;<br /> +I tell to ye for verity<br /> + He silenced them all ere long.</p> +<p class="poetry">First slew he four, then slew he five,<br /> + At length he all has slain;<br /> +It was the monk of the shaven crown<br /> + Would gladly fight again.</p> +<p class="poetry">It was the monk of the shaven crown<br /> + Would seek for another fray,<br /> +So out of the wood across the wold<br /> + He blythely took his way.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 26--><a name="page26"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 26</span>So blythely out of the good green +wood<br /> + He sped across the hill,<br /> +And there met him a hoary Trold<br /> + Whose name was Sivord Gill.</p> +<p class="poetry">“If thou art the monk of the shaven +crown<br /> + Who scath’d the warrior band,<br /> +Thou either from me shalt shamefully flee<br /> + Or manfully ’gainst me stand.”</p> +<p class="poetry">“I am the monk of the shaven crown<br /> + Who slew the warrior band,<br /> +And never from thee will I shamefully flee<br /> + But like a man will stand.”</p> +<p class="poetry">The first blow gave the Trold, it fell<br /> + Upon the monk’s shoulder down,<br /> +’Midst of his shoulder broke the skin,<br /> + Bebloodied was his gown.</p> +<p class="poetry">The next blow gave the monk, it struck<br /> + The Trold to the verdant sward:<br /> +“Now shame befall thee, shaven Monk,<br /> + The blows of thy club are hard.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 27--><a name="page27"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 27</span>“Now hold thy hand, thou shaven +Monk,<br /> + And do not strike me more,<br /> +And I will give thee silver and gold,<br /> + And of coin a plenteous store.”</p> +<p class="poetry">The Monk he ran, the Trold he crept,<br /> + Still equal was their height;<br /> +Then shewed he him a little house<br /> + With doors of gold so bright.</p> +<p class="poetry">Then shewed he him a little house<br /> + With golden doors fifteen;<br /> +There got the Monk of silver and gold<br /> + All he could wish I ween.</p> +<p class="poetry">Seven lasts of silver, seven of gold,<br /> + To the cloisters he caus’d convey;<br /> +He bade them find a monk could wield<br /> + A club in as brave a way.</p> +<p class="poetry">’Twas drawing fast to an evening hour<br +/> + And the sun went down to rest,<br /> +Still fifteen Roman miles the monk<br /> + To the cloister had at least.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 28--><a name="page28"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 28</span>’Twas tending fast to the +evening tide<br /> + And the sun to the earth did haste,<br /> +Yet he seized the first dish at the supper board<br /> + Ere the Abbot could get a taste.</p> +<p class="poetry">Full fifteen monks he knock’d down +when<br /> + No pottage he espied,<br /> +And up he hung fifteen because<br /> + The herrings were not fried.</p> +<p class="poetry">Then out and spoke the little boy<br /> + Who waited at the meal:<br /> +“Each time the monk to the cloister comes<br /> + He thus with us will deal.”</p> +<p class="poetry">And it was getting late at night<br /> + And folks to bed should hie,<br /> +Then because the Abbot sat too long<br /> + He struck him out an eye.</p> +<p class="poetry">The Abbot hurried off to bed,<br /> + No longer dared remain;<br /> +I say to ye for verity<br /> + He felt both shame and pain.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 29--><a name="page29"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 29</span>’Twas early in the morning +tide,<br /> + The bells began to ring;<br /> +It was the monk of the shaven crown<br /> + Would neither read nor sing.</p> +<p class="poetry">So stately strode he up the choir<br /> + Where the monks and nuns they stand,<br /> +Not one of them dared read or sing<br /> + For fear of his stalwart hand.</p> +<p class="poetry">So they the Abbot pious and good<br /> + To a simple monk debased,<br /> +And they the Monk of the shaven crown<br /> + As Abbot o’er them placed.</p> +<p class="poetry">And he the cloister held with might<br /> + Till thirty years were flown;<br /> +Then died as Abbot in mighty fame,<br /> + The Monk of the shaven crown.</p> +<h2><!-- page 30--><a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +30</span>THE CRUEL STEP-DAME</h2> +<p class="poetry">My father up of the country rode,<br /> + He thought to wed a lovely rose;<br /> +And there he met a laidly wife,<br /> + The source was she of all my woes.</p> +<p class="poetry">The first night they together slept<br /> + She seemed to me a mother mild,<br /> +But ere a second night was past<br /> + She prov’d a step-dame fierce and wild.</p> +<p class="poetry">I sat beside my father’s board,<br /> + I sported there with hound and pup,<br /> +And then to blast my blissful lot<br /> + My step-dame wild came striding up.</p> +<p class="poetry">That God should make my lot so blest<br /> + My wicked step-dame could not bear;<br /> +She changed me to a sword so keen,<br /> + And bade me far and wide to fare.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 31--><a name="page31"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 31</span>By day I grac’d the side of the +knight,<br /> + I hung the hero’s heart so near;<br /> +At night I lay beneath his head,<br /> + For his good sword he loved so dear.</p> +<p class="poetry">That God had made my lot so blest<br /> + My wicked step-dame could not bear;<br /> +She changed me to a little knife,<br /> + And bade me far and wide to fare.</p> +<p class="poetry">By day I was in the Lady’s hand,<br /> + The linen white with me she cut;<br /> +At night within her bower I slept,<br /> + All in her golden casket put.</p> +<p class="poetry">That God had made my lot so blest,<br /> + My wicked step-dame could not bear;<br /> +She changed me to a little hind,<br /> + And bade me wander far and near.</p> +<p class="poetry">She changed me to a little hind,<br /> + And bade me wander far and near;<br /> +My seven maids to wolves she changed,<br /> + And fiercely urged them me to tear.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 32--><a name="page32"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 32</span>My seven maidens were so kind,<br /> + They all refus’d the hind to tear;<br /> +Then vexed was my step-mother wild<br /> + That God had made my lot so fair.</p> +<p class="poetry">The young Sir Henrik serves at court,<br /> + He is a knight of handsome mien;<br /> +For me he sorrowed day and night,<br /> + But would not let his grief be seen.</p> +<p class="poetry">Sir Henrik roves with bow in hand<br /> + The good green wood at morning tide;<br /> +Then up there came a little hind,<br /> + And fondly she the warrior eyed.</p> +<p class="poetry">Then up there came a little hind<br /> + Before the young knight as he rang’d;<br /> +Then off she cast her bestial shape,<br /> + And to a lovely damsel changed.</p> +<p class="poetry">He took her tenderly in his arm,<br /> + He called her oft his bosom’s dear:<br /> +“Thrice praised be God in heav’n that dwells<br /> + That I have found my damsel here.</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 33--><a name="page33"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 33</span>“I have not any servant, +love,<br /> + Nor hast thou any maid, my fair,<br /> +So we’ll pull down the linden leaves,<br /> + And thus our bridal bed prepare.”</p> +<p class="poetry">It was then the damsel fair,<br /> + Within the bed herself she placed;<br /> +It was the brave Sir Henrik then<br /> + Sweet sank to sleep by her embraced.</p> +<p class="poetry">Full sorely wept the damsel fair,<br /> + As sleep began his eyes to find;<br /> +Assuming then her bestial shape,<br /> + She went away—a hapless hind.</p> +<h2><!-- page 34--><a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">p. +34</span>THE CUCKOO</h2> +<p><i>From the Danish</i>.</p> +<p class="poetry">Yonder the cuckoo flutters,<br /> + <i>Cuckoo</i>, <i>Cuckoo</i>! he utters,<br /> +And lights the beech upon;<br /> + Many a voice is sweeter,<br /> +But do not mock the creature,<br /> + Let each enjoy his own.</p> +<p class="poetry">He knows no notes of passion,<br /> + A new song cannot fashion;<br /> +True to the ancient rule,<br /> + What his good sires respected<br /> +By him is not neglected,—<br /> + Is he for that a fool?</p> +<p class="poetry"><!-- page 35--><a name="page35"></a><span +class="pagenum">p. 35</span>O thou, my human brother,<br /> + Who scorning every other<br /> +With self-conceit dost swell,<br /> + We cannot all be gallants,<br /> +Not equal are our talents—<br /> + Thou art no nightingale!</p> +<p style="text-align: center" class="poetry"><span +class="smcap">London</span>:<br /> +Printed for THOMAS J. WISE, Hampstead, N.W.<br /> +<i>Edition limited to thirty copies</i>.</p> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SERPENT KNIGHT***</p> +<pre> + + +***** This file should be named 29649-h.htm or 29649-h.zip****** + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/9/6/4/29649 + + + +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 are 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. + +</pre></body> +</html> |