The king had called, one afternoon,
Young Axel in, the brave dragoon.
“Here, take this letter, and—away!
Ride for your life both night and day,
And straightway when you reach our land,
Deliver to the council’s hand.
Go with God’s help, set forth to-night,
And greet our hills and northern light!”
Young Axel dearly loved to ride,
And glad he sewed the letter in