Their swords were pledged, they must be free.
Young Axel saddled glad his steed,
And rode both night and day with speed.
When Ukrane’s boundaries drew near
The sudden gleam of lance and spear
Flashed round him, spurring through a wood.
At once the ambush rose and stood:
“Thou art the bearer of commands;
Give up the letter to our hands,
Dismount and give it up, or die.”