Forth rode the Queen o’ Danes,
In scarlet clad—
With her went many a dainty dame,
And damsel glad.
Withershins rode the Queen
Around the wold;
There saw she haughty Hagen,
That knight so bold.
It was haughty Hagen
Spake up so free;
“Listeth thee now, my gracious dame,
To dance with me?”
Up stands he, haughty Hagen,
All with the Queen to dance—
Good sooth, they there made merry
With gay pastance.
Up and spake the little maid
In kirtle blue;
“Beware, beware! for traitors’ eyes
Watch all ye do!”
“I heed them not, those traitors—
God grant them dule and pine!—
Would God that haughty Hagen
Might e’er be mine!
“Dearer to me is Hagen,
In tunic old,
Than e’er is he, the King o’ Danes,
In crown of gold!
“Dearer to me is Hagen,
Poor and alone,
Than e’er is he, the King o’ Danes,
Upon his throne!”
It was the King o’ Danes
Did speak and say:
“What listeth thus the queen
To dance and play?
“Better to sit in the ladies’ bower
With harp of gold
Than thus to stand by Hagen’s side
On the green wold.”