At the end of the allotted time, Rymenhild was to be married to King Modi of Reynis. Horn, hearing of this, went back to Westerness, arrived on the marriage-morn, met a palmer (the old beggar man of the ballad), changed clothes with him, and entered the hall. According to custom, Rymenhild served wine to the guests, and as Horn drank, he dropped her ring into the vessel. When she discovered it, she sent for the palmer, and questioned him. He said Horn had died on the voyage thither. Rymenhild seized a knife she had hidden to kill King Modi and herself if Horn came not, and set it to her breast. The palmer threw off his disguise, saying, ‘I am Horn.’ Still he would not wed her till he had regained his father’s kingdom of Suddenne, and went away and did so. Meanwhile a false friend seized Rymenhild; but on the marriage-day Horn returned, killed him, and finally made Rymenhild his wife and Queen of Suddenne.
Compare the story of Torello and the Saladin in the Decameron, Tenth Day, Novel 9.
HIND HORN
1.
In Scotland there was a babie born,
Lill lal, etc.
And his name it was called young Hind Horn,
With a fal lal, etc.
2.
He sent a letter to our king