And there sat she the damsel fair,
And the silken seam she sewed;
For every stitch she sew’d a tear
From her eyes of beauty flowed.
“Now do thou hear, my damsel dear,
Why dost so sorely grieve?
If thou declare thy bosom’s care
Perchance I can relieve.”
“Within our land a Giant lives
Who waste our land will lay;
Upon no other food than maids
And ladies will he prey.
“Within our country lives a trold
From us our land will tear,
Unless we can procure a man
To fight with him will dare.
“But I have heard in all my days
That Danemen know no fear;
No doubt it is to help us now
That God has sent one here.”
“And had I horse and harness now
Well suited to my back,
Then would I break with him a spear,
Proud damsel, for thy sake.”
They led three hundred horses forth,
Milk white was every one;
But the first sank down like a messan dog
That Swayne laid the saddle on.
They led the Spanish horses forth,
Their eyes were very bright;
Swayne drew the bridle o’er their heads,
And straightway they took fright.
It was the brave Swayne Felding then
Was sorely sad in mood:
“O had I but a Danish horse
Who had eat of Denmark’s food.
“Full fifteen golden rings so good
From Denmark I did bring,
But for a horse of Jutland breed
They every one should spring.”