Out of the city followed him
Alike both man and dame:
“O may God grant,” the people said,
“The Knight his foe may tame!”
“Now hand me not the puny lance
Which ye are wont to bear;
But do ye bring, for me to wield,
My native country’s spear.”
And now the second course they ride
Their cheeks with fury red;
The Devil’s neck asunder went,
Flew o’er the mead his head.
His head flew into pieces nine,
His back asunder burst;
Swayne hied him to the Damsel’s house,
There first he quenched his thirst.
Nine stately warriors out there came,
Took Swayne from off his steed:
“Broad lands on thee we will bestow
If thou wilt wed the maid.”
“O I’m betrothed to one as fair
In Ostland realms already;
For seven tons of ruddy gold
I would not prove unsteady.
“But build before your Hovdingsey
A house upon the mead,
And there to Danish pilgrims give
Good wine and best of bread.”
So Danish pilgrims there they give
Good wine and best of bread;
They pray for brave Swayne Felding’s soul,
He now has long been dead.
INNOCENCE DEFAMED
Misfortune comes to every door,
And who can hope to ’scape its might?
And that can little Kirstine say,
And none alas with greater right.