It was then the ancient man
Was the first to make enquire:
“O, what is the name of the young swain
With the sword, and the look of fire?”
“O, he is hight young Swaigder,
So wide his fame doth fly;
And he for a maid is pining sore
On whom he ne’er set eye.”
“There is within this land a maid,
Who pining long hath been
For a swain that hight is Swaigder,
And him she ne’er has seen.”
“If longs she after a young swain
On whom she ne’er set eye,
And he is hight young Swaigder,
He is here in verity.
“Now do thou hear, thou ancient man,
If it as thou sayest be,
Become I King upon this land,
I’ll make a Count of thee.”
“’Midst of yonder verdant wood
Stands the castle of the maid;
The house is of gray marble stone,
The court with steel belaid.
“The house is of grey marble stone
The court with steel is floored,
The portal is of ruddy gold,
Twelve bears before it guard.
“In middle of the maiden’s court
A linden spreads its shade,
If truly thou art Swaigder,
Hie forward unafraid.”
Away then rode young Swaigder,
Cast towards the gate his eye;
And all the locks that before it hung,
Down fell they instantly.
Then withered the leaf, then withered the linden,
And the grass at the linden’s root;
And the twelve bears who the portal guard
They fell at the hero’s foot.