Away from court Sir Axel rode,
A gallant band attend behind him;
And all that at the Court abode
Unto the care of God consign’d him.
So fast he speeded on his way,
Him followed thrice ten swains so merry;
But when he reached his castellaye
The noble knight was solitary.
Alone he reached his castle good,
His gallant courser panting, snorting:
And there his sister Helfred stood,
Against the gate herself supporting.
“Here standst thou, Helfred, sister dear,
Thou little didst expect my coming;
How doth it with sweet Valborg fare,
That roselet ’mongst the flowers blooming?”
“Dear brother well doth Valborg fare
She all our maids exceeds in honor;
The Queen she tends, who’s chosen her
Before them all to wait upon her.”
“Now rede me, Helfred, sister fine,
Thy very best advice I’m needing;
How can I speak with maiden mine
Apart removed from mortals heeding?”
“The very best of silk put on,
And clothe thee in thy garments fairest;
And say that thou with her alone
Must speak, for thou my message bearest.”
It was Sir Axel Thordson, knight,
As he the hall’s high steps ascended,
He met Queen Malfred’s damsels bright
From evening song as back they wended.
To Valborg he his snowy hand
Extends, with voice of sweetness saying:
“I come from Helfred fair, thy friend,
A private scroll to thee conveying.”
The lovely Valborg op’d in haste
And read with beating heart the letter;
Therein the words of love were trac’d,
No one could have imagined better.