Then answered her those counts so bold,
Her uncles three, with fury glaring:
“Ah ne’er shalt thou the promise hold
Which thou to make hast had the daring.”
It was Hogen the King’s son then
So many letters broad endighted;
With seven times ten of priestly men
The Archbishop he to him invited.
’Twas Master Erland the good and wise
So carefully the brief read over:
“Now shame on him who this device
Did hatch, Canute I here discover.”
The Archbishop placed him by the board,
Bowed to the prince his reverend figure:
“Thou’st sent for me, my gracious lord,
To learn thy high commands I’m eager.”
“O long have I a maiden woo’d,
And I to wife would gladly take her;
But most for Axel stands her mood,
Abandon him we now must make her.”
They’ve writ and caused upon the Ting
Be read so solemn a citation,
Which should the hapless couple bring
Before the priestly congregation.
The matin singing was at end,
The sun its rays so freshly darted:
To church Sir Axel now must wend
With Valborg fair the loving hearted.
Upsprang the knight on steed of height,
With sighs his anguish deep declaring;
In chariot rode the damsel bright,
In bosom locked her sorrow bearing.
First rode the knight on steed of height,
His thoughts so wide and wild were flying;
Next him in coach the damsel bright
Did ride, to veil her sorrow trying.
Then out and spoke proud Valborg fair,
As they the bridge were passing over:
“A glad heart seldom sighs with care,
Though smiles do oft a sad heart cover.”