Hildebrand kissed her o’er and o’er:
“My darling sister, pray sorrow no more.
“Kirsten, I pray thee, pardon me
For bringing thee into this misery.”
Then spake Blacklille as he stood:
“I’ve saved thee by shedding human blood.
“Give me, Kirsten, one little kiss,
And the Raven one on that beak of his.”
On their mouths she kissed them both with glee—
From hideous thrall were they both set free.
She kissed them both with good will, I ween,
They changed to her brothers who lost had been.
They all pressed her fondly to their breast,
From sorrow and woe she is now at rest.
THE WRESTLING-MATCH
As one day I wandered lonely, in extreme distress of mind,
I a pleasant garden entered, hoping comfort there to find.
Up and down I paced the garden till an open space I spied,
There I saw a crowd of people, and I heard a voice that cried:
“Come and see what Love is doing, here is Love performing more
Wondrous feats than e’er were witnessed at Olympian games of yore:
This he conquers, that he conquers, young and old before him lie,
Great and small alike he conquers, none with him a fall must try.
Hearing this at once I entered ’midst the crowd collected there,
Some of whom no doubt were eager like myself to banish care.
I would fain behold this being, this same wondrous lad survey,
Who ’twas said in each encounter bore with ease the prize away.
Quickly I the crowd divided, soon I pierced the multitude,
And this Love stood full before me, and what think you ’twas I view’d?
Why a boy, a little darling, full of captivating grace,
Rather roguish were his glances, but how lovely was his face!