They fought for a day, they fought for twain,
Neither could from the other the victory gain.
So good stall-brothership vowed have they,
Which should endure to the judgment day.
How should it endure that long time all?
It could not last till evening-fall.
THE END OF SIVARD SNARENSWAYNE
Young Sivard he his step-sire slew
To avenge his mother’s wrongs;
And now to sport in the Monarch’s court
Young Sivard sorely longs.
It was Sivard Snarenswayne
To his mother’s presence strode:
“Say, shall I ride from hence?” he cried,
“Or wend on foot my road?”
“O never shalt thou go on foot
Whilst I’ve a horse in stall;
I’ll give thee the steed of matchless breed,
Which courtiers Grayman call.”
They led Grayman out of the stall,
His reins were gilt about;
His eyes were bright as the clear star-light,
And fire from his bit sprang out.
Off Sivard throws his gloves, like snows
The stripling’s hands appeared;
And with all his force he girded the horse,
For to trust the groom he feared.
It was Sivard’s mother dear,
In a kirtle red was clad:
“The horse I fear will cost thee dear,
And that fear makes me sad.”