Humble, he sat him on Skimming’s back,
So gallantly can he ride;
But Skimming thought it passing strange
That a spur was clapt to his side.
The first course that together they rode,
So strong were the knightly two,
Asunder went Humble’s saddle-ring,
And a furlong his good shield flew.
“Methinks thou art a fair young swain,
And well thy horse canst ride;
Dismount thee, straight, and gird up thy steed;
I am willing for thee to bide.”
The second course that together they rode
Was worthy of knights renown’d;
Then both their saddles burst in two,
And Humble was sent to the ground.
“Now have I cast thee from thy steed,
Thy courser by right is mine;
But, tell me, youthful and gallant swain,
Who art thou, and of what line?
“Now have I won from thee the prize,
And Skimming belongs to me;
But, tell me, youthful and gallant swain,
What parents gave birth to thee?”
“Abelon is my father’s name;
He sits upon Birting’s throne:
Queen Ellina my mother is,
And that for truth is known.
“Queen Ellina my mother is—
A Queen whom all admire;
Good King Abelon Haardestaal,
So call they my hoary sire.
“And who am I, but Humble, the young,
A knight of Birting’s land;
Of hero race, whose fame extends
To the wide earth’s farthest strand.”
“If Abelon be thy father’s name,
The courser I straight restore;
Thou art, I find, my very good friend;
I knew thee not, youth, before.