Hyldebrand and Hyldestlil (F)

Fair Hyldestlil sits in her bower,
And stitches caps from hour to hour.

But what should glow with gold so red,
All white she sews with silken thread.

"O listen, Hyldestlil, my dear,
"And let me all thy sorrow hear."

"My father was a King so great,
"That fifteen knights must on him wait.

"The fifteen serv'd his board for fee,
"The youngest one dishonour'd me.

"My tale one day, when none were near,
"I trusted to my sister's ear.

"But she a secret could not hold,
"And mine to both our parents told.

"My father, a stern harsh man was he,
"Would hang me high on gallows tree.

"My mother, stung with grief as sore,
"Would sell me, she, to a foreign shore.

"And so they sold me for the bell
"Is in St. Mary's heard to knell.

"As struck that bell its one first stroke,
"My wretched mother's heart it broke.

"They sold me into a distant land,
"And so I came to your Grace's hand-"

"But tell me, Hyldestlil, my child,
"How he, that knight so fine, was styled?"

"Sir Hyldebrand that gallant's name,
"Who won my heart and wrought my shame."

"What! Hyldebrand? has he so done?
"And that is e'en my youngest son.

"If Hyldebrand has caused thy pain,
"Then he shall make thee glad again."

"Queen, o Queen, this rending ache!
"It cannot be — My heart will break."

She lay on the Queen's lap and wept.
Until with tears her kirtle dripp'd.

Sobbing on the Queen's breast she lay,
Until her bursting heart gave way.

In rode Sir Hyldebrand, and saw,
As e'en they laid her out on straw.

"Hark, Hyldebrand, my dearest son,
"There lies thy dearest, dead and gone."

"And dead is she to me so dear?
"Then longer tarry I not here."

Against a rock he stayed his sword.
And through his heart the weapon bored.