John Rand's Courtship

Ride once across to Dovre Fell,
There heroes drain the goblet well.

'Twas there had drunk his fill John Hand,
Nor less the wealthy Rosenvand.

They sat at chess, and, While they play'd.
They pass'd their jokes on many a maid.

"But hark! there's one, my Rosenvand,
"The chastest maid in all the land.

"She's heavenly fair, a peerless wife,
"But wooing her may cost thy life.

"Now, Rosenvand, dear comrade mine,
"Let's ride and see this maid so fine."

They up and saddled each his steed,
And off to the maid's abode with speed.

They reach'd the mill-stream, cross'd its flood,
'Twas eddying waves of crimson blood.

"But hark, John Rand, my comrade dear,
"What means this wondrous business here?"

"'Tis blood of knights shed all to waste,
"Who came to woo this maid so chaste."

"Then hark, John Rand, let's draw the rein,
"And ride in safety home again."

"I fear not, I, to risk my life,
"And hap what may, I'll see the wife."

They rode and reach'd the palisade.
Of bloody swords they found it made;

And stuck on every stake therein
They saw the head of a deadman grin.

"But hark, John Hand, my comrade dear,
"What means this wondrous business here?"

"Tis heads of knights, so brave and true,
"Who came the gentle maid to woo."

"Then hark, John Rand, let's draw the rein,
"And ride in safety home again."

"I fear not, I, to risk my life,
"And hap what may, I'll see the wife."

They rode and reach'd the castle gate.
Where at her ease the maiden sate.

"But how so madly bold are ye,
"As dare to come and visit me?"

"The cause, fair maid, that here we came,
"Is your great worth and beauty's fame.

"We would but on a lady gaze,
"Whom far and wide all vie to praise."

"Welcome, my stout, my brave John Rand!
"None else than you shall have my hand.

"There pleasures me one thing alone,
"Such daring mood as you have shown.

"The rest that here besieged my gate,
"Were cowards all, and met their fate."

And in that knight and lady went,
And many an hour in revel spent.