Mar Stig's Daughter and the Merman

"O mother, give me thy rede herein,
"Mar Stig's fair daughter how I may win."

Of water she made him a horse to ride,
Of sand a saddle and reins beside.

Himself she shaped to a knight so proud,
And off to St. Mary's church he rode.

His horse to the churchyard rail he bound.
And twice the church walked wrongways round.

He entered the door, and one and all
Turn'd round at the sight the statues small.

The priest who before the altar stood,
Ask'd who he might be, that knight so proud.

Said Mar Stig's daughter with downcast eyne;
Would God that the gallant knight were mine!"

He stepp'd over one stool, stepped o'er two,
"Be mine, Stig's daughter, to me be true."

He stepp'd over three seats, stepp'd o'er four;
"O come to my home on yonder shore."

Up rose the maid and her hand gave she;
"I plight thee my troth and follow thoe."

They walk'd from the church in bridal train,
And danced so joyously both the twain.

They danced till at last they reached the shore,
And no one was left beside them more.

"Mar Stig's fair daughter, hold thou my steed,
"For here I must build us a ship at need."

So soon as they came there and trod the sand,
The little boats all turned round to land.

They hardly put off and left the bank.
Ere down to the bottom Stig's daughter sank.

The far off dwellers about the creek.
Heard under the water her drowning shriek.

So list to my rede, ye maidens good.
And go not to dance in so proud a mood.