Memering

The smallest man was Mimering
In all the realm of Karl the king.
My loveliest maidens.

Before him yet his mother bare,
Were made the clothes he was to wear.

Before he well could walk upright,
His limbs with coat of mail were dight.

Before he e'en began to ride,
He girt a broadsword on his side;

And soon as he the sword could wield,
He sallied out and took the field.

On battle bent he paced the strand,
Where lay the merchantmen at land.

He saw beneath the mountain side
A mailclad warrior towards him ride.

The stranger gallop'd up with speed,
And fierce as lion look'd his steed.

"List, knight, and say, dost thou desire
"To take in pay a faithful squire?"

"Methinks thou'rt yet too young and frail
"To bear my heavy coat of mail."

Enraged, and prompt to avenge a slight,
From off his horse he knock'd the knight;

Nor wrought him that disgrace alone,
But beat his head against a stone:

Then mounted horse, and long'd to fight
With some more brave and doughty knight

He reach'd a wood, and riding on
Encounter'd Vidrick Verlandson.

"Well met, brave knight, art thou in heart
"To fight and take thy lady's part?"

'Twas Vidrick Verlandson replied,
"Ready, and be thy valour tried."

They fought one day, aye did they twain,
But neither could the victory gain;

So swore they friendship, firm and pure,
That should till judgement day endure.

But how should they be friends for life?
And that same night renew'd their strife!
My loveliest maidens.