Marsk Stig and His Lady

It is young Sir Marstig must journey far and wide;
It is young King Erik that hath betrayed his bride.
—The lady she sits in Sælland, and weeps right woefully.

It was young Sir Marstig that home from sea did fare;
She would not rise, his own dear wife, nor give him greeting there.

It was young Sir Marstig that entered in apace;
She would not rise, his own dear wife, nor look him in the face.

Still he stood, Sir Marstig, and thought right heavily:
“What ails her then, mine own dear wife, that hath no word for me?”

“When thou didst depart, my husband, I was a knightly dame;
Now am I queen in Denmark—the greater is my shame.

“Never again shalt slumber all on my lily-white arm,
Until thou hast slain King Erik, that wrought me dule and harm!”

It was young Sir Marstig that rode away to the Thing;
Never a word he answered, until he should meet with the King.

It was young Sir Marstig stood forth in all men’s sight,
He greeted there both page and squire and many a noble knight.

Up he stood, King Erik, and took him by the hand:
“Welcome now, Sir Marstig, home to lord and land!”

Up and spake Sir Marstig, and wrathful was his mind:
“Oh, little I guessed when I fared forth what falsehood I left behind!

“Both Revel and Riga I won for thee, and that with mickle strife,
While thou, King Erik, didst bide at home to ravish my fair young wife!”

“Harken now, Sir Marstig, and be not wroth with me!
Seven castles in Sælland, all will I give to thee.”

“Seven castles in Sælland will never ’suage my shame;
Know thou, King of Denmark, dearer I hold my dame!

“Harken, King of Denmark, and heed the words I say:
No fealty shalt thou have of me until my dying day!”
—The lady she sits in Sælland, and weeps right woefully.