Sir Genselin

It was the count Sir Genselin,
He thus to his mother cried;
"My manhood I would fain essay;
"I'll up the country ride."

"And wilt thou ride then up the land?
"Thy manhood there essay?
"I'll give thee a good and gallant steed,
"Men call him 'Carl the grey"

"Gird thee no sword upon thy side,
"Nor spur upon thy feet,
"Unless the champion Iver Blue
"Thou shouldest chance to meet."

It was the Count Sir Genselin,
Rode under a mountain side,
And there he met young Theedman Thinn,
And call'd and bade him 'Bide.'

"Well met! well met! young Theedman Thinn,
"What place have you rested at?"
"On Bratinsborg, where men at arms
"Were striking fire from hat."

Wrath was the Count Sir Genselin,
And crimson grew his cheek;
"I swear by heaven, young Theedman Thinn,
"Thy death-doom thou didst speak."

With that he drew his glittering sword,
And smote young Theedman dead;
That did the Count Sir Genselin,
And ill the youngster sped.

So rode he forth to Bratingsborg,
The gate with his spear-shaft beat;
"Is here a champion bold enough
"Me in a joust to meet?"

Then up and spake Sir Iver Blue,
A man so void of fear;
"Now help me God, but at the gate
"A champion's voice I hear."

So fierce did Count Sir Genselin
His hauberk on him fling,
That loud across three hides of land
His mother heard it ring.

The lady woke at midnight hour,
And loud to the Lord she pray'd;
"O heaven in mercy shield my son,
"In danger lend him aid!"

They rode and met, those champions two,
Rode both so firm and bold;
But off his horse Sir Iver Blue
Afar on the field was roll'd.

"Now listen, Count Sir Genselin,
"My life I prythee spare,
"I've e'en a handsome bride betroth'd,
"To thee I yield the fair."

"Keep thou thy bride, her need I not,
"I take not her to wife;
"Give me thy sister, Swollen-toe,
"I'll thank thee all my life."

So to the marriage feast they rode,
As best they found the way,
And ask'd the bravest champions,
That hands on they could lay.

They sent for Vidrick Verlandson,
Stout Diderick, him of Berne,
And Danish Olger, one whose heart
For fight did ever burn.

They sent for Master Hildebrand,
And Siward Hasty swain,
And twelve more mighty champions
To form the bridal train.

Thither the giant Langbane came
I'escort the gentle bride;
And thither young king Sigfred came,
And ill his grief could hide.

And there the lady Kfeem-molt stood,
And dress'd the bride with care;
She clad her legs in iron greaves,
Her hands in jewels rare.

Thither the lady Brynild came,
From off the northern wold,
And with her came to share the feast
A hundred champions bold.

To bridal house they led the bride,
She thought the hint was good;
She ate two whole ox-carcases,
And found them pleasant food.

Five tuns of ale the lady drank,
To swill the roast and broil'd,
And then a mess of porridge craved
In seven-tun kettle boil'd.

Into the hall they led the bride
Array'd in scarlet pall,
But, ere she through the door could pass,
Came down seven ells of wall.

The bride they led to her bridal bench,
And down thereon she sate;
Of marble stone the bench was built,
But crush'd beneath her weight.

Then up the bridegroom rose, and spake;
His brain began to reel;
"I never yet a bride have known,
"Could eat so large a meal."

They next a little dance began
Out on the grassy lea;
The smallest dancer there had ells
Fifteen below the knee.

Eighteen the tallest champions
Followed the dancing bride;
The rocks gave way, she trod upon,
As round she thought to glide.

Out on the field they mark'd a ring,
Where stood those champions bold;
They fain would for the bride do fight,
And tourney for her hold.

Up sprang the bride with heavy hand,
And partner meet she caught;
'Twas giant Langbane tripp'd with her,
And wondrous feats they wrought

For then it was the youthful bride
Began her pace to mend;
And fifteen champions dead she slew
With but her stay-lace end.