Karl and Kragelille

Sir Carl at his banquet table sat,
"Swains, hear me every one!
"Go search me out the fairest maid,
"That breathes beneath the sun.

"Go search her out through all the land
"And northern kingdoms three,
A maid of equal rank with mine,
"And bring her home to me.

"Is she but good and gently bred,
"For wealth I little care;.
"Ye find and bring me home a maid,
"Is fit my bed to share."

Away they rode, those faithful swains,
O'er land and realm so wide,
But nowhere could they find a maid,
Was fit to be his bride.

The faithful swains were riding on
O'er grassy field and wood,
And came where tending a farmer's herd
A fair young maiden stood,

Then turn'd and spake the elder swain,
In scarlet cloak array'd;
"I see beneath yon wooded cliff
"A fair and lovely maid."

He spurr'd his steed, that ancient swain,
And rode him down below,
And spake, and ask'd the fair young maid,
If with them she would go.

"And kindly tell me, gentle maid,
"The secret truth declare,
"Of what so noble race you're born,
"To be so passing fair?"

"My father, he is a simple herd,
"Keeps goats upon the moor;
"Myself — my name is Kragelille,
"Of humble race and poor."

Her clothes were fluttering in the wind,
So tatter'd, worn and old;
Her hair about her shoulders hung
Like glittering threads of gold.

Her cheek was like the rosebud red,
Her neck like ermine white;
Much wonder'd all those Danish men
To see her in such a plight.

But he, that good and ancient swain,
Wrapped her in scarlet weed,
And gently rais'd the maiden up,
And placed her on his steed.

"But in such haste I must away,
"So far with you to roam?
"Nay, let me here in the meadow stay
"To drive my cattle home."

"Fair maid, no sorrow shall you taste,
"No tear shall ever shed;
"We take you hence to a better land,
"A rich young knight to wed."

In silken gown of finest hue
And scarlet cloak array M,
Up to the bower, to young Sir Carl,
They led the lovely maid.

With graceful mien the young Sir Carl
Welcom'd his beauteous bride;
"Seat thee, fair maid, on cushion blue,
"Repose thee at my side.

"And while we're sitting here alone,
"The truth, sweet maid, declare,
"Of what so noble race you're born,
"To be so passing fair?"

"My father he was call'd Sir Carl,
"In snake -pen he was kill'd;
"Myself — my name is Adelrun,
"My mother's name Bryn-hilde.

"While I was yet a tender babe,
"The boors ray father slew,
"Down into a snake-pen dark and deep
"My noble father threw.

"They drave my mother from out the land,
"I know not if she's dead;
"But me since then, an orphan child,
"They've kindly nurs'd and fed."

Sir Carl he tapp'd her fair white cheek,
"Sweet maid, your grief forego,
"For now my bride, you never more
"Shall pain or sorrow know.

"And if please God, I have the power,
"As good is my desire,
"I'll venge you on those wicked boors,
"Who slew your gallant sire."

"If venge me on the boors you will,
"That shall I gladly see,
"But spare, I pray, the farmer's wife,
"For she was good to me."

Bravo, Sir Carl! a loyal knight
Will true to his word abide:
That day month was his wedding day,
And Adelrun his bride.