Axel Thordson and Fair Valborg Part 2

Relations they by birth and blood, Of Gildish race renowned and dreaded; Relations they beside in G.o.d, Alas! they never can be wedded.

They led them to the shrine, and placed A kerchief in their hands which quiver; Their lineage and line are traced, And priests are bent their bands to sever.

They 'twixt the two the cloth cut through, A portion each in hand retaineth; However great and high his state There's none that o'er his fortune reigneth.

"The handkerchief is parted now, Ye have parted us for good and ever, But whilst with life our b.r.e.a.s.t.s shall glow Our love ye shall dissever never."

The gold ring off her hand to take And bracelet from her wrist they hastened; His gifts they gave to Axel back, The knot of love was now unfastened.

The gold he on the altar threw, To Olave that he consecrated, And swore to bide to Valborg true As long as he to live was fated.

Then wroth grew Hogen son of the King, Who stood his scarlet garb array'd in: "Since her from mind thou canst not fling 'Tis clear and plain she is no maiden."

Outspoke of the clerks the wisest wight, E'en Erland he the good Archdeacon: "The man who does not know the might Of love an ignorant man I reckon.

"With water we the fire can quench, And slake the brand that's fiercely glowing, But though the flame with floods we drench The flame of love will yet be growing.

"The sun shines bright on hill and plain, We sink its scorching fury under, But ah; love's chain is harder pain, And none can break its links asunder."

Then Axel turned to yonder Lord, His manly cheek with rage was ruddy: "To-morrow I'll rebut thy word Although it cost me life and body."

Then forward on the flagstone wide The prince advanced, inflamed with pa.s.sion: "To-morrow thou an oath," he cried, "Shalt swear without equivocation.

"Thou on thy sword an oath to me Shalt swear, and on the brevier holy, Whether Valborg is a maid for thee Or whether ye have committed folly."

"Proud prince, if I must take that oath I it can do with heart approving; To fight thee ne'er shalt find me loth Whilst I this hand have power of moving."

That night Dame Eskelin in her bed Was by her lord Sir Hagen sleeping: "What have I dream'd?" she, starting, said, "Saint Bridget take me 'neath thy keeping.

"Methought that Julli fair and mild Beneath the earth who long has rested, That I would help her hapless child So mournfully with tears requested.

"I have full seven sons, my lord, And each has thirty swains so steady, They to their loins shall bind the sword And up and help the beauteous lady.

"And thou shalt saddle ten steeds so free And ride away like gallant n.o.ble, Heading our house's chivalry To stand by Valborg in her trouble.

"Full seven sons, my lord, have we, They all are counts so bold and sprightly; It is our joy and pride to see They bear themselves so well and knightly.

"Two cousins I and Julli were- The peace of G.o.d attend upon her!

If I forsake in this affair Her child 'twill be to our dishonor."

'Twas early in the morning tide, Rose o'er the wold the sun in l.u.s.tre; Within the Castle's halls of pride The knights to swear the oath now muster.

Then up Sir Axel Thordson rose, And lifted up his arm of power: "Come, swear with me, of Gildish house Ye counts of chivalry the flower."

Then in their sable and mard array Stepped forward stately knights eleven: "We'll with Sir Axel swear to-day, Betide whatever pleases heaven."

Down Valborg's cheek ran tears as fleet As winter rain when fastest pouring: "Ah where shall I with friends now meet?

Destruction's voice for me is roaring."

Answered her uncles all with speed, Their voice it made her ears to tingle: "As thou wast single in the rede, So in the oath be also single."

Then up and spake Archdeacon Erland, That speech has broken all his patience: "Thou hast not many friends at hand, Poor maid, though plenty of relations.

"Thou of relations hast a store, But friends thou canst not one discover; G.o.d help thee in this peril sore, And may thou all thy woes get over."

"That sire and mother mine are dead, I've cause I trow to rue sincerely; But G.o.d, who helpeth all in need, He sees my innocence full clearly.

"Dame Julli sleeps the slab below, Sir Emmer lies in earth's embraces, If they but lived my uncles now Would scarcely turn from me their faces."

And as she sat with cheek so white And wrung her hands in piteous taking, Sir Hagen bold appeared in sight, With speed towards the castle making.

To Valborg strode he hastily, Behind him all his knightly party: "My pretty maid to swear with thee I come to offer free and hearty.

"Full well loves thee Dame Eskelin, Who every night doth sleep beside me; Thy Dame and she were close of kin, And therefore hither have I hied me.

"Step forth my sons, I say the word, And in the oath be ye partakers; Ye too, stout sons of Carl, the lord Of Sondervalley's fertile acres."

Forward eleven warriors trode, The mard and sable they were wearing, They all were clad in princely mode, In tresses each his hair was bearing.

Then forward stepped with dauntless air Those counts eleven all together; Their trusty swords were gilded fair, And gilded was their girdles' leather.

We'll vouch the honour of yonder maid, And blythe with her the oath embark in; Ye n.o.ble couple forward tread, And all unto your speech shall hearken."

On the ma.s.s book Axel laid his hand, His good sword holding by the handle; By his side stood the knightly band, All eager to refute the scandal.

The hilt of his brand within his hand, The point against a flagstone planted, With demeanour staid the knight he made The solemn oath from him was wanted.

"'Tis true I had fair Valborg dear, I loved none like her under heaven.

But ne'er to her have been so near A kiss to her I might have given."

Her hand then on the sacred book The maiden laid with modest bearing: "Upon Sir Axel's form to look These eyes had never yet the daring."

They raised a heaven o'er her head, In dress of gala they installed her; To the high hall the maid they led, 'The cherished of the king' they called her.

In came Hogen the king's son then, He spake in high exhilaration: "O there is neither knight nor swain Shall leave this night my habitation.

"Proud Valborg, from suspicion freed, I here declare my bosom's dearie; And she shall be my Queen with speed, And on her brows the crown shall carry."

The cloth was spread, and down to board They sat, the skinkers did their duty; Sir Axel sat, full many a word Exchanging with his cherish'd beauty.

"Now list, since here apart we be, O Valborg, thou, my ravished jewel, Canst form no plan which possibly May chase from us love's anguish cruel?"

"Sir Axel though to wed I go The King, 'tis not from inclination; Though I live years a thousand, thou Within my heart wilt hold thy station.

"And I will sit in chamber high, And I'll embroider cap and kirtle: I'll pa.s.s my time so mournfully E'en like the gentle widow'd turtle.

"Who on the green bough will not rest Her legs, with weariness which fraught are, Nor of the limpid pool will taste Until her feet have soiled the water.

"But Axel thou ride forth with glee, The hind and savage roe in quest of; Each thought of me that comes o'er thee I pray thou wilt thyself divest of.