FROM THE DANISH.
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The following strange and somewhat mystical ballad is from Nyerupand Rahbek's _Danske Viser_ of the Middle Ages. It seems torefer to the first preaching of Christianity in the North, and tothe institution of Knight-Errantry. The three maidens I suppose tobe Faith, Hope, and Charity. The irregularities of the original havebeen carefully preserved in the translation.] Sir Oluf he rideth over the plain,Full seven miles broad and seven miles wide,But never, ah never can meet with the manA tilt with him dare ride. He saw under the hill-sideA Knight full well equipped;His steed was black, his helm was barred;He was riding at full speed. He wore upon his spursTwelve little golden birds;Anon he spurred his steed with a clang,And there sat all the birds and sang. He wore upon his mailTwelve little golden wheels;Anon in eddies the wild wind blew,And round and round the wheels they flew. He wore before his breastA lance that was poised in rest,And it was sharper than diamond stone,It made Sir Oluf's heart to groan. He wore upon his helmA wreath of ruddy gold;And that gave him the Maidens Three,The youngest was fair to behold. Sir Oluf questioned the Knight eftsoonIf he were come from heaven down;"Art thou Christ of Heaven," quoth he;"So will I yield me unto thee." "I am not Christ the Great,Thou shallt not yield thee yet;I am an Unknown Knight,Three modest Maidens have me bedight." "Art thou a Knight elected,And have three Maidens thee bedight;So shalt thou ride a tilt this day,For all the maidens' honor!" The first tilt they together rode,They put their steeds to the test;The second tilt they together rode,They proved their manhood best. The third tilt they together rode,Neither of them would yield;The fourth tilt they together rode,The both fell on the field. Now lie the lords upon the plains,And their blood runs unto death;Now sit the Maidens in the high tower,The youngest sorrows till death.
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