ULF VAN YERN AND OTHER BALLADS
BY GEORGE BORROW
LONDON: PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION 1913
_Copyright in the United States of America_ _by Houghton_, _Mifflin & Co. for Clement Shorter_.
ULF VAN YERN
It was youthful Ulf Van Yern Goes before the King to stand: "To avenge my father's death Lend me warriors of thy band."
"Of my kemps I'll lend thee them Who to follow thee consent; Ask'st thou Vidrik Verlandson Thou wilt further thy intent.
"I will lend thee of my men, Thou shalt have the very flower; Vidrik, and stark Diderik, Many kemps have felt their power.
"They are heroes strong and bold Who have battles often won; Feared are they in every land Where their names' renown has gone."
In walked he, the good Dane King, Glittering like the morning star: "Which of ye, my Danish swains, Will attend my friend to war?"
Stalked the King along the floor, Bore a gold cup in his hand: "Which of ye, my courtmen, will, Follow Wolf with shield and brand?"
To their mouths their hats they held, None to answer him made haste, Save bold Vidrik Verlandson, Of them all he made a jest.
It was Vidrik Verlandson Of his comrades made a sport: "Sure 'tis but to guzzle mead We are gathered here at court."
Wrathful Diderik straight became, Frantic at that word he grew; Off he smote two warriors' heads, At the King's foot them he threw.
Then spake Vidrik Verlandson, His whole thought on honor lies: "We'll dispatch our messenger And not go in stealthy guise."
It was youthful Hammergray Hurried from the city gate; Every one on him that looked Lost his voice and colour straight.
Hark away, young Hammergray, Gold is glittering on thy breast; Ne'er was found or hawk or hound Could with Hammer's speed contest.
Pearls upon his bosom shone, Folks thereat astounded gaze: Fowl was none beneath the sun Could with youthful Hammer race.
Swift into the King's high hill Bounded youthful Hammergray: He was nimble at the tongue, And could speak in gallant way.
"King of Brattens Vendel, hail! And the rest that fill your hall; Ulf Van Yern to-morrow comes To avenge his father's fall."