Dagmar

Sick in Ribe Dagmar’s lying, Soon she’ll be in Ringsted’s wall; All the Dames in Denmark dwelling Unto her she bids them call.

“Fetch me four, fetch five, I pray ye, Fetch me those for wisdom famed; Fetch Sir Carl of Haves’ sister, Little Kirstine is she named.

“Fetch the old, and fetch the youthful, Fetch the learned unto me; Fetch the lovely little Kirstine, Worthy all respect is she.

“Canst thou read and write, my darling? Canst thou ease the pains I bear? Thou shalt ride upon my coursers, And the ruddy scarlet wear.”

“Could I read and write, my lady, Blythely I would do the same; Thy pains are than iron harder, ’Tis with grief I that proclaim.”

’Twas the lovely little Kirstine, Took the book and read a space— “Ah, thy pains than steel are harder, God Almighty help thy case!”