English poem
On the third morning early came, at break of day
by Mary Pickering Nichols (1829–1915)
On the third morning early came, at break of day, The very aged Wâ-te with a thousand to the fray; And from the Danish kingdom, as the seventh day was dawning, Came Horant with four thousand, to whom the fair Gu-drun had sent her warning.
From out the Waalisch marches Morunc thither rode; He ever fought for the ladies, for the love to them he owed. Twenty thousand warriors he brought,—for nought he tarried: These were all well-weaponed, and happily rode, while help to the king they carried.
The queenly maiden’s brother, Ortwin, the youthful knight, Brought across the water, to help her in the fight, Forty hundred warriors, or even a number greater: Were it known to the men of Alzabie, well might they have feared to meet him later.
Before they yet could help him, to Herwic and his men The strife had now gone badly, his luck began to wane: To him and all his followers was evil sore betiding; Altho’ they struggled bravely, his foes too near his castle gate were riding.
More by Mary Pickering Nichols
- Of them we speak no longer; we now will let you hear
- Of these came three and sixty; on them did Hartmut look
- Of these the very lowest had clothing of the best
- Of this bethink you further, my well-belovéd son
- On the waters floating three good ships were seen
- Queen Hilda him awaited till on the shore he stood
- Quoth Ludwig, Hartmut’s father: “We from our Norman land
- Rich sails were seen to flutter near by upon the sea