The Rímur of Herburt
A four-ríma knight-romance, also known as Herburts Þáttr (The Tale of Herburt). The story follows Herburt, third son of Count Herþegn and nephew of King Þiðrek of Bern, who is sent to Britain to woo Princess Hildr, daughter of King Arthur. Finding her guarded by eunuchs and monks behind glittering walls, Herburt wins her gaze with two enchanted mice — one silver, one gold — released across the church floor. Love declared, they elope. Arthur sends sixty men under the knight Hermann to pursue them; Herburt slays them all, cleaving Hermann from helm to saddle, and rides on to become duke and then king in a distant realm.
The text survives in three manuscripts (A = AM 604 a, B, E) and was first edited by Theodor Wisén in Riddara-Rímur (Copenhagen, 1881). This is the second of three cycles in the Riddara-Rímur collection, alongside Filipó-Rímur and Konráðs Rímur.
First known English translation of this rímur cycle.
Ríma I
The house of Herþegn. The sparring match. Tristram slays his brother and flees. Herburt rides to King Þiðrek. The beauty of Princess Hildr. The guarded maiden.
1.
Many a song's air is shut fast
by crowding sorrows;
men are often lost to grief —
the world is true to none.
2.
Many a one breaks down with woe
who tells of mighty folk;
the world gave comfort to no man
who knew but little of such things.
3.
So may love at any hour
gladden young men's hearts,
that burning strife within the breast
they bear because of it for long.
4.
Yet I cannot on this occasion
delight the worthy ladies;
let us rather fashion merry verses
about the lives of men of old.
5.
Herþegn was a worthy count,
eager for deeds of fame;
the wise and learned warrior held
the sister of Þiðrek the Strong.
6.
The fair wife bore three sons
to that wise lord of gold;
one could scarcely find lads fairer —
they were in the bloom of youth.
7.
Tristram was the name of the youngest,
and the second was Herþegn the Fair;
he will prove the heaviest burden to men
and cause bitter strife.
8.
Herburt I name the clever thane,
the third of his heirs:
he was eager in the rain of spears
and famed at Ullr's craft.
9.
Vigbald I name that grove of weapons,
he was with the mighty count;
he shall teach warriors to swim,
to wield both spear and shield.
10.
One fair day the brothers set themselves
to stand in sparring;
it was a sorrowful stroke of grief
that befell those warriors.
11.
Poorly can they teach Tristram
to temper the sparring-stance;
little skill has he for the game —
they will grow weary of it.
12.
A courteous word did Herþegn give,
so wise men heard:
"Little have you learned of the art,
my dear brother!"
13.
Tristram made ready to arm himself
and flew at once into a rage.
"I shall try the sparring with you
at once, if you will face me."
14.
"We shall both bear bitter swords
in the storm of spears;
that will mark the warriors' mettle —
which of us conquers the other."
15.
The knight took a red shield
bright against the fire of Rögni;
he brandishes that wind of edges
with grim and fearsome force.
16.
His brother with the wound-serpent
drew against a white shield;
Herþegn could strike his foe
whenever he wished.
17.
With overweening force he turns
the sword-point on his brother;
with his brand the ring-lord thrust
his brother clean through.
18.
Terrible was that greatest sorrow —
the other had to suffer wounds;
Tristram leapt onto a tamed horse
and took off riding.
19.
Honour's bond is lost by this
that Tristram wrought;
he rode north to Húnaland
to find Duke Íron.
20.
Íron, earl of Brandenburg,
offers Tristram lodging;
now sorrow fades for the young warrior
and he dwells there a long while.
21.
The swinger of the red gold lost
two of his sons at once;
young Herburt it grieved so sorely
that he was near to death itself.
22.
The bold man galloped away —
hatred drove him onward;
the thane had heard tell of Þiðrek
and there he means to go.
23.
When the mighty son of Þétmar
recognised the spoiler of rings,
there was the warmest welcome
between those kinsmen.
24.
A band of champions serves the king,
come from many a stronghold;
Herburt dwelt there with the prince
and cast off all his sorrows.
25.
So has the noble prince subdued
all the chieftains of the world;
none has such great power
that he dares rise against him.
26.
The king now seeks tidings,
famed in the storm of Þriði:
where might there be a gracious lady
whom it were worthy to woo?
27.
Men told him that Arthur ruled
alone over the British folk;
his daughter was endowed with skills
far beyond other women.
28.
Hildr is both wise and noble,
laden with grace and deeds;
there is surely no bride like her
in beauty or in counsel.
29.
The wonder of maidens — still she dwells
at home in her father's land;
there they have set gelded men
to guard her at the lady's command.
30.
The prince has the noble woman's
hall decked with rings;
no one shall, though his life depend on it,
look upon the lady with his eyes.
31.
So much is told of the woman's might —
I know no more;
all this is said of the maiden
and the half of it besides.
32.
Þiðrek has heard this report
and there he means to send.
The brave one holds the strength of valour.
The ríma comes to its end.
Ríma II
Mansöngr on love's torment. Þiðrek charges Herburt. The embassy to Arthur's court. Half a winter with no glimpse of Hildr. Herburt serves the princess at table. The golden mice in church.
1.
I am starved, for sorrow causes
pain both sharp and long;
the hatred of women and the world's din
will be eased for no one.
2.
Here within my breast there dwells
the burl-wood's yearning-maiden;
that falcon whom Fjölnir owns —
most folk call her woman.
3.
So may the breast from passion's spur
burn with love's embers,
as that grove which blazes like tinder
and lies in scorching fire.
4.
No one knows what burning love
sets the gate of bliss alight
night and day with strokes of need,
save he alone who feels it.
5.
Bodily grief, hateful and wretched,
can do men harm;
the sap is bitter and sorrow's sting —
these things must all be mingled.
6.
Mansöngr words about the jewel-lady
I shall craft no longer;
better that I make known the tale
and sing of Þiðrek the Strong.
7.
This I shall tell you: that the sovereign
speaks to Herburt the fair:
"There is one lady whom I will now
love dearly with tenderness."
8.
"If she is so bright and dear to all,
shaped in the midst of splendour,
you shall ask her father
and the maiden for a match with me."
9.
"If it seems to you that it is fitting,
a wife beyond all measure —
then I bid you go at once
and let the wooing stand."
10.
The knight rides out with the king's host —
swiftly Þiðrek sent him;
the horse bore them westward to Britain,
carrying them quickly from the land.
11.
They rode boldly with fame and might
forward to Arthur's hall;
greeted the king — one skilled in courtesy —
and all the king's champions.
12.
Kind and gentle, the prince offers
Þiðrek's splendid warriors lodging;
sixty men had sailed from France
and sat in Arthur's halls.
13.
Half a winter and rather more
the knight sat there waiting;
not a moment could the noble lady
catch sight of the champion.
14.
This I have heard: he sent away
his precious warriors:
"You shall swiftly in this fashion
report to King Þiðrek."
15.
The men with their sharp spears
turn homeward to Þiðrek;
the king will send the lady
no more men.
16.
The prince saw that Herburt knew
all the arts of courtesy;
the worthy lord bids the thane
serve within the hall.
17.
The warrior dwelt in the king's hall
and hid from the fair lady;
now he is alone, the last
of all Þiðrek's men.
18.
A gleaming wall, most faithfully guarded,
kept the white lady;
for this reason he burned within his breast —
the bride he could not see.
19.
The Christian faith with care and beauty
King Arthur practises:
there comes a time when the fair lady
goes forward to the church.
20.
From this arises the highest honour —
everyone learns to attend;
the jewel-lady from the splendid hall
must be led into the minster.
21.
There where the lady walked,
four earls went before her;
they wished to attend her then
with the most dignified they could muster.
22.
Two counts with the gold-braided Eir
walk next in the procession;
they think well on courtly rank —
to hold up the lady's garments.
23.
The birds with their fair song
fly there above her;
a canopy is set for the jewel-lady
lest the sun should burn her.
24.
The great company enters the minster,
flung about with fine vestments;
the square trembles, the citadel resounds —
there is both ringing and singing.
25.
The seat, gilded, set with gems,
stood in the middle of the church;
it was adorned and draped in silk,
with pillars set beneath.
26.
Twelve monks within the minster's vault
attend the noble bride;
there around that circle
the hall was thick with gallant knights.
27.
Herburt bears within his heart
the worthiness of those men:
it grieves him in another way
that he never once beheld the lady.
28.
The company of monks who stood beside the maiden
could bring about such things:
standing always by the chair,
holding rigid candles.
29.
His hope is that his mind's domain
will know sorrows enough;
the fair one began to sing from a book
and never once looked up from it.
30.
The women who lay nearby
became vexed with Herburt;
he stared at that chair
which stood beside the church door.
31.
The good hero stood by the door
and studied the lady's seat;
those are tricks that will later be told
which this warrior devises.
32.
The destroyer of swords was hard pressed to see
the veiled lady;
he hides the game he plays there —
little will come of it.
33.
The champion bore into the church
— wondrous, I think this tale —
two weasels, and they were made
with very cunning craft.
34.
A grey-furred beast that the warrior made
gleams like white silver;
the other mouse, eager for play,
was just like gold to behold.
35.
This creature the thorn-lord let
skip across the floor;
the fur glowed with Gefn's tears,
gilded were tail and snout.
36.
It darted to where the shadow lay
and scampered under the chair;
the jewel-lady looked upon it then,
as she had been singing a while.
37.
At last the fair swan-lady
looked up from her book;
the bright bride saw the curious beast
and smiled at this handiwork.
38.
The knight drew near the jewel-lady,
reddening his brow's gleam;
hard about his life's core
a blazing love-spark played.
39.
Eloquence fails, and what is worse —
to tell more of her;
the flood of Þundr in the stream of verse
I can endure no longer to let flow.
Ríma III
Mansöngr on love's fickleness. Herburt releases the white mouse. Hildr sees him. He greets her at the church door. A monk threatens him. Hildr speaks. The feast. Arthur assigns Herburt to serve the princess. Hildr sees Þiðrek's portrait. She chooses Herburt. The elopement.
1.
The eagle of the wished-for land becomes
ugly, to most folk's ruin;
he has shed his feathers —
I found them for a time beside me.
2.
So long has the honour of the mansöngr
been hateful and loathsome to me;
he who tangles with it may find
that a plague of troubles can follow.
3.
I care not, though the world's finery
should vanish from me altogether;
no bright woman will have me —
Venus has done that badly.
4.
The ríma left off earlier
because the knight stood by the church door;
young Herburt saw Hildr,
and his heart began to rejoice.
5.
Herburt released the white mouse;
at once she ran toward the shadow,
nimbly she set off at a run —
the lady looked up from her book.
6.
The king's daughter, red of cheek,
saw the knight a second time;
the bride looked at him and laughed,
yet neither spoke a word.
7.
The choir of clerics entered the church,
they knew how to sound the great organ,
lovingly the gentle chorus sings —
then comes the time when mass is done.
8.
The symphonia sounds, the sweet strings ring;
then homeward from the church goes
King Arthur and all his people;
behind them sits the fair lady.
9.
A little later the prince's child
stands up with her retinue;
the maiden wanted for almost nothing —
monks walked nearest to her.
10.
The warrior sees where the noble one walks;
he cannot manage to wait longer;
he greets Hildr first of all
and bows at the church door.
11.
The gold-braided lady noticed this
and gave him gracious words in return;
he wishes to speak with the noble lady
and takes hold of her kirtle now.
12.
One of the monks said this:
"You must be a treacherous lad,
bolder by far than is fitting —
dead is the life, but the fine is upheld."
13.
The warrior speaks to the old man
and grips the monk's long beard:
"I shall pluck the comb from you
if you say anything against me."
14.
The scarlet lady spoke to him:
"I see that you are a courteous man;
a strict watch is kept upon me —
I cannot tarry here."
15.
The men were to lead the linden-lady
inside Arthur's hall;
great indeed was that feast
at which she now shall drink.
16.
Then Hildr was lifted to her seat;
many a man thought well on this —
the lady's face was fair to see,
the gold lay close beside her.
17.
The prince speaks with gentle manner:
"You shall go to the women's company
and serve at their table!"
The thane rejoices at these words.
18.
"Now is the day when my daughter
drinks in the hall with her maidens;
she cares rather much for honour —
now show forth what skill you have!"
19.
Herburt stepped before Hildr so
courteously, and fell upon his knee;
then he bears the king his cup —
the gracious feast is begun.
20.
As the drinking wears on through the day,
the king sits with the fair maiden;
the prince asked his dear Hildr —
Herburt stood wonderfully near.
21.
"O fair daughter" — the lord spoke —
"answer what I ask!
How well did that man know court manners,
the lord who served you today?"
22.
The sweet lady was light in her answers:
"He may well be called a true courtier —
he knew every art;
at some time he has learned much."
23.
"Exceedingly wise is the spear-warrior;
he shall be your attendant,
standing forth and serving you —
between whiles he pours for me."
24.
The champion went among the women;
the maidens grew merry at this;
there was courtly honour turned
every day that he stood forth.
25.
He greets the gracious ladies —
Herburt with his young life;
he receives thanks from them in return;
there the feast was nobly begun.
26.
He pours the finest wine
for the glowing ember-ladies;
each gazed long at the other —
little does it span, that burning love.
27.
One memorable morning
the courteous lad spoke thus,
the lady having come to her seat:
"I would tell you my errand."
28.
"When first he heard of your honour,
my lord Þiðrek, my kinsman,
he sent me to come fetch you —
grace and wisdom guide the king."
29.
The maiden has roused this speech:
"Much has been told us of the king —
that he is rich and rules over Bern
and rides out against every champion."
30.
"Had he your stature and your beauty,
I would choose him as my lord"
— the maiden spoke to the knight —
"a man of just such kind."
31.
He who bestowed honours answered:
"I can show you something
of his stature and the proof of his beauty;
you shall judge it with wisdom."
32.
The champion carved upon a courtly panel —
it shall serve as the king's payment;
the thorn-lady asked that this
show Þiðrek in his armour.
33.
The likeness was fashioned very true;
he drew it upon a smooth tablet —
the work could well produce this:
Þiðrek rendered to the life.
34.
The noble prince wears the Ekkja-sword,
grim to the brows,
upon his head the helm Hildigrímr,
warlike and dressed in splendour.
35.
"This is no maiden's husband"
— so spoke the lady gladly —
"so grim that I would dread him;
I would rather choose another man."
36.
"Now I speak frankly to you:
it were nearer for you to woo me;
you manage well with noble women —
we are both young and glad."
37.
"This too I must say:
you have so pleased my heart —
sooner would I, fair lad,
embrace you than the king alone."
38.
"So sore is your heart from grief —
rather would my breast choose
to ride out alone with you
than to rule all this kingdom here."
39.
Herburt answers the ring-lady:
"My heart has every hour,
noble bride, loved you;
I would wish for no one better than myself."
40.
"This shall warriors learn and see:
if, my lady, you will give me yes,
I shall wrap you in my arms
though all the world should blame me."
41.
Both of them, as is shown here,
bind this pact between them,
though it anger father and kinsmen
and bring them fame for being so wed.
42.
One day, when the time is right,
he speaks then to the jewel-lady:
"Make ready quickly, O bright lady —
now we two shall ride away."
43.
Herburt gathers Hildr's garments;
she left the court not bare;
two horses stand ready,
both of them with saddles.
44.
Herburt took Hildr in his arms,
nimbly leapt up into the saddle;
the knight has had no lack of plans
to ride out through the city's gate.
45.
The champion rides with his dear one from the fortress;
the castle folk are filled with grief;
there will be no quiet among the king's men
when Arthur learns of this.
46.
The warriors earn harsh rebuke
who were set to guard the lady.
Here shall the draught of the Dovrefjall spirit
be drunk to the dregs.
Ríma IV
Mansöngr on love's torment. Herburt and Hildr stop in the wild. Arthur's knight Hermann pursues with sixty men. Herburt fights alone, cleaves Hermann from helm to saddle, kills thirty. Herburt becomes duke, then king.
1.
My mind is pressed each night;
heavy sleep is denied me;
I say but little about women therefore —
I get nothing from them but sorrow.
2.
And though the breast burns so hot,
the red flame blazing,
they will find life hateful —
and death but little better.
3.
The scarlet oak, bright and fair,
she clothes the man with her arm,
lays upon the other a burning strife
and never lightens the sorrow.
4.
These torments come upon me;
courtesy is the cause of sweetness;
I play then with blazing pain
if she grants another man joy.
5.
Venus neither will nor can
shield us from our sorrows;
so at last I weary
of composing anything for women.
6.
I take up the song: that Herburt rode
and did not spare his horse;
the bride followed the ring-lord
away from Arthur's court.
7.
A knight goes before the king
and speaks thus to the lord:
"Those who wish to receive honour
should not sit here any longer."
8.
"Sire, you gave a knight
your noble daughter;
this lad will prove, by my reckoning,
no profit to you."
9.
"This very day, when the red sun
the dawn-star began to shine,
this accursed wretch made ready
to leave with your daughter."
10.
"If you do not have them sought
and strip the knight of his life,
they will never come home again
and you will have been mocked."
11.
The noble folk had themselves armed
in broad Arthur's hall;
a knight called Hermann —
he was at the head of them all.
12.
He shall seek to dip with sixty men
his sword in Herburt's blood;
warriors far and wide across the land
could hear their weapons.
13.
Men must be told where
Herburt rode with the lady;
the thane sees — and the thorn-lady too —
the rush of the king's men.
14.
The lady weeps, downcast and afraid
of his swift death;
the ring-lady speaks, worn with grief:
"What counsel is good now?"
15.
Herburt answers Hildr plainly:
"Hear me, fairest of maidens.
Least of all" — said the jewel-lord —
"would I die guiltless before you."
16.
"It may be called the strangest torment —
of that I say no more —
to gaze upon you, ring-lady,
and have no more of you."
17.
"Thorn-ground, I mean at once
to stake your fortune;
though I lose my life for it,
it does not displease me."
18.
He lifts down his young bride;
love burns the knight;
he lays the lovely woman beside him
and clasps the bright maiden.
19.
Scarcely is the fair lady treated
as well as would befit her;
the soft bed is all gone now —
honour and the bed-clothes.
20.
The arms of the jewel-lady grew rosy
against the knight's pale flesh;
she receives many a kiss in return
and every kind of tenderness.
21.
The good knight, equal to champions,
set the example for her;
she let go of her maiden name
before the king's men could arrive.
22.
After this meeting of love
which the gallant knight enjoyed,
he leapt into the saddle in that same moment
and set the fair bride up behind him.
23.
The king's knights arrive there
as the champion sits ahorse;
Hermann shouts aloud at once:
"Hear me, vilest of traitors!"
24.
"Have you ruined the maiden at all,
you wielder of bright spears?
I shall give you worse than ill
unless you confess the truth."
25.
"The maiden was a virgin this morning —
I will swear an oath on that;
short enough was the moment of grace —
now she has become a woman."
26.
The champion calls his men forth,
those who knew how to wield a sword:
"Let every man hew and thrust as he can,
for he shall be a guest of death!"
27.
"It is no glory to fell one man
with more than a hundred warriors;
I count it a shame" — he said —
"to run far from a single foe."
28.
The fair one weeps and looks up;
she sits amid their gear;
the knight drew the fire of Rögnir
and raises his shield against the blows.
29.
The count's son rides at the warrior
and gave him a great wound;
he split the warrior and the horse together —
he hewed them both in one stroke.
30.
The prince strikes with his blade so
that the valiant one, adorned with deeds —
at the second blow he felled two men,
so both their heads flew off.
31.
The champion hews as the wheel turns;
he knew how to fight with swords;
in this way it goes with the warriors —
at once eight are dead.
32.
Hermann sees that the bright lord
will be able to fell his men;
he turns swiftly against Herburt
and raises the slender sword.
33.
He deflected with the flat the serpent's edge
from the sole of Hrúngnir's earth;
the blow sprang back from the stout warrior —
he means to avenge himself, I know.
34.
The angry knight seizes his sword,
red and fair to see;
for this Hermann lost his honour —
the sword will bite him now.
35.
Down into the midst of Hermann's helm
he hewed with his keen brand;
the temper broke through the thin metal —
that was his undoing.
36.
He splits the helm and the brain runs;
he cleaves him with the mighty brand;
the edge splits the fine man
all the way down through.
37.
The sword's blue fire caused
the king's warriors to be beaten;
all of them received some wound
before they managed to flee.
38.
Scarcely did the lord of gold spare
to fight with the reddened brand,
just as some fierce wild beast
set among sheep to slaughter.
39.
The men came before the king's table
at last, with their wounds;
they told the prince Herburt's words
and how the battle ended.
40.
The prince received that garland of grief
bitterly from the saga-lady of rings;
the thane had felled thirty men —
these lay there dead.
41.
The sovereign bore that loss
in bitterness many a day;
Herburt never came home to Arthur
and the king never saw them again.
42.
Herburt turned now to Hildr;
all hardships faded;
the thane rode on, and his noble wife —
the others lay dead behind them.
43.
Away rides the bright bride
and the breaker of Hamðir's garments;
some wounds he carried beneath them
that could not be healed.
44.
The ring-lady and her lord
cast off all their sorrows;
they came to where a mighty king
ruled over great strongholds.
45.
The champion takes the king's hand
and felled hardy warriors;
Herburt defended the prince's land
as duke in his dominion.
46.
The man of fame wed the maiden
and held joy with his wife;
he loved her ever after, every hour,
and held her dear as life itself.
47.
The prince who fed the ravens
met sickness and bitter death.
Herburt took the king's name
and held it long thereafter.
48.
Gone is all the power of verse;
the ladies may well understand.
Here ends the tale of Herburt —
let those have glory who desire it!
Colophon
Herburts Rímur (also called Herburts Þáttr), four rímur from the Riddara-Rímur collection. Poet unknown. Composed circa 14th–15th century. Base manuscript: AM 604 a, 4° (A), with variants from B and E.
Source edition: Theodor Wisén, ed., Riddara-Rímur (Copenhagen: P. G. Philipsen, 1881), pp. 65–88.
Good Works Translation by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Translated from Old/Middle Icelandic by a tulku of the rímur lineage with reference to the Wisén critical apparatus. Gospel register.
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Source Text
Ríma I
1.
Margra verður ljóða lopt
læst af harmi þröngum;
týnazt menn af treganum opt,
trúr er heimrinn öngum.
2.
Sálazt margur sorgum af,
er segir af fólki ríku;
veröldin öngvan velskap gaf,
er vissi fátt af slíku.
3.
Svó má opt á einni tíð
elskan gleðja dreingi,
at fyr brjósti brennheitt stríð
bera þeir af því leingi.
4.
Þeygi má ek á þessi hít
þrifnum skemta svanna;
yrkjum heldur efnin kát
um æfi fyrri manna.
5.
Herþegn hét einn greifi góðr,
gjarn til frægðar verka;
seggrinn átti svinnr ok fróðr
systur Þiðreks sterka.
6.
Sætan átti sveina þrjá
við svinnum auðar Baldri;
varla mætti vænni sjá,
þeir vóru á ungum aldri.
7.
Tristram hét sá einn var ýngstr
ok annarr Herþegn fríði;
sá mun verða seggjum þýngstr
ok sáru valda stríði.
8.
Herburt nefni ek horskan þegn,
hans hinn þriðja arfa:
sá var fúss í fleina regn
ok frægr at Ullar karfa.
9.
Vigbald nefni ek vópna lund,
var hann með ríkum greifa;
sá skal kenna köppum sund,
kesju ok skildi at veifa.
10.
Bjugguzt nökkurn blíðan dag
bræðr í skylmíng standa;
sárligt var þat sorgar slag,
er seggjum bar til handa.
11.
Trauðliga geta þeir Tristram lært
at tempra skylmíng stétta;
lítt er honum til leiksins fært,
leiðazt mun þeim þetta.
12.
Hæverskt orð at Herþegn gaf,
svó heyrðu dreingir fróðir;
"lítit fáið þér listum af
lært, minn kæri bróðir!"
13.
Tristram réð at tygja sik
ok tók nú þegar at reiðazt.
"Skylmíng reyna skal ek við þik
skjótt, ef þú vilt beiðazt."
14.
"Báðir skulu vit bitrlig sverð
bera í éli vigrar;
þat skal marka þegna ferð
þá, hvórr annan sigrar."
15.
Riddarinn tók sér rauða lind
við Rögnis eldinum bjarta;
æsir þenna eggja vind
með ógnar grimmu hjarta.
16.
Bróðir hans með benja linn
brá við hvítum skildi;
Herþegn mátti hlyra sinn
höggva þegar hann vildi.
17.
Ofyrsýnju at honum snýr
oddi sverðsins megnum;
með brandi lagði bauga Týr
bróður sinn í gegnum.
18.
Harðla var sú hörmúng mest,
hinn hlaut sár at bíða;
Tristram hljóp á tamdan hest
ok tók í burt at ríða.
19.
Tapazt mun af því tígnar band,
er Tristram réð at vinna;
hann fór norðr á Húnaland
hertugann Íron finna.
20.
Íron jarl á Brandiaborg
býður Tristram geingi;
dofnar nú fyr dreingnum sörg
ok dvelzt hann þar so leingi.
21.
Sína misti sveina tvó
sveigir gullsins rauða;
Herburt únga brakti hann svó,
at hélt við sjálfan dauða.
22.
Hreystimaðrinn hleypti í burt,
heiptin má því valda;
þegninn hefr til Þiðreks spurt
ok þángat vill hann halda.
23.
Þegar at ríkur Þétmars kundr
þekkir bauga spilli,
þar var næsta fagnafundr
frænda þeirra í milli.
24.
Kappa sveit með kóngi velzt
komin af ýmsum bórgum;
Herburt þar með hilmi dvelzt
ok hrindur öllum sorgum.
25.
So hefur öðlíng undir lagt
alla heimsins vísa;
einginn hefr svó mikla makt,
í móti þorir at rísa.
26.
Fylkir heldur fréttum nú,
frægr í éli Þriðja,
hvar sú væri hæversk frú
at honum sé vegr at biðja.
27.
Ytar sögðu at Artus réð
einu fyrir Brezkum þjóðum;
dóttur hans var lista léð
lángt af öðrum fljóðum.
28.
Hildr er bæði horsk ok rík,
hlaðin af ment ok dáðum;
beint er eingin brúðrin slík
bæði at fegrð ok ráðum.
29.
Hundráð meyja heldr hon enn
heima á föður síns láði;
þar skal gjöra til gelda menn
at geyma at frúinnar ráði.
30.
Þeingill lætr um þrifligt víf
þekja sal með baugum;
einginn skal, þótt liggi á líf,
líta frúna augum.
31.
Þannin er kveðit af kvinnu makt,
kann ek eigi meira;
þetta er alt af júngfrú sagt
ok annat hálfu fleira.
32.
Þiðrek hefr á þessu fregn,
þángat vill hann senda.
Ræðar heldur raustar megn,
ríman geingr á enda.
Ríma II
1.
Því er ek sveldr, at sorgin veldr
sárum harmi ok löngum;
kvenna hatr ok heimsins klatr
hægt mun verða öngum.
2.
Byggir hér í brjósti mér
berlíngs æskimunna;
fálka þá, er Fjölnir á,
flestir nefna kunna.
3.
Svó má brjóst af læiskum þjóst
brenna af elsku reitum,
sem sá lundr, at logar sem tundr
ok liggr í eldi heitum.
4.
Einginn veit, hvat ástin heit
yndis portit brennir
nátt ok dag með nauða slag,
nemá sá einn at kennir.
5.
Líkams harmr leiðr ok armr
lýðum kann at granda;
safinn er beiskr ok sorgar meiskr,
saman skal þessu blanda.
6.
Manspngs orð af menja skorð
mun ek ei leingur verka;
kalla ek betr at kynnizt letr
ok kveða um Þiðrek sterka.
7.
Yðr skal tjá, at tiggi sá
talar við Herburt fríða:
"ein er frú sú ek vil nú
elska kært með blíða."
8.
"Sé hon so skær ok sköpnum kær,
sköpuð í prýði miðja,
hennar feðr ok meyna meðr
mægðar skulu þér biðja."
9.
"Virðizt þér, at vænligt er,
vífi hælt úr máta;
biðr ek þá í burtu at gá
ok bónorð standa láta."
10.
Riddarinn ferr með ræsis her
hratt er Þiðrek sendi;
báru hestr í Bretland vestr
bar þá skjótt af hendi.
11.
Fóru brátt við frægð ok mátt
fram til Artus hallar;
kvaddi gram, sá kurtir nam,
ok kóngsins hetjur allar.
12.
Þekkr ok þýðr þeingill býðr
Þiðreks görpum snöllum;
sextigir manns þeir sigldu af Franz
ok sátu í Artus höllum.
13.
Hálfan vetr ok heldur betr
hristir sat þar ríta;
öngva stund má ágætt sprund
afreks garpar líta.
14.
Þat hefi ek spurt, hann sendi á burt
sína kappa dýra:
"þér skuluð brátt á þenna hátt
Þiðrek kóngi skýra."
15.
Höldar þeir með hvassan geir
heim til Þiðreks venda;
fleiri menn vill fylkir enn
frúnni ekki senda.
16.
Hilmir fann, at Herburt kann
hofmanns listir allar;
þeingill mætr þegninn lætr
þjóna innan hallar.
17.
Dvaldizt halr í döglíngs sal
ok dylzt fyr vænum svanna;
nú er hann einn ok einginn sveina
eptir Þiðreks manna.
18.
Glæstur múrr ok geysitrúr
geymdi fljóðit hvíta;
hér fyrir brann í brjósti hann,
brúði mátti ei líta.
19.
Kristindóm með kurt ok blóm
kóngrinn Artus rækir:
kemr sú tíð, at falda fríð
fram til kirkju sækir.
20.
Hér af ríss enn hæsti príss,
hverr mann kunni at beiða;
menja þöll af mætri höll
í musterit skyldi leiða.
21.
Frammi þar, sem fljóðit var,
fjórir jarlar geingu;
völdu þá með vella Ná,
er virðuligsta feingu.
22.
Greifar tveir með gullhlaðs Eir
gánga næst í ræðum;
hugsa rétt um hofmanns stétt
at halda upp frúinnar klæðum.
23.
Fugla kyn með fagran dyn
fljúga þar yfir henni;
sett er til um seima Bil,
svó sólin eigi brenni.
24.
Múgrinn slíkr í musterit víkr
mætum guðvef slúngit;
skelfr í torg, en brakar í borg,
bæði er hríngt ok súngit.
25.
Stóllinn gyldr, steinum fyldr,
stóð í kirkju miðri;
hann var prýddr ok pelli skrýddr,
ok pilarar undir niðri.
26.
Múnkar tólf í musteris hvólf
mætum fylgja brúðum;
þar var í kríng um þenna hring
þykkt af riddurum prúðum.
27.
Herburt tér í hjarta sér
heyrsku þeirra manna:
hann ángrar það í annan stað,
at aldrí leit hann svanna.
28.
Múka þjóð, hjá meyju stóð,
mátti slíku valda;
standa ávalt hjá stólnum alt,
stinnum kertum halda.
29.
Hans er vón at hyggju frón
harma nógra kenni;
sætan tók at syngja á bók
ok sá nú aldri af henni.
30.
Lyddur þær, er lágu nær,
leiðar Herburt urðu;
starði hann á stólinn þann,
er stóð hjá kirkju hurðu.
31.
Hetjan góð hjá hurðu stóð
ok hyggr at frúinnar sessi;
þau munu brögð síðar sögð,
er seggrinn stofnar þessi.
32.
Falda Guð var fáss at sjá
fleygir snarpra sverða;
leynipar þat leik hann þar,
lítt mun til þess verða.
33.
Kappinn bar í kirkju þar
— kyndugt frá ek þat þætti —
völskur tvær ok vóru þær
víst með klókum hætti.
34.
Grálynt dýr, at garprinn býr,
glóar sem silfrit hvíta;
illsku fús var önnur mús
jafnt sem gull at líta.
35.
Þetta dýr lét þorna Týr
þegar um gólfit skoppa;
glóaði hár með Gefnar tár,
gyltr er hali ok snoppa.
36.
Skauzt at þar, sem skugginn var,
ok skopaði stólinn undir;
seima Bil mun sjá þar til,
sem súngit hefr um stundir.
37.
Loksins tók at líta af bók
listar svanninn fríði;
brúðrin hýr sá brögðótt dýr
ok brosar at þessu smíði.
38.
Riddarinn brá við refla Ná
rjóðum ennis líma;
leikur fast um lífsins past
logandi elsku íma.
39.
Mælskan þverr, ok þat er nú verr
at þylja fleira af henni;
Þundar Níl um þrætu stíl
þoli ek ei leingr at renni.
Ríma III
1.
Öglir verður óska fróns
öllum mest til blíðu tjóns;
fjaðrir hefr hann felt af sér,
fann ek þær um stund hjá mér.
2.
Mér hefr verit so leingi leiðr
látafullur manspngs heiðr;
finna má sá, er fæzt við hann,
flesta nauð þá verða kann.
3.
Hirði ek ei, þótt heimsins skraut
hverfi frá mér öll á braut;
vilja mik eingin vífin björt,
Venus hefr þat illa gjört.
4.
Reistizt af því ríman fyrr,
at riddarinn stóð við kirkju dyrr;
Herburt úngi Hildi sá,
hjartat tók at gleðjazt þá.
5.
Herburt slepti hvítri mús,
hon var þegar í skuggann fús,
fráliga hon til ferðar tók,
fljóðit leit af sinni bók.
6.
Ræsis dóttir rjóð í kinn
riddarann leit í annat sinn,
brúðrin sá til hans ok hló,
hvórki talar við annat þó.
7.
Klerka sveit í kirkju fór,
kunnu at þjóta organ stór,
kærliga sýngur kórrinn blíðr,
kemr þar enn at messan líðr.
8.
Sinfóns þaut enn sæti streingr,
síðan heim frá kirkju geingr
Artus kóngr ok öll hans þjóð;
eptir sitr hit væna fljóð.
9.
Stundu síðar stillis jóð
stendur upp með valda þjóð;
meyna skorti meingit fæst,
múnkar geingu henni næst.
10.
Rekkur sér hvar ristill geingr,
hann ræður eigi at bíða leingr,
heilsar upp á Hildi fyrr
ok hneigði sik við kirkju dyrr.
11.
Geymdi at því gullhlaðs skorð
ok gaf honum aptur líka orð;
tala vill hann við tígna frú
ok tekr í hennar kyrtil nú.
12.
Mælti þetta múnkrinn einn:
"muntu vera einn falskur sveinn,
djarfari heldr en dæmi sé,
dautt er líf en uppnæmt fé."
13.
Garprinn talar við gamlan segg
ok grípr í múnksins síða skegg:
"ek skal kömpum kippa af þér,
ef klifar þú neitt til óliðs mér."
14.
Skarlats mælti skorð við hann:
"skil ek, at þú ert einn hæverskr mann,
vörðr er haldinn mikill á mér,
má ek því eigi dvelja hér."
15.
Lýðir skyldu lauka þöll
leiða inn í Artus höll;
harðla mikil var hátíð sú,
at hon skal drekka inni nú.
16.
Þá var Hildur hafin í sess,
hugði margur gott til þess,
frúinnar andlit fagrt at sjá,
fold var næsta gullit hjá.
17.
Þeingill talar með þýða lund:
"þú skalt gánga á vífa fund,
þjóna upp á þeirra borð!"
Þegninn gleðzt við þessi orð.
18.
"Nú er sá dagr, at dóttir mín
drekkr í höll með meyjum sín,
henni er heldr um heiðrinn vant,
ok haf nú frammi þat er þú kant!"
19.
Herburt svó fyr Hildi sté
hæverskliga ok féll á kné;
síðan berr hann kóngi ker,
kurteis veizlan stofnuð er.
20.
Þenna dag sem drykkjan líðr,
döglíng sitr ok ristill blíðr;
hilmir spurði Hildi kær,
Herburt stóð þar furðu nær.
21.
"En ljúfa dóttir — lofðúng kvað —
leystu þat er ek frétti að!
hversu kunni hofmanns plag
herrann sá er þér skeinktí í dag?"
22.
Sætan var af svörunum létt:
"sá má heita hofmann rétt,
at sá kunni alla art,
einnhvern tíma lærði hann mart."
23.
"Harðla vitr er hristir fleins,
hann skal verða yðr til sveins,
standa frammi ok þjóna þér,
þess á milli hann skeinkir mér."
24.
Kappinn gekk í kvenna lið,
kátar urðu meyjar við,
þar var hofmanns heiður vendr
hvern þann dag hann frammi stendr.
25.
Heilsar upp á hæversk víf
Herburt með sitt únga líf;
þá hann þökk af þeim ígen,
þar var veizlan stofnuð klén.
26.
Byrlar hann hit bezta vín
báru glóðar æski-Lín;
hvórt til annars löngum leit,
lítit spennir elskan heit.
27.
Merkiligan myrgin einn
mælti þanninn kurteiss sveinn,
frú var komin í sæti sitt:
"segja vil ek þér erindit mitt."
28.
"Fyrst hann heyrði heiðrinn þinn,
herra Þiðrek frændi minn,
sendi hann mik at sækja yðr,
sæmd ok vizka kónginn styðr."
29.
Meyjan hefr svó málit vakt:
"mikit er oss af kóngi sagt,
at hann sé ríkr ok ræður Bern
ok ríði út við kappann hvern."
30.
"Hefði hann vöxt ok vænleik þinn,
ek vilda kjósa hann herra minn"
— ristill talar við riddara þann —
"rétt at öllum slíkan mann."
31.
Svaraði hinn er sæmdir gaf:
"sýna má ek þér nökkut af
vexti hans ok vænleiks mekt;
virða skulu þér þat með spekt."
32.
Kappinn reist á kurteist spjald,
kóngsins mun þat verða gjald;
þessa beiddi þorna Lín,
Þiðrek væri með blóma sín.
33.
Mannlíkan var mjök svá rétt,
hann markaði upp á tapel svó slétt,
verkit mætti valda slíkt,
væri Þiðrek öllum líkt.
34.
Öðlíng spennir Ekkasax
ylgður mjök til brúna lags,
á höfði hjálminn Hildigrím,
hermannligr ok búinn í stím.
35.
"Ekki er þetta meyjar maðr"
— mælti þanninn svanninn glaðr —
"ylgður so at ek hræðumzt hann;
heldur kjöra ek annan mann."
36.
"Næsta mæli ek nú til þín,
nær væri þér at biðja mín,
þú kant vel við vífin fríð,
vit erum bæði úng ok blíð."
37.
"Þat er at segja meira með,
at mér hefr þú svá virðzt í geð,
fyrri kjöra ek, fríði sveinn,
faðma þik en kónginn einn."
38.
"Svá er af hörmum hjartat þítt,
heldur kjörí nú brjóstit mitt
at ríða úti ein með þér,
en öllu ríki at stýra hér."
39.
Herburt anzar hringa grund:
"hjartat mitt hefr alla stund,
ágæt brúðrin, unnat þér;
öngum vilda ek betr en mér."
40.
"Þat skulu fyrðar frétta ok sjá,
ef, fljóðit, viltu gefa mér já,
skal ek á armi vefja þik,
þótt allr heimrinn skuldi mik."
41.
Bæði þau, sem birtizt hér,
binda þetta ráð með sér,
þó at þat banni feðr ok frændr
ok frægðir þeim, at svó er kvændr.
42.
Nökkurn dag, sem tími er til,
talar hann þá við menja Bil:
"bú þik skjótt, en bjarta frú,
í burtu skulu vit ríða nú."
43.
Herburt geymir Hildar plögg,
hon fór eigi af garði snögg;
blakkar standa búnir tveir,
báðir eru með söðlum þeir.
44.
Herburt tók sér Hildi í fáng,
hvatliga upp í söðulinn spráng,
riddarinn hefr ei ráða skort
at ríða út um staðarins port.
45.
Kappinn ríðr með kæru af borg,
kastala múgrinn fæðir sorg,
ei mun kyrt um öðlíngs sveit,
þá Artus kóngur þetta veit.
46.
Ytar fá því ávít hörð,
er áttu at halda frúnni vörð.
Hér skal dröfnin Dofra burs
drukkin verða upp til þurs.
Ríma IV
1.
Huganum þreyngir hverja nátt,
höfgum svefni meinar;
kveð ek því heldr um fljóðin fátt,
ek fæ af sorgir einar.
2.
En þó at brjóstit beri svó heitt,
brenni loginn rauði,
þeim mun þykkja lífit leitt,
litlu betur dauði.
3.
Skarlats eikin skær ok fríð
hon skrýðir manninn armi,
leggr á annan logandi stríð
ok léttir aldri harmi.
4.
Þessi kynnin koma til mín,
kurteis veldur sæti;
leik ek þá við logandi pín,
ef lofar hon öðrum kæti.
5.
Venus hvórki vill né má
vórum sorgum hlífa;
tek ek því loks at letjazt á
at leggja neitt til vífa.
6.
Hefi ek upp óð, at Herburt reið
ok hestinn eigi sparði;
brúðrin fylgði bauga meið
í burt af Artus garði.
7.
Riddari einn fyr ræsi geingr
ok ræðir so við tiggja:
"þeim sómir eigi at sitja leingr,
er sæmdir vilja þiggja."
8.
"Ræsir, gafztu riddara einn
ríkri dóttur þinni;
yðr mun þeygi þessi sveinn
þarfr at ætlan minni."
9.
"Rétt í dag, þá rauð fyr sól
röðullinn tók at skina,
bjó sik þetta bölvat fól
í burt með dóttur þína."
10.
"Látir þú eigi leita at þeim
ok lífi riddarann fletta,
aldri koma þau híngat heim
ok hafi þér gabbit þetta."
11.
Burðugt fólkit brynjazt lét
í breiðri Artus höllu;
riddari einn sá Hermann hét,
hann var fyr því öllu.
12.
Sjá skal líta við sextigi manns
sverð í Herburts dreyra;
virðar máttu víða lands
til vópna þeirra heyra.
13.
Höldum verðr at herma frá
hvar Herburt reið með svanna;
þegninn sér ok þorna Ná
þeysíng kóngsins manna.
14.
Drósin grætur döpr ok hrædd
dauða hans enn bráða;
hríngþöll talar af harmi mædd:
"hvat er nú gott til ráða?"
15.
Herburt anzar Hildi skýr:
"heyr mik, vænust meyja.
Sízt vilda ek — kvað seima Týr —
saklauss fyr þik deyja."
16.
"Kalla má þat kynstra pín,
ek kveð þar eigi um fleira,
horfa upp á þik, hringa Lín,
ok hafa þín eigi meira."
17.
"Þorngrund, ætla ek þegar í stað
þínum kosti at spilla;
þó at ek láti líf fyr þat,
þá líkar mér eigi illa."
18.
Tekr hann ofan hit únga líf,
ástin riddarann brennir,
leggur hjá sér listugt víf
ok ljósa júngfrú spennir.
19.
Varla er breytt við væna frú
vel, sem henni stæði;
hæg sæng öll er horfin nú,
heiðr ok rekkju klæði.
20.
Rjóðust faðmar refla Hnoss
riddarans holdit bleika,
þiggr á móti margan koss
ok margskyns blíðuleika.
21.
Góði riddari görpum jafn
gaf henni eptirdæmi;
áður lét hon júngfrú nafn,
en öðlíngs menn at kæmi.
22.
Eptir þenna elsku fund,
er átti riddarinn prúði,
hann hljóp í söðul í samri stund
ok setr upp væna brúði.
23.
Kóngsins riddarar koma þar at,
er kappinn sitr á hesti,
Hermann kallar hátt í stað:
"heyr mik, svikarinn versti!"
24.
"Hefr þú nökkut sprundi spilt,
spennir bjartra fleina,
veita skal ek þér verr en ilt,
ef viltu ei sanna greina."
25.
"Meydóm hélt í morgun sprund,
ek má þar eið á vinna;
nógu stutt er náða stund,
nú er hon orðin kvinna."
26.
Kappinn kallar hölda á,
er kunni sverð at hrista:
"höggvi ok leggi hverr sem má,
því hann skal dauðann gista!"
27.
"Fremd er eigi at fella einn mann
fleirum en hundrað sveinum;
reikna ek skömm at — ræddi hann —
ef renni ek lángt fyr einum."
28.
Sætan grætr ok sér upp á,
hon sitr hjá þeirra plöggum;
Rögnis eldi riddarinn brá
ok reisir sköld við höggum.
29.
Greifans sonr at garpi ríðr,
gaf honum stóra skeinu;
höldinn sundr ok hestinn sníðr,
hjó hann þat alt í einu.
30.
Sköldúng vegr með skjóma svó
skarti prýddr ok dáðum;
hjó hann í öðru hölda tvó,
so höfuðit fauk af báðum.
31.
Kappinn höggr sem krínglan snýzt,
sá kunni at vega með hrotta;
þann veg at með þegnum býzt,
þegar eru dauðir átta.
32.
Hermann sér, at herrinn skýrr
hans mun falla kunna;
hratt í móti við Herburt snýr
ok hefr upp sverðit þunna.
33.
Flatri brá við fofnis egg
foldu Hrúngnis ilja;
höggit stökk af hraustum segg,
hefna frá ek hann vilja.
34.
Hrotta grípur riddari reiðr,
rjóðr ok fagr at líta;
þar fyrir misti Hermann heiðr,
honum mun sverðit bíta.
35.
Ofan í miðjan Hermanns hjálm
hann hjó með snörpum brandi;
þokka brast fyr þunnum málm,
þat varð honum at grandi.
36.
Hjálminn sundr ok heila rann
hann hlutar með brandi megnum;
eggin klýfur ítran mann
allan niðr í gegnum.
37.
Hrottans gjörði brandrinn blár
bragna kóngsins lýja;
allir feingu eitthvert sár,
áðr en náðu at flýja.
38.
Varla sparði vella Týr
at vega með brandi rauðum,
rétt sem eitthvert óarga dýr
ætti at skripta sauðum.
39.
Lýður inn fyr lofðúngs borð
loks með sárin kvómu;
hilmi sögðu Herburts orð
ok hversu at létti rómu.
40.
Hilmir fékk þann harma krans
hart af menja Sögu;
þegninn feldi þrjátigi manns,
þessir dauðir lágu.
41.
Mildíng beið af missi þeim
margan dag so stríðan;
eigi kom hann til Artus heim
ok aldri sá hann þau síðan.
42.
Herburt veik at Hildi nú,
hurfu allar nauðir;
þegninn reið ok þriflig frú,
þeir lágu eptir dauðir.
43.
Burtu ríður brúðrin skær
ok brjótur Hamðis klæða;
göngvar hafði hann undir þær,
at eigi mátti græða.
44.
Hringa grund ok herrann slíkr
þau hrinda öllum sorgum;
kómu þar at, sem ræsir ríkr
réð fyr stórum borgum.
45.
Kappinn geingur kóngi á hand
ok kempur röskvar feldi;
Herburt varði hilmis land
hertugadóms í veldi.
46.
Frægðar maðrinn festi sprund,
fagnað hélt með vífi,
elskar síðan alla stund
ok unni rétt sem lífi.
47.
Sjóli fékk, er saddi hrafn,
sótt ok dauða stríðan.
Herburt tók þar hilmis nafn
ok hélt því leingi síðan.
48.
Farinn er allur fræða máttr;
fljóðin mega þat skilja.
Hér skal úti Herburts þáttr;
hafi þeir hróðr sem vilja!
Source Colophon
From Riddara-Rímur, edited by Theodor Wisén (Copenhagen: P. G. Philipsen, 1881), pp. 65–88. Base manuscript: AM 604 a, 4° (A), with variant readings from B and E. The source text above follows Wisén's critical text with normalized orthography; OCR artifacts from the 1881 printing have been silently corrected.
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