Five rímur preserved in AM 604h (A) and AM 603 (B), both parchment manuscripts in the Arnamagnæan Collection, Copenhagen. No prose original is known. The cycle draws on the widely-told medieval legend of Hugh Primas of Orléans, the Paris clerk renowned throughout Europe for his wit and learning. The poet names the cycle Klerkaspil — "the Clerk's Play" — in the closing stanza. These are the only known English translations of the cycle.
Ríma I
1.
Always the clear bard knows
how to part wisdom from poor learning;
one adventure I will utter
that was told from foreign lands.
2.
Step now into the ringing dance —
let the company of champions listen;
one master in the midst of France
adorned himself with pride.
3.
Prímas was a Paris clerk
who practiced the gentle arts;
great and learned and strong in learning —
that will be known hereafter.
4.
Another clerk ruled in his realm,
a man who practiced strife;
they, the bright school-brothers,
set themselves to the arts.
5.
Though all the clever masters
would contend with this young man,
he wove his arguments so skillfully
they were all put to silence.
6.
The men-folk had joy enough
and sought no sorrow;
the elder clerk wanted to go out to the forest
alone one day.
7.
Ílas was the younger man's name,
free from all pains;
he follows his wise master
away from his school.
8.
All the path was set with apple trees;
they went out to the forest,
found sport in this play —
for they were enticed there.
9.
The keeper went to look for them;
the clerks were long delayed;
they did not come home in the evening —
wisdom will prove itself in deeds.
10.
The men found them nowhere;
they went to explore the forest;
the wood is great and dense —
it will bar the ways.
11.
The younger clerk said:
"All my strength is giving out;
here before us are such great forests —
must we both die?"
12.
The elder clerk encouraged him:
"What will harm us?
It is good for those who know the trick —
I fear no difficulty."
13.
"I will not go onward now,
glad though it cost my life —
not one step from here,
most of all from weariness and thirst."
14.
"Take yourself away and help yourself;
I trust your fortune well;
let me lie behind here —
my strength is spent."
15.
"You shall not part from me here,
man, on our journey;
I can keep you alive for much of the day —
lie on my shoulders."
16.
The man's path is not easy —
the matter grows heavier for that —
for he bears and carries both,
the younger clerk on his back.
17.
They labored in the forests
many nights on the road,
until the two came in the evening
to a narrow castle gate.
18.
The elder clerk called out —
such are rarely met:
"Where will you go for lodging —
a hall, or a smaller farm?"
19.
"It is far from my desire
to find these men;
who will want to help you?
We have nothing to exchange."
20.
The two clerks in the evening
came to a close upper room;
they seated themselves in comfortable rest
and saw there one woman.
21.
"Good housewife, give me wine —
good drink is welcome;
I will rest in your house —
I have coins enough."
22.
The housewife saw that he would
withhold no rightful gifts;
they went into the locked upper room;
all weariness is ended.
23.
The men drank far into the night
in the woman's upper room;
the man of arts will repay quickly
and opens his purse.
24.
Prímas laid coins on the table,
proud, and speaks to the housewife:
"Take these gifts, you gold-tree —
and give us the best drink."
25.
They stay another day;
no gifts are lacking;
they sit together in comfort,
both sitting and drinking.
26.
The younger clerk marvels at this —
his honor will not diminish;
Prímas is so rich in coins
he treats them just like a lord.
27.
The third day, with the woman's will,
those men go wandering
to where the lord's gracious household
performs before the crowd.
28.
A great count held the feast —
it is known far and wide;
the nobleman had a dear and gentle
single beautiful daughter.
29.
He is so careful about his ring-woman —
one can well speak of this;
no honest man would dare
to speak with the gentle maiden.
30.
He kept her in a gleaming tower;
two companies of warriors guarded her;
no man of any rank was so bold
as to touch her garment.
31.
Unless the count himself gladdened
warriors and all the people —
then the sweet one would give her father
true entertainment.
32.
The two rich clerks go wandering
among the gathering;
there the count has given the people
joy and all good gifts.
33.
The glorious people would be comforted
if they heard such entertainment;
there dances the splendid woman —
the count's rich daughter.
34.
One clerk is come from France,
known for clever tricks;
he goes with that lady in the dance
who in beauty bears far above all.
35.
The younger clerk fears
a very great misfortune;
he believes they will immediately
take his life.
36.
The lord himself sees
that she will love the clerk;
the count gave himself no concern —
it is good to know such things.
37.
He dances then with the sweet Hnoss;
he wants to trick the man;
he gave her then a sweet kiss
and sets off with that.
38.
They go home with joyful noise;
little is left to complain of;
the housewife welcomes the clerks joyfully
and gave them wine to drink.
39.
They drink as the noble woman bids;
the men think of their journeys;
the men of arts lie down —
sleep will soon come.
40.
Then the younger man looked up
with both his eyes;
I fear he will not lie longer
even a little while in comfort.
41.
"My wisdom is small;
the situation grows heavier;
the woman has come to you alone" —
the younger clerk says.
42.
"You must choose now, clerk:
the trick is not lost;
either leave, or let us three lie here —
I will do what seems best to me."
43.
"Here shall the sweet man lie himself
in your bed";
he went down to the floor of the bedcloset
and held to his shirt.
44.
The woman who has come here
pleases the clerk greatly;
she herself draws off her clothes —
such play-wounds are sharp.
45.
She lies down beside the shining clerk
in artful bed-clothes;
the lady is in a silk shift —
they both sleep very well.
46.
She gave him with wisdom and understanding
such worldly bliss;
she gave him all the power of her maidenhood
to that one great master.
47.
Prímas the clerk and the bright woman
practiced all that they desired;
he did not sleep all the night —
he only kissed the maiden.
48.
That morning, when men heard
of the count's precious woman,
the sweet one had slipped from the bed —
the good master sleeps on.
49.
The count speaks with painful sorrow
and misses his ring-Gefn:
"My daughter is gone from the castle —
tricks must be at work here."
50.
"I will do you no harm,"
the keeper said to the noblewoman,
"if you tell me the truth" —
the sweet one trembled with fear.
51.
The quick-tongued jewel of debate
must now declare;
the loving play and all the tricks —
it is best to end the ode here.
Ríma II
1.
Let the glorious account be heard now
by the band of men from the gracious lady;
the sweet one was forced afraid
to tell her journey full of sorrow.
2.
"I was led out through the upper room quickly;
the art showed this power;
I came down there beside two clerks —
a woman was before them."
3.
"The elder clerk knows so much;
he did not spare the trick;
woe for my poor misfortune —
he wrapped me in his arms."
4.
"Set about quickly," the champion said:
"We shall burn the clerks in place;
search through all the upper rooms,
small castles and larger halls."
5.
The count speaks to his warriors:
"A hundred men each night
shall guard my daughter —
here will soon be trouble."
6.
A hundred men fully armed
look up at the fair lady;
the swan sat pleasantly over the table —
she did not go away, after that.
7.
The ruler had a rich kinsman,
one advisor and a bold following;
the people are frightened, the guilty are fled;
a plan was not found, for all that.
8.
An old man comes to the assembly —
wise, he spoke, guardian of peace:
"Almost everything comes to the man of words;
great is the hardship of this land."
9.
"Lord, clothe decent men;
have not helped them poorly yet;
the count speaks of the heavy ordeal;
all are silent as cattle."
10.
"Go now to the count's hall,
be very bold about clever counsel;
when the ruler asks for counsel —
drive your heads into the ground."
11.
"Lord Count, hear my words:
whether it is true that the ring-woman
goes away every night —
do you have little power of counsel?"
12.
"Old Karl, teach us the plan,
so that we may get hold of these clerks;
I will repay them with the pain of life —
those who played with my daughter."
13.
"My plan is this: when the highest bridge is crossed,
the richest one goes now into the upper room,
before the sweet one goes home —
have her hold onto two edges."
14.
"Place this white hen's egg
so it looks down onto the smooth wall;
to the people — the play will prove true;
it sticks fast to the hard wall."
15.
"Then each man who enters the house
will be known there;
the champions will handle the clerk so —
tell me if he is not found."
16.
The champions came to the upper room
where the two clerks sat inside;
one rich housewife was with them —
I have never heard such a trick.
17.
The band of men, very strong,
seized the elder clerk immediately;
a fetter is locked at his feet;
the bolt on his back set tightest.
18.
The good housewife who kept him
wept at once for the young man;
the younger clerk cried out then
no less than a ring-Nanna.
19.
The count convened a great assembly;
warriors cast a circle around the clerk;
they then pronounced that judgment —
he was to die on the gallows.
20.
He got nowhere with his magic;
he knew neither mercy nor peace;
the clerk was flogged with a rod,
soundly beaten and then hanged.
21.
The bold man spoke clearly:
"Who will win such a victory?
We saw him hang in seven ways —
where are this man's arts?"
22.
The count received all his joy;
the gallows stood where the clerk hung;
the ruler went to the hall now —
avenged are those who played with the lady.
23.
A group is come to the seat;
the count himself spoke then:
"Where is my rich counselor?
He cares nothing for his lord."
24.
The duke's pages look about;
he is sought at once;
he is found nowhere in the peaceful castle;
they go through house and marketplace.
25.
They come to where the clerk hung;
a small page went to him;
he cried out with grim sorrow:
"Our count is in hard trouble."
26.
"I recognize the counselor properly —
the ruler's page has the news;
this is the greatest misfortune for honest men
if you have had him hung on the gallows."
27.
The page comes before the ruler's table,
wise, and spoke these words:
"Shamefully, my lord —
I saw your counselor hanged."
28.
"This wonder trick is not
put to disgrace upon the men;
I call this a rare device
if the clerk has again slipped away."
29.
The men want now to hear this;
the fair housewife sat in the upper room;
she mourns for whichever weighs more —
the ring-woman and that clerk.
30.
The clever master comes in there;
his companion and the sharp brother —
the gracious woman welcomes him well
and asked how things had gone.
31.
"I went forward to the assembly;
there was no danger for me;
the guards were so witless —
I heard their whole judgment."
32.
"The counselor was taken by the ruler's men;
all decided to whip him;
the prince was not keen-eyed —
he received eighteen strokes of the rod."
33.
That evening, out of the lord's hall,
the bright ring-woman departed again —
the same as on other nights —
the worthy clerk arranged all this.
34.
The count was cruelly fierce;
a grim one slips from his hands;
after that he arms many men;
he wants to find the master again.
35.
It will finally be of no use if it goes on longer —
the company goes into the upper room;
Prímas the clerk sits on the bench;
they test him to see if he is wise.
36.
He was dragged out by the hair;
those who had suffered took their revenge;
naked he was made to lie on the road;
every one who could reach him beat him.
37.
The strong one wanted to avenge himself;
shamefully was Prímas the clerk
dragged by the hair across the land.
The Riding of the Horse is broken to splinters.
Ríma III
1.
Most men know the skill
of famous deeds;
therefore shall the third play
be told of these clerks.
2.
He who always has a device ready
with art and daring —
the man wanted to drag the lord's peace
by the hair.
3.
The lord writhed in turning grief
who had clung to the danger;
there the clerk will be burned at the stake
if the men decide.
4.
He was flung forward onto the pyre,
frightfully hot;
he does not pray for his soul
nor sings anything.
5.
A fire was lit furiously strong
by the bold people;
there the playful man of tricks
was burned to ash.
6.
"Let him go," said the count, "back
among decent men —
his art and the power of his play
are far beyond measure."
7.
The count himself went into the hall
with his warriors;
the company was seated in all their places;
the pain was lifted.
8.
The count had nearly a suspicion now
about the people's tricks:
"Where is my dear son now?
I do not see him."
9.
The men seek the young man
throughout the whole castle;
his mother bore
such great grief for this.
10.
They come now to where the fire was lit —
gone cold in the oaks;
the count's son is not found anywhere —
what is happening in the play?
11.
The knight found a red tunic
from the rim of wealth:
the count's heir owned it —
it was woven with gold.
12.
"Cruelly it stands now in this realm —
these later wrongs:
'You have burned in bright fire
a pleasant youth.'"
13.
It was now clear — a crime without equal —
by both ring-people;
the worthy lord and the mother of the youth
were about to break apart with grief.
14.
The lady sat weeping in the upper room
and fed her sorrow;
now the wise clerk comes in
late in the evening.
15.
"Reckon to us," said the marked one,
"of your counsel:
how did you, the settled clerk,
get out of your hard pains?"
16.
"I will tell you clearly, bright brother,
the true tricks:
not one of the count's men
has done me any harm."
17.
The count's daughter, to the strong champion,
with magic and pain —
she went again to the clever clerk
out of her castle.
18.
The count convened a great assembly
and went to the center;
he assigned the worthy ones to a circle of honor
and chose his following.
19.
"Let the mighty ones give counsel quickly,
my knights —
how shall I take vengeance on those
who torture honest men."
20.
The strong trick is what the ruler hears
from the fire of counsel;
all were silent, as before —
for none of them knew.
21.
All the people's uproar is ended
and falls quiet;
the old man comes to the assembly
and he knows so much.
22.
"Be not now too bold in yourself,
my great rich count —
you will not get to flog that clerk
who deceives men."
23.
"Your men did not get
to match his deeds;
offer something — clever arts' counsel —
so that the play is won."
24.
"All the army may think
that I want to counsel;
else you shall see for yourself
sorrow and trouble."
25.
"You shall go, rich count,
to the wise man;
come and see what the clerk offers
in good terms."
26.
"If he will take the gold-woman
with pleasure and peace,
speak not a single word against
the master's counsel."
27.
"He shall protect this realm
with full authority;
he has then made amends for himself —
the ring-Hrund."
28.
The count accepts the old man's
whole counsel;
then the noble swan shall wed
on the count's estate.
29.
The count goes up to the upper room
with his warriors;
there sat the courtly, gallant clerk
and offered him wine.
30.
The worthy warrior greeted the count
and received him well;
the playful clerk was then pleasant
and offered him a seat.
31.
"You have known the arts' gift —
to play upon us;
that condemned thing I got was shame
and the fallen Hnoss."
32.
"The rich people have been false
in the tale of the arts;
will you offer the men anything
in payment for such things?"
33.
The clever man, I believe, sees
and answers in kind:
"I have neither following nor fee
to make great."
34.
"I cannot get money enough;
little is in my purse;
all my courtly goods have come
into the thin shirt."
35.
"To the people it will matter little
across this land;
will you, count, give me
a gold-clasp as a gift?"
36.
The count understood the men's trouble
and looked at the warrior;
here must come, for these troubles,
a resolution for the company.
37.
"I know not, though it has gone forward
with force and pain,
unless we get the greater shame
from your taunts."
38.
The man caused the woman to be sought,
and so it was done;
then she came immediately to the champion's meeting —
dear and bright.
39.
"Sweet, you must wisely and shrewdly
tell me:
will you have this clever clerk
who has come here?"
40.
She chooses now — for the trick holds:
"the clerk I will have;
no other shall ever have me
if I may decide."
41.
The two clerks and the company of champions —
all was joyful;
then the beautiful woman was led
into her father's hall.
42.
Lord Count invited the men
and prepared a feast;
there came many men of power
at the ruler's bidding.
43.
The clerk went in fine garments
and costly robes;
this is a great gift of arts —
I will make it clear.
44.
The lord himself and the ring-woman
and the whole household —
they drank clearly the bright wine,
for so the hall was set.
45.
Two bold men came quickly
into the adorned hall;
they greeted the lord count
with words of honor.
46.
The worthy lord laughed then —
he who knows tricks —
the ruler recognized his counselor
and his rich heir.
47.
The warriors were astonished now —
it seemed wonderful in the count's hall;
there was the finest joyful meeting
among clever people.
48.
The lord gave to the honest men
what each would choose;
the master received there the fine gold
and the bright ring-woman.
49.
The younger clerk had now
noble gold and wealth —
that wise, excellent woman
who had served them all along.
50.
The worthy men dispersed quickly from the feast
with shining steel at their sides;
the master sits wealthy with gold
in the count's domain.
51.
His beloved was buckled on by that learned clerk;
freed from all bodily pain.
There ends the ode.
Ríma IV
Mansöngr
1.
He who can speak the verse
and keeps silent about the parts of desire —
to waste the pine-tree's withered tune
seems not worth diminishing.
2.
World and wealth, honor and fame,
and all kinds of worldly bliss —
what is all that but hate and disgust
if a man is hated by the ring-woman?
3.
The mild and rich family might find
the greatest entertainment;
no honor is like unto a man
as the love of a worthy woman.
4.
The proud bride brightens
the verse in my horn —
else the young men would fall
into no thought of rímur.
5.
Now they can love the woman of fine grace —
the master clerk pleases;
the merry men sit now
together in the count's realm.
6.
The men enjoy one day
and drink together;
the count adorns with pride,
Prímas speaks to the man.
7.
"Hearken to us, honest men —
I raise up one story;
it is fitting that you all know it from me,
fully told of my life.
8.
A worthy father I had in Rome —
Fortas was his name;
strong and notable, he ruled there
the equal of proud lords.
9.
Named to go, he sent me north to France —
the beneficiary of learning's seat;
I will tell the young men his devices —
he sent me there to school.
10.
I got little for seven years
except learning from wise masters;
the arts I missed little in those years —
I learned most from books.
11.
From that place I then went —
the people may know this —
both of us took the wandering way;
this came to me of itself.
12.
I wanted to win here in France
a ring-woman with tricks;
I sought the daughter of an honorable man,
though it seemed ill to the men.
13.
The gentle ring-woman embraced me
every night in the bower;
I taught the gold-counsel to myself
before you all at the assembly.
14.
The men made trouble and sorrow;
they came to my upper room;
the lord seemed to drag me out
and condemned me then to pain.
15.
I played out to the land's people
and to the lord's fine count;
men flogged and struck the fellow
and hung him on the gallows after.
16.
Then I won this counsel —
hear it, clever thanes:
the fellow was put out on the broad road
and they burned him entirely.
17.
The pale swan found the distressed man
that same evening;
the play was no smaller —
they thought they had burned me.
18.
The bride praised the men well:
tricks can verify this;
the men flogged a dead thrall
and dragged him onto the hot fire.
19.
The family made peace with me myself;
after that I built halls;
the honest people then looked about —
all praised the clerk.
20.
The notable clerk sits in the castle,
dear beside his bride;
the wise man drinks no longer
at a costly inn.
21.
Journeys must be told again —
matters of new sorrows;
a great man came from across the sea
all the way to the count's castle.
22.
A loathsome crowd of shield-breakers
lays at the land;
they ring around the great city,
pitch their strong tents.
23.
Two sons in byrnies appear —
of the great King Soddán;
the bold men braced themselves —
they had never seen their like.
24.
The byrnie-coat is borne and cut
if the sharp sword bites;
the chosen host of noblemen:
twelve thousand warriors.
25.
Erkus the strong was one's name;
I do not believe he would flee;
Roddian would let the arrow-point rip —
never seen in a quarrel.
26.
The count stirs from his settle —
keeps the warriors at work;
convened and arranged an assembly in the city
and stands himself in the middle.
27.
"Good people, give counsel," said
the keeper of power:
"so the family might have life and grace,
holding all in the city."
28.
The men were silent around him —
there was a fair choice of path;
the wise man came to the assembly —
the old man in the green cloak.
29.
The man spoke briefly to the nobleman:
"Troubles are gathering here;
the Serkjar are strong — so we are told —
they sit around your castles."
30.
"Send a messenger to a dear man —
skilled in sorcery with counsel:
how this army shall
be driven from the land."
31.
"The merry company tells me," so
the man began to say,
"that the notable clerk here
may win all matters."
32.
"Let the master try, if he can
make use of his arts;
it may be, even if the man fails,
that he will strive with tricks."
33.
The artful man went into the master's house
adorned with bright silver;
the well-mannered man inside
greeted them with honor.
34.
Good and gentle, the count drinks
gladly beside his son-in-law;
then the gracious, honorable warrior
tells of their pains.
35.
"It is time," said the stealer of steel,
"to make use of your arts;
the lord is going to the harbor place
and means to break the wall."
36.
"Let the merry people take my path —
let the land's business decide;
I swear to protect you yourself
and bring the men to peace."
37.
"Hold everything against the army;
do not hinder the acts;
let men lay down land and goods,
trusting in your grace."
38.
Said the honor-smith of tricks:
"Let the men first drink;
let the honest people lay down
long sorrow and grief.
39.
Let the honor-warriors bring me
a helm and fine byrnie;
alone against this whole army
I intend to fight.
40.
Lock all the halls, houses and doors —
think of closing them again;
from swords there will come a storm of trouble;
I intend to visit the men."
41.
Now is he ready — the rouser of tricks —
shakes sword and shield;
Prímas takes the bright horn,
will test his arts.
42.
The count's noble woman wept
and went to her lord:
"Dear one and company of champions
are brought low by your counsel.
43.
We will flee and scatter now —
I and all the people in the castle;
the need of death, if you are slain,
from the sorrows of the drowned heart."
44.
The proud bride put
her arms around her husband's neck;
then the gracious steerer of steel
answered with gentle words.
45.
"Stop weeping, dear love,
and play with red gold-rings;
I fear no warriors —
I will come back from trouble."
46.
With warm embraces he wraps the woman
and weaves his counsel;
the noble lady overcomes in place
the heavy sorrow and pain.
47.
Quickly through the gate the famous man —
the men let him out;
the forest shadows him densely;
the battle is near.
48.
The men lock the doors and gates
and bar the dear halls;
the lord drank deeply;
grieving avails nothing now.
49.
The shower of arrows flies to the men
after this grim affair.
Let all the fourth verse fall —
I was not found at the rímur.
Ríma V
Mansöngr
1.
Never was I sweetly asked
for verse by fair women;
therefore I am led weary with limbs
far from the silk grounds.
2.
Yet the bright women enjoy themselves
for the scarlet-oak of verse;
all my joys have been taken from me —
I must exhaust myself in learning.
3.
I searched up for that field of wisdom
that was grown with gaiety;
the proud grain awake with stone
stood with scent and sweetness.
4.
I came joyfully to that field
that was reaped up by the men;
but I carried my burden home
full of the terrors of sorrow.
5.
The ode begins where the proud army
thought to win the place;
the man of tricks blew in the horn —
the stout romance is ready.
6.
The Serkjar march with sword and shield,
they all press at the city;
before long they will get their payment
and miss the count's halls.
7.
The earth shook with the greatest force —
the master, I hear, was at work on this;
in every direction they heard
as if a hundred trumpets rang.
8.
The warriors went up to the battle-barrier
with no weapon left to bite;
they stared up at the great blows
that each was giving the other.
9.
Quickly a game of tricks was seen bright
for the men in the clash of metal;
tall oaks fall to the earth —
the folk are driven from the forest.
10.
These are giants and mighty birds of flight;
they carried clubs in their hands;
immeasurable is that magic trick —
trolls from various lands.
11.
Fiercely the giants and trolls
began to advance on the banners;
quickly when they came to the field
they struck the Serkjar with clubs.
12.
Before the men — huge and dark-blue —
a foe came from one cave;
then Roddian, bold and tall,
let one ride to the field.
13.
Horrible was the shower of arrows —
there are signs enough here;
thousands fall this day —
a third of all the Serkjar.
14.
Then another day came when the night had gone;
the wolf is given to feast;
the man of arts in the tall horn
began to blow for a long time.
15.
He will be there still — the one who furthers peace —
and sends this army scattering;
from the sea towards them comes
an uncountable great fleet.
16.
A great crowd lands at the shore —
I know no name for them;
to the men the crowd seemed heavy;
birds of flight in every prow.
17.
Warriors draw the sharp spear —
it would be better to stay home;
the foes drag into the play —
those who died a hundred winters ago.
18.
Champions thought they had come again
to tricks and fears themselves;
the dead men press against them —
a company of dwarves and elves.
19.
The old man stood with the club
and brought harm to the warriors;
Arngeirr the Giant and Ávantróðr —
all were dead men.
20.
Þránn is come to their following
and immediately performed wonders;
this one fought with Grípsson
and struck and crippled him all.
21.
Flóki came there, hostile to most —
a company from Arngrim's house;
from the east came Dumbr and Dollr,
old Dofri and Brúsi.
22.
Such a throng fought grimly;
some were hurt in pains;
others had fragments of boards
and planks from their coffins.
23.
None was so wretched and mad
that Erkus with the sword would spare —
no one lay that was not filled with wounds;
so it went forward toward evening.
24.
Nowhere can the company rest —
hard is the clang of the shield-rim;
the ghosts, when the dark night comes,
avail themselves to stand up.
25.
Most receive the call of Need's reef —
the deranged company is in need;
four thousand of the armed host —
I heard that were left.
26.
The men of tricks and the ancient craft —
let the champions keep in mind:
the man of tricks blew straight in the horn
in the third blowing.
27.
The men were strengthened with the storm of swords —
here are the powerful Dísir;
mares leap forward from the forest,
vultures fly there.
28.
The wolf-kin and the wild boar
raise up red blood;
together with Gefjon's greedy beasts
they make many dead.
29.
There came both red deer and elk,
a company of wolves and bears;
the unicorn devours men,
gladly lays waste to them.
30.
The lion began to strike the men;
the mighty panther crippled;
no tiger's tooth spared —
it began to rip the Serkjar.
31.
A little later a loud burst went up,
like the sound of a tempest;
there comes forth then and freezes hard
a company of drakes and serpents.
32.
All the serpents blew together
the burning dew of poison;
the lord's men became dead
and fell to the ground from the venom.
33.
The brave army bore stout hearts
to hew at the beasts and cleave them;
each would rather fall first
than break his battle-line.
34.
All those men fell —
the venom may cause that;
two of the lord's heirs live now;
they hold out long in the battle.
35.
Roddán's — I heard — grim anger
punishes through mighty sons;
he had play with five lions
and laid them all through.
36.
Then came the terrible dragon's wife —
she cast over the dead folk;
Roddian charged to meet the king;
she tore him apart and swallowed him.
37.
Erkus saw the serpent's wife —
the drake's age is lessened;
then many had to lose their lives —
a lion before the king's sword.
38.
Fingall sought the famous man
and four fierce drakes;
he cleft them all through with his sword;
the hero fell at last.
39.
The master lets the mighty trolls —
so this will be ended —
take themselves up and clear the field;
nothing could be found for the belly.
40.
Helm and byrnie and all war-gear —
the honest men may take it;
neither hot nor cold was seen there —
no flesh lying on the field.
41.
Prímas the clerk plays in the horn —
he has arts enough;
the trolls leap quickly to their feet
and carry themselves to the forest.
42.
The man was praised for his arts and lived —
he plays not with sorcery;
the second company went to sea
and was never found again.
43.
He began to blow in the sixth blowing —
the man in the new horn;
the great and stout beasts leap,
and all the drakes flee.
44.
He came so with his arts' branch —
the company of champions out of the fog;
not one grain of gravel was found
of all that folk.
45.
"Great is this master's judgment,"
said the rich count;
one voice was all of them together —
none is found his equal.
46.
"None shall suffer low disgrace" —
Prímas speaks to the men;
his dear one and the courtly kinsman
came to greet him.
47.
The champions went to the clerk's hand,
able to spread among the people;
he took wealth and inherited lands
after the rich count.
48.
He laid the company of people to the field
with learning's flower;
he then took the title of duke
and holds it to old age.
49.
The lady came to love the fair clerk;
she received love from him steadily;
never came to word or deed
any arrogance between them.
50.
I heard that Ílas, strong in fortune,
drew near the earl's realm;
he was once the younger clerk —
most often named in the verse.
51.
I expect that the excellent Bil
will weary of these verses;
let all call it the Clerk's Play
and know it, whoever wishes.
52.
The house of prayer is now full,
Freyr's rímu-hall;
Fjölnir's salmon, freed and salted —
go now with them all.
Colophon
Good Works Translation from Middle Icelandic. Source: Rímnasafn, Volume II, edited by Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen, 1905–1922), pp. 859–893. Manuscripts: AM 604h (A) and AM 603 (B), Arnamagnæan Collection, Copenhagen. The cycle has no known prose original; it draws on the widespread medieval legend of Hugh Primas of Orléans (fl. ca. 1130–1150), the Latin goliardic poet celebrated throughout Europe for his wit, poverty, and cleverness. The name Prímas (Latin: "first one") is the clerk's own, used historically. The cycle's enemy king Soddán and his sons Erkus and Roddian appear to derive from the romance tradition of the Saracen adversary. The dead warriors summoned in Ríma V include Þráinn from Hrómundar saga Gripssonar, Arngrim's sons (from the Hervararkviða tradition), and the giant names Dumbr, Dollr, Dofri, and Brúsi. Translated by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.
🌲
Source Text
Klerkarímur, from Rímnasafn II, pp. 859–893. Manuscripts AM 604h (A) and AM 603 (B).
- Iafnan kunna skalldenn skyr
at skilia ur frædum uondum,
eitt uill ec inna æfuentyr
er utan uar sagt ur löndum . - Koma uerdr i klokan danz,
kappa sveiten hlydi ,
meistare einn i midian Franz
mecktar sic med pryde . - Primas het einn Paris klerkr,
plagadi listir fridar,
micill ok frodur ok menta sterkr,
mun þat spyraz sidar. - Annar klerkr rikium rædr,
Recka plagadi tvista,
þeir env skyru skola brædr
skipudu sic til lista.
13 eitt
ec : þar skal.
42 plag.:
gladde .
ur:
uænn .
profatz .
sier skr.
В.
4
- þott þeir skylddu uid þenna suein
þreyta meistarar sniallir,
hann uefr þa so med uizku grein
þeir verda at þeigia allir. - Garpar hafa gledi i nog,
giora eigi sorg at fanga,
elldri klerkr ut a skog
einn huern dag uill ganga. - Ilas het en yngri man
ollum suiptr pinum,
froda meistarra fylgir hann
fram af skola sinvm . - Oll uar skiput af eplum eik,
ut a skogen forv,
potte gaman at þessum leik,
þui þeir gintir woru . - Lydrenn for at leita at þeim ,
leinge dualdizt klerkum,
koma þeir eigi i kuellde heim ,
klokt mvn helldr i verkum . - Fatu huergi fyrdar nu,
þeir foru skog at kanna,
micill ok þraung er morken su,
mun þat ueguna banna. - Til orda tok enn yngri klerkr :
„allar minkar nadir,
hier eru firi so miclar merkr,
mvnu vit deyia badir" . - Elldri klerkr hreyste hann :
,,huad mvn ockr granda,
ok er þeim gott at kuklit kann,
kuide ec ongum vanda.
uill : red .
er nu.
2 giorir.
4
112 minka.
61 Gaurpum
81 Huer. 4 þeir : at .
122 ma. 4 ongum : ecke.
I
13. „So uil ec heill, at ec eigi gengit get
gladr þott lif skuli kosta,
heidan i burtu huergi fet
hellzt fyrir mædi ok þosta .
14. Haf þic i burtu ok hialpa þier,
hamingiu treyste ec þinne,
lat mic eptir liggia hier,
lokit er hreysti minne" .
15. „Huergi skilz þu hier vid mig
halr i ockrum ferdvm,
leingi dags ma ec lifga þic,
ligg þu mier a herdum".
16. Greidr er eigi gumna uegr,
giorer þui efnit þyngra,
þui at hann będi ber ok dregr
a baki sier klerk en yngra .
17. Modir urdu a morkum þeir
margar nætr i gongu,
unzt þeir konv at kuelldi tueir
at kastala porti þraungu.
18. Klerkr en elldre kallzar þa ,
kallaz slikir færre :
„huort uilltu til husa ga
halla edr bygda smærre" .
19. „Fer þat helldr fiare mier
at finna þessa yta ,
huer mun uilia ueita þier,
uid hofum öngu at byta" .
20. Klerkar tueir at kuelldi dags
þeir komu at lopte stinnu,
setia sig til soma plags
ok sia þar eina kuinnv .
e.: nu annat. 4 baki s.: bakenu.
sidan klerkar tueir.
181 yngre .
suo. 3-4 i øvre rand A.
þui
4 uæna.
20, þeir : ul.
3 settu .
- „Goda hustrv gef mier uin,
gott er dryck at loga,
huilaz uil ec i husum þin,
hef ec pennga noga" . - Hustry ser at hann mun fæzt
hindra noglig gædi,
gengu inn i loptit læst,
lokit er allri mædi. - Fyrdar druckv fram a natt
i frvinnar lopte inne,
listar madr uill launa bratt
ok lykr upp tosku sinne . - Primas lagdi penga a bord
prvdr ok talar uid Recka :
,,gripena þigg þu gullaz skord,
ok gef sem bezt at drecka“. - þar eru ytar annan dag,
ecki skortir nadir,
samt er þeira soma plag,
sitia ok drecka badir . - Wndrazt þetta enn yngri klerkr,
eigi mun uirding þuera,
Primas er so penga sterkr
hann plagar þa rett sem herra. - Fridann dag med frvinnar uilld
fyrdar þesser reika,
þar sem herrans hirden milld
hefr
i frame leika.
3
221 seigir hann mune.
231 drecka .
uill 1.:
launar.
3
gengu : baud hanum .
Dagana þria med dyrre snot
drecka þeir i ueiztlu ,
einat fær hann feit a mot,
flest er skiott til greiztlu .
4 þa rett :
sig nu .
Fridann : Fiorda.
fromir klerkar .
2
3 gilld .
I
28. Rike hiellt einn greife gilldr,
getit er þess so uida,
doggling atti dyr ok milldr
dottr eina frida.
29. So er hann uandur um ueiga skord,
uel ma þessu hæla,
þorra skal eingi þegnna ord
uid þyda iungfrv mæla.
30. Geymdu hana i glæstum mur
garpa sueitir tuennar,
eingi uar so tiggia otrvr
at tæki a kyrlle hennar.
31. Nema ef sialfr greifen gledr
garpa ok lydi teita,
þa skal sætan sinum fedr
sanna skemtan veita .
32. Reika nu firi ranit eitt
rikir klerkar badir,
þar hefr greifen gumnum ueitt
gledi ok allar nadir.
33. Huggaz mundi herlig þiod
ef heyrdi skemtan slika,
þar er at danze dyrlig fliod
ok dottir greifans rika .
281 Riket.
3 dreingrin .
291 Sa er uande a.
32, roskir .
333 dygd-
301 Geymir hana einn glæstur.
2 fyldir (ǝ: fylgdir).
3
trvr .
31. ok l.: sina .
ugt iod.
ok : ul.
4
Ein so langt af aullum bar
audar þaullum mætum,
kuinnur einar kaudu þar,
enn kallar drucku
i sætum .
- Klerkr er einn sa kominn af Franz,
kendr af brogdum sniollvm,
hann fer med þeire frvne i danz
er fegrd ber langt af ollum. - Yngri klerkr ottazt þan
einkar storan uoda,
þicizt uita at þeir munu hann
þegar af life rada. - Herrenn sialfr horfir a pat
at hun mvn klerki unna,
gaf sic ecki greifen at,
gott er slikt at kunna. - Danzar þa med dregla Hnoss,
dreingi uill hann pretta,
gaf henne sidan sætan koss,
setr a burt med þetta. - Fara þeir heim med frygdar lat,
fatt er þeim at ecka,
hustrv fagnar klerkum kat
ok kuad þeim mal at drecka.
341 er-sa : þesse er .
Kuinnan toc i klerks[ens] hand
kurteislega med aullu,
meyunum kueikir minnis band
mickell er danzt i haullu .
363 sier.
Kuinnur horfa a klerkinn þær
konga dætr ok ialla,
:
flestum aullum
fiell suo nær
fengu geymt sin ualla.
371 nu.
3 sidan gaf hann sætu. Herefter har B :
Þegar uid mæta menia Lin
mintizt klerkr en fride,
likamss feck hun lifande pin
logar hun aull af stride.
38, þeir : nu .
I
39. Drecka nv sem drosin bidr,
dreingir minnaz ferda,
listar menn þeir leggiaz nidr,
laust mun sofnad verda .
40. Wpp leit sa enn yngri drengr
augum sinum badum,
uggir mic hann ligge eigi leingr
litla stund i nadum .
41. „Verdr litel uizkan min,
uor er hagrenn þyngri,
kuinnan einn er komin til þin",
klerkr talar enn yngri .
42. Klerkrin skaltu kiosa nv,
kuklit eigi tynezt,
leita i burt edr liggum þriu,
leik ek huad mier synizt.
43. „Hier skal liggia sætan sialf
seggr i reckiu þine" ;
hann for ofan i huilu golf
ok hiellt a skyrtu sinne .
44. Kuinnan su at komin er hier
klerki all uel likar,
klæden dregr hun sialf af sier,
sartt eru leiknar slikar.
hitt at hann ligge (ei synes udvisket) leingr; eigi i ran-
den A.
3
Sier hanna þeirra sængur stokk
sitia nu med aullu
iungfru þa med liosan lock
er litu þeir fyr i haullu ,
er mulig ægte.
enn A.
einn er :
er hier.
tynazt A.
ek:
i randen A.
4
suinn .
hinn.
3
41, Uird er litils.
2 hugr-
þin : min A.
43, huilazt .
422 so k.
55
RIMNASAFN
45. Legzt hun nidr hia liosum klerk
i listug sængar klædi,
frv er i einum silke serk,
sofa þau alluel bædi .
46. Veitte honum med uisku ok speckt
ueralldar blidu slika,
alla gefr hun meydoms meckt
meistara þeim enum Rika.
47. Primas klerkr ok pella gatt
plagar þat allt er lyste,
eigi sefr hann alla natt,
einatt meyna kyste.
48. Myrgen þann at menn hafa spurt
af mætu greifans iode,
sætan hvarf ur sæng a burt,
sofnar meistarin godi .
453 skrydd med e.
461 af.
mandoms A.
Her
3
Fadmar nu klerkr kan
efter har B :
kæru sina biarta,
ecke mælte hun ord vid hann
angre spent um hiarta.
472 plagade allt þat
1 .
frode .
482 mest af.
sofnade
4
Þegar brudren burtu huarf
bragnar hennar sakna,
geyselikt uar gumna starf,
greifen tok at uakna.
Nu er en dyra dottir þin,
dreingir saugdu greifa,
horfen burt ur huilu sin,
hier mun illu reifa.
Lydrin biozt at leita uitr
langt um bygdir nidre,
sidan fra ec at suanen
sitr
sine haullu midre.
- Greifen talar med sara sorg
ok saknar hringa Geſne,
„dottir min er burtt ur borg,
brogd mvnu hier i efnne. - Giora skal ec ecki grandit þier,
geymir taladi drotta,
ef þu segir ed sanna mier“,
sætan skalf af otta . - Menia poll i mali snioll
mvn nv verda at inna,
blidu leik ok brogden oll,
best mvn odi at linna.
Ríma II
-
Herlig freden heyri nv
holda sueit af venne frv,
sætan uard at segia hrædd
sina ferd af angri mædd . -
„Leid ec ut um loptit bratt,
listenn syndi þenna matt,
kom ec þar nidr hia klerkum tueim
kuinan ein uar firi hia þeim . -
Klerkr elldri kan so martt,
kuklit let hann eigi spartt,
uei se minum uondum harm
hann uafdi mic a sinum armm“.
49, sagde.
ur: af.
3
501 lyder
i B :
Gefa skal
ecke at grande pier.
skal þat uotta .
4
enn.
leikr.- 11 Herligt fræde.
3
in.
51 , nv: ec
2
Undanferd uar einge þa,
eige gott at herma fra,
fadir minn taktu þetta at þier
þannen foru leikar hier.
55* -
„Buezt þier skiot, at kappen kvad,
klerka skulum uær brena i stad,
leite þier vm lopten oll,
litla borg ok stæri holl. -
Greifen talar vid garpa sin ,
„geyma skulu þier dottr min,
c. manna hueria natt,
hier mvn verda vpp uist bratt". -
Hundrat mana herklætt nu
horfir upp a uæna frv,
suanenn sat yfir bordi blidr,
i burttu hvarf hvn eigi at sidr. -
Ræsir atte rikan nid,
radgiafa ein ok frækit lid,
folk er hrætt en farit velldr,
fvnduzt raden eigi at helldr . -
Kemr a þingit kall vid alldr,
klokr taladi hiorfa Balldr :
„flest alt kemr til malvgs, manz,
micill er anaud þessa landz . -
Herra klædit hæferska menn,
huergi veittu vesliga enn,
greifen talar vm þvnga þraut,
þeigia allir uid sem navt. -
Gambre pier i greifans holl
geyse micit um raden snioll,
þegar at ræsir rada bidr,
reki þier hofud i uollenn, nidr.
4
73 folket hliott.
4 skiott.
feinguzt, at : þvi.
91
Herrann.
hv. vitu vier slika. 3 talar vm: kærir. 4þeigia :
10, Gambra þeir,
2
þeir tf.
þeir.
bringu .
2 braugden aull .
reka
4
Ríma II
3
11. Herra greifi heyr min ord,
hvortt er satt at hringa skord
huerfi i burttu hueria nott,
hafi þier liten rada þrott" .
12. „Karll en gamle kenn oss rad,
at klerkum þessum getum ueir nad
lavna skal ec þeim lifsens pin,
sem leikit hefr a dottr min".
13. „Rad eru min þa er reflla brv
Rikuzt gengr i loptid nv,
adr en sætan huerfi heim
hallde hun a eggium tueim .
14. þetta ed huita hænv egg
horfe ofan a slettan uegg,
lydvm mvn sa leikrin trvr,
limezt þat vid hardan mur.
15. Sidan tekr at þeckiaz þan
þegna hver sem gengr i rann,
at kappar honle klerkinn so,
kennit mier ef finzt eigi þa" .
16. Kuomu at lopti kappar þeir,
er klerkar satu inne tueir,
hustry ein uar hia þeim rik,
heyrdi ec alldri brogden slik .
17. Holda sueiten harlla sterk
hondla þegar hinn elldra klerk,
fiotr er honum at fotum læstr,
ferdr a hryggen bolltrin stæstr .
113 hverfr .
eda h.
4
- 13, er mitt þat r .
huerfr.
142 hæfe.
glydnum . sa : ei .
lemzt. hardan :
slettan A.
ec þecke þat.
2 i rann : at
4
2 err
limezt: ef
bolltrin : B har et ord der ser ud som limenn .
- Goda hvstrv er geymde hann
grętr þegar hin unga man,
yngri klerkr æpir þa
ôngv midr en hringa Na. - Greifin stefnir gilldligt þing,
garpar skiota vm klerkin hring,
dæmdv sidan dominn þann
deyia skyldi a galga hann. - Kemr hann ongu kukli uid,
kennir huerki likn ne frid,
klerkr uar med keyre fleingdr
knaliga bardr ok sidan heingdr . - Heran taladi hæfiligr :
„hverr mun uinna slikan sigr,
likit siau uier hanga hans ,
huar eru listir þessa manz ?" - Greifen alla gledina feck,
galgen stod þar klerkr heck,
hilmir ueik til hallar nu,
hefnt er þeim er lek a frv . - Flockr er komin i sætit sia,
sialfr greifen talade þa :
„hvar er rikr radgiafe minn ?
hann rækir ecki um herra sinn". - Hertugans sueinar hyggia at,
hans er leitad þegar i stad,
finzt hann huergi i fridre borg,
fara þeir bæde um hus ok torg.
18, geymer hann.
191 stefnde.
2 slogu .
224 þinna leika A.
reiknar. - 24 , Greifans A.
hus : skog.
audar
likan. hanga : huerge.
reckr.
3
4
4
- Koma þeir þar sem klerkr hieck,
knape svo litill at honum geck,
gall hann vpp med grimma sut :
„greife vor er starfadur ut. - Kenne ec nockut radgiafan rett,
rikes sueinnen hefr þat frett,
holdum er su horming mest,
ef hafit þier hann a galgan fest". - Sueinnen kemr firi siklings bord :
suinnr ok taladi þesse ord :
„hormmvliga herra minn,
heingdan sa ec radgiafa þinn".. - „Eigi mun þesse bysnna brogd
braugnum hier til sneypu logd,
kalla ec þetta kynstra prett
ef klerkr hefr enn undan sett" . - Holdar uilia nu heyra þat
hystry uæn i lopte sat,
syrgir hvort er meira ma
menia grvnd ok klerkr sa. - Kloke meistari kemr þar inn,
kompan hans ok brvdren suinn
fagnar honum uel fallda Bil
ok frette hverssu geingi til. - „Geck ec fram a motid mætt,
mier uar þar at öngu hætt,
hirdin uar su hyggiu tom,
heyrdi ec allan þeira dom .
3
262 rike.
sueinn.
þetta.
pat
273 hormul, er.
enn: sua .
29 ,
304 þa geck .
254 starf.: leiken.
hadung.
4
: i randen A.
vier.
28g þetta : en tf. A.
nu: megu.
þa uid.
3
ok..sa: eda..þa.
4
su er .
4
1
4 sau
uilia
3192
- Radgiafan tocu ræses menn,
redu at skripta allir senn,
eigi var þioden augna glogg,
atian feck hann keyres hogg", - Þetta kuelld ur herrans holl
huarf en biarta menia þoll,
einnenn nv sem adrar nætr,
olle þessv klerkrinn mætr. - Geyseliga uar greifen stridr,
griman burt af hondum lidr,
bryniar sidan marga menn,
meistara uill hann finna enn . - Sizt mvn duga ef so fer leingr
sueiten inn i loptid geingr,
Primas klerkr a palle sitr,
profa þeir ef hann er uitr. - Hann var dreigen a hare ut,
hefndu þeir er fiengu sut,
naktr skal hann liggia a lad,
lamdi hver sem til gat nad. - Hefnnazt uilldi herann sterkr,
hadugliga var Primas klerkr
dreigen a hare fram vm fron.
Ferian Hars er broten i spon .
Ríma III
- Flestir kuna fyrdar skil
a frægdar uerkum,
þui skal greina þridia spil
af þessum klerkum .
burt.
-nad : matti na A.
2
2
2 bauga
hefnatz .
hann :
þvi
tf.
til
37, haurmuliga.
Hars : min.
fremdar . 3 þar
3
4
- Hinn er iafnan leik a lid
med list ok dare,
dreingin uillde drottenn frid
draga a hare . - Herrann kuelzt i harme uendr
er hiellt vid uoda,
þar mun klerkr a bali brendr,
ef brangnar rada. - Fleygt uar honum fram a balit
furdu heitt,
bidr hann eigi fyrir sinne sal
ne syngr neitt . - Fune var kueiktr furdu sterkr
af folke Rosku,
þar var blidr bragda klerkr
brendr at osku . - „Gangi hann, kuad greifen, aptr
at gumnum sæmum,
þa er hans list ok leika kraptr
langt ur dæmum“ . - Greifen sialfr geck i holl
med gorpum sinvm,
sueit uar komin i sæti oll,
suipt uar pinum . - Næsta hafdi greifin grvn
a gumna blecki :
„hvar er nu min en sæti son,
ec se hann ecki" . - Ytar leita hins unga manz
um alla borg,
mectug bar þui modir hans
so micla sorg.
3 uill þann.
list ok: lista.
61 garpurin .
3
hier.
3
3
4
er.
ok suipt fra.
72 gumnum.
- Koma nu þar sem kueiktr uar elldr
kulen i eikum,
greifans son finzt hvergi at helldr,
huad er i leikum ? - Raudan kyrtel riddarin fan
af randa Ulle,
arfi greifans atti þan
er ofin uar gulle . - Sarliga er nv i sinnv velldi
sidana mein :
„þier hafit brent i biortum elldi
blidan suein" . - Bvit er nu firi bolet allt eins
af beide hringa,
mætr herra ok modir sueins
mvndi springa . - Fruin i lopte feskuzt sitr
ok fædde strid,
kemr þar inn nv klerkr uitr
a kuelldi sid . - „Reiknna þu oss, kuad ristell merkr,
af radum þinnum,
huersu komztu en bygne klerkr
ur hordum pinum" . - „Þier uil ec greina brvdren biort
af brogdum sönnvm.
mier hefr eingen grandit giortt
af greifans monnum".
3
kuikr.
herrans .
anna. 3 þeir hafa .
A. 2 wm beidir B;
4
2
vm
11, ridd. fan : rekr.
suik-
13, bolet allt : blodit
Sannliga er sueit i v.
enn blida .
2
hans .
hun m.
4
herra
ok
modur
Framm A.
friduz .
fædir .
2
14, Fruin B;
- Keisara dottir til kappans sterks
med kukl ok pin,
huarf hun en til kloka klers
ur kastala sin . - Greifinn stefnir gilldligt þing
ok geck i mid,
uænum skipar hann uirdum hring
ok uelr til lid. - „Rikir gefi til raden skiot
Riddarar minir,
huerssv skal ec þeim hefna a mot
er holda pinir“. - Ramlig brogd er ræsir spyr
af rada brvni,
allir þaugdu en sem fyr,
þui eingen kunne. - Lokit er ollu lyda bramle
ok lægir skartt,
kemr a þingit karllen gamle
ok kan so martt. - „Giorezt nu ecki giptan sterk
minn greifi rikr,
fae þier ecki fleinkt þan klerk
er fyrda suikr". - ,,Eigi feingu ytar nad
at atferd þine,
legg til nockut listar rad
at leiken uinne" . - „Allr herenn ætlla ma
at ec uil rada,
ella skulu þier sialfir sia
firi sorg ok uoda.
17, kloka:
i randen A.
4 kirkiu(!).
182 geingr .
3 wænan. hann : ul.
wirda .
19, til ul. A. 3ec: ul.
- 20, Um r.
er : ok.
223 fleingdan .
23, med .
4 bat . - 243 elligar.
4
25. Ganga skaltu greifen rikr
at garpe frodum,
kunn at sia huad klerkr bydr
i kostum godum .
26. Ef uill hann eiga audar skord
med yndi ok nadum,
mæltu ecki mote ord
miestara radum .
27. Hann skal ueria uelldi hier
med uella þund,
hann hefr þa spillt firi sialfum sier
seima Hrvnd“.
28. Grefin þiggr at gamla mane .
gioruoll rad,
þui mun giptaz hinn göfge suanne
a greifans lad .
29. Vpp i loptit greifen gengr
med garpa sin,
þar sat klerkr kurteis dreingr
ok kennir uin .
30. Greifa heilsar garprenn mætr
ok gadi þess,
blidr uar þa bragda klerkr
ok baud honum sess .
31. „Erit kantu lista lan
at leika a oss ,
fordæmd var su feck ek sman
ok fallda Hnoss .
32. Falsazt hefr i fræda sognum
folkit rikt,
uilltu nockut brognum bioda
bod firi slikt?"
251 þydr. 3 kunna .
272 veigar.
3 hafe hann sp.
silke grund .
283 giptur gofugr. 4 af.
303 blidu
fullr er br . - 31 , kanna listar.for.
su : B; fordæmda
321 Falsat.
fræda : B; fyrda A.
A.
- Klokr get ec at seggren se
ok suarar i mata :
„ec hefi hvorki fylgd ne fe
frami at lata . - Fæ ec ecki fe til mozt,
fatt er i ploggum ,
komit er allt mitt kurteist goz
i kyrtle snoggum . - Lydi mun þat litlu skipta
um landit hier,
uilltv nockud gull spong gipta
greife mier ?“ - Greifen skildi gumna uoda
ok garpen leit,
hier mun verda ur uondu at rada
uirda sveit. - „Veit ec ei pott farit se fram
med forzi ok pinum,
nema uær hliotum hæri skamm
af hueckium þinum" . - Seggrenn lætr sæka sprund,
ok so uar giort,
kemr þa þegar a kappa fund
kæran biort . - „Sętan mynttu suinn ok merk
segia mier,
uilltu eiga hin kloka klerk
at komin er hier ?" - Kiore hun nu, þui kuklit velldr,
klerk at nada :
„alldre fær min annar helldr
ef ec ma rada" .
þui farit er p.
2
35 mgl. B.
363 þurfa .
373 faum enn.
hreckium.
nu.
4
40, nu: enn.
mic.
skal.
3
4
:
383 kom
- Klerkar tveir ok kappa þiod
kat uar oll,
þegar uar leidd hid fagra fliod
i fodr sins holl . - Herra grefenn brognvm bydr
ok bio til ueizlu,
þar kom margr mektar lydr
at milldings beizlu . - Klerkren for i klędin uæn
ok kyrtla dyra,
micit er þetta menta len,
mun ec þat skyra. - Herran sialfr ok hringa Lin
ok hirden oll,
skærliga drack hid skira uin,
þui skipud uar holl . - Skiotliga kuomu skatnar tueir
i skreyttan sal,
herra greifa heilsa þeir
med heidrs tal. - Burdugr herra broste þa
er braugd kan starfa,
ræsir kendi radgiafa sinn
ok Rikan arfa . - Gorpum þotti gioraz nu undr
i greifans hollu,
þar var næsta fagna fundr
med folki sniollu . - Herrann ueitte holldum þeim
sem hver uill kiosa,
meistaren feck þar mętan seim
ok menþoll liosa.
411 fiolld.
leitt. feska.
i fagra h .
ok ma.
4
4
3
4
443 skyr- . 4 þui : er.
2 ma.
folkallu (!) .
433 slikra.
459 skygdan .
471 þottezt.
er enn
meste.
til A.
sueim
3
- Yngri klerkr atte nu
med ærnym seim
þa hina vitrv vella brv,
er ueitte þeim. - Virdar slita ueizlu bratt
med uigra elldi,
meistarin sitr ok gullaz gatt
i greifans uelldi. - Kuintta spenti kærv sin
sa klerkrinn frode,
leystr af allre likams pin.
þar lykr odi .
Ríma IV
- þann er kann at þylia brag
ok þeigir um afmors parta,
uella þellu uisna lag
uirdizt ecki at skartta. - Heimr ok seimr, heidr ok frygd
ok huerskyns ueralldar blida
huad er þat allt nema hatr ok stygd,
ef hatar mann sprvndit frida. - Mætte ætten milld ok Rik
mesta skemtan finna,
eingi er dreingnum æran slik
sem elski dygdar kuinna. - Brvdi prvda blidka en
bragar i hornne minv,
ella fella ungir menn
onguan hug til rimv.
493 uelldis fru.
50 , uigrar.
2
4
51 , sa: ul .
ok
24 ef-mann : um heidurs .
lykr þar.
13 þella
nu .
hiarta sinu.
3 elligar.
4, Brudir prudar. en :
- Kunne unna kuintre fry
klerkrin meistara like,
satu katir seggir nv
saman i greifans rike . - Ytar nytir nockurnn dag
nadu saman at drecka,
greifen reifir pryde plag,
Primas talar uit recka.
7.
„Hlydi þyder holdar a,
hef ec upp fræsognn eina,
um æfe hæfir ydr at tia
alla af mier at greina. - Fromr i Romu fadir minn uar
Fortas het at nafne,
sterkr ok merkur styrdi hann þar
stolltra herra iafnne. - Nefndr stefnde nordr i Franz
niotr grædis stola,
greine ec sueinum giordir hans,
gaf hann mic þar til skola. - Attaec fatt vm aren siav
nema annsa meistara klokum,
listar mista ec litt um þau,
lærda ec flest af bokum. - þadan i stad sem þa for ec
þioder mega þat fretta,
badir nadu uilltan ueg,
uar mier sialfratt þetta .
med.
at.
hefr.
upp : ul.
4
ec A.
81 Fimr.
merkium
styrde
at.
2
2
Fortis .
2
sterkum
stolltum A. -
3 greinum .
4
buen at pretta .
vit b . nadum .
3
- Hillde uillde ec hier i Franz
hrings med brogdum uilla,
sokta ec dottr sæmdar manz
þo seggium þætte illa. - Huildi millduz hringa lad
hueria natt i binge,
sendir kennde ec seima rad
sialfum þier a þingi. - Fyrdar giordu far ok sut,
foru at lopte minu,
drotten þottiz draga mic ut
ok dæmdu þegar til pinu . - Lyde þyda lek ec ut
ok lofdungs greifa fridan,
fleingdv ok deingdu fyrdar but
ok festv a galgan sidan . - Þannen uann ec þetta rad,
þegnar heyre sniallir,
butr uar ute a breidre lad
ok brendv þeir hann allir. - Suannen fan af sutum bleikr
segg um aptan þenna,
hinn uar minne huergi leikr,
at hugdu þier mic brenna. - Brudi lude bragna uæl ,
brogden mega þat ueita,
dreingir fleingdu daudan þræl
ok drogu a ellden heita . - Sættiz ætt vid sialfan mig,
sidan bygde hallir,
lydrin þydr þa leit um sic
lofudu klerken allir.
124 pott.
15, landsens.
baurdu .
4
16, heyrdu A.
4 at-pier : hugduzt þier.
4
183 feingu.
i.
A; eg tf. B.
19, beygde skr.
56
20
Klerkrinn merki i kastala sitr
kær hia brvde sinne,
dreckr ecki dreingrin uitr
dyr i stadnvm inne.
21. Ferdum verdr at inna af,
efni nyrar sorgar,
ærenn her kom utan um haf
allt til greifans borgar.
22. Logdu flaugden landi at
liotir briotar skiallda,
kringia hring um storan stad,
sterkar budir tiallda .
23. Synir i bryniv synazt tveir
Soddans kongs ens rika,
hreyste treysta holdar þeir,
hofdu ei nær sena slika.
24. Boren ok skoren er bryniu rockr
ef bitr sverdit snarpa,
talen ok ualen er tiggia flockr
xii.m. garpa.
25. Ercus sterki annar het,
öngu trv ec hann hlife,
Roddian brodda rifa let
Ran sa alldri i kife .
26. Greifen reifr af grettis bing
gorpum skipade idiv,
stefndi ok efndi i stadnum þing
ok stendr sialfr i midiu .
27. „Godar þioder gefi til rad,
geymir talade uallda,
so ættenn mætti æfi ok nad
ollv
i stadnym hallda" .
201 sterkr .
haullu .
4
:
212 nytra A. 3 um haf: at
er: ul.
3
A.
B: hellzt uid sina lika .
Erkur.
Rodan her og ellers .
bings .
aa.
273 æru ok lad.
4
3
4
aull .
2
28. þogn er brognum þessum kring,
þeyiu er koster uæne,
klokr tok at koma aa þing
karll i heklu grænne .
29. Taladi halr vid tiggia stutt :
„takazt hier nockut sorgir,
Serkir sterkir, so er oss flutt,
sitia um ydrar borgir."
30. „Kendu sendir kærvm hal
kuklaradoms med radi,
huersu at þessum hernad skal
hrinda i burt af ladi" .
31. „Sueitir teitar segia mier,
so nam halr at inna,
at merkr klerkr mvne sa hier
megi hann gioruallt uinna.
32. Meistare freiste ef mætti hann
menta sina neyta,
vera kan en þott uisse mann,
uilie hann brogden þreyta" .
33. Meingit gengr i meistarans ran
myndad silfri skærv,
hinn er inne hæverski man
heilsar þeim med ærv.
34. Gilldr ok milldr greifen dreckr
gladr hia magi sinvm,
sidan blidr sæmdar reckr
segir af þeira pinum.
35. „Mal er, stala meidir kuad,
menta þinna niota,
herrenn fer at hafwni stad
ok hyggur mur at briota" .
kostr.
292 hier n.: nyiar.
2 red kall. 4 flest allt.
-- 31 , teitir
A.
322 niota A.
3 kan-uisse :
hitt ef missir. 4 þriota A.
332 myntad A.
351 stal
at.
af A. 4 hygzt hann nidr at.
3
- „ Late katir lydir mig
landzens atferd rada,
suer ec at ueria sialfan þig
en seggivm koma til nada" . - „Halltu allt uid herenn til mozt,
hindra eigi dadir,
leggi seggir land ok goz
lystir a ydrar nadir" . - Sagdi bragda sæmdar smidr :
,,sitie menn fyst at drecka,
lydren þydr leggi nidr
langa sorg ok ecka. - Hirden uirda hente mier
hialm ok bryniv frida,
einn vid þennan allan her
ætla ec mier at strida . - Hallir allar hus ok dyr
hugxit aptr at streingia,
verdr af suerdum uoda styr,
*vitia ætla eg dreingia" . - Buen er nu sa brogden vekr,
brand ok skiollden hrister,
prvdan ludr Primas tecur,
profa uill hann listir. - Grætr hid mæta greifans iod
ok geck at herra sinvm :
„kæran fær ok kappa þiod
krankt af radvm þinvm.
2
37 efter 39 В.
Halldiz A.
nadir.
4 þinar .
381 bragdet. 3 leggiz A.
4langan trega B;
| allan heren at.
40 mgl. B.
Primus A.
3
- Fliota ok skiota fær ec nv
ok folkit allt i borgum
davdans naud, ef drepen ert þu,
af doprvm hiartans sorgum“ .
44 Brudrin prvda um bondans hals
badum gripr hondum ,
sidan blidr sueigir stals
suarar med listum uondum . - „Lat af grate liufan kær
ok leik at hringum raudum,
aungua dreingi ottumzt uær
aptr kem ek ur naudum". - Vormum ormum uifi at
vefr med rade sinv,
þellan fellir þorns i stad
þunga sorg ok pinv. - Fortt vm portit frægdar man
fyrdar letu siga,
skogrin nogr skyggir a hann,
skamt er bratt til uiga. - Dreingir streingia dyr ok past
ok dyrar hallir byrgia,
drotten sotti drycken fast,
dugir nv eigi at syrgia. - Ytum flytiz orua slagr
eptir þessa grimv .
Falle allr hin fiorde bragr,
faunzt ec eigi vid rimu.
453 aungan
dreingia. 4 ek: ul. A. -
4 þungan harm .
47, lata.
3
: ul.
mun.
drottir sottu dryckiu.
4
2
3
Ríma V
- Alldri uar ec med blidu beiddr
bragar af uænum sprvndvm,
þui er ec stridz med lima leiddr
langt fra silke grvndum . - Þo hinar skyŕru skemti ser
skarllaks eik at kuædum,
teiten oll eru tekenn fra mier,
tyna skal ec þui frædum . - Spurda ec upp þan specktar akr
er sprottenn uar med keti,
stolltar korns med steini vakr
stod af ilmr ok seti. - Yndis kom ec at akri þeim
er vpp uar skorenn af brognvm,
en ec flutta fang mitt heim
fullt af sorgar ögnvm . - Hefz þar bragr er heren prvdr
hugdi staden at uinna,
bragda karllen bleis i ludr,
buen er romann hin stinna . - Serkir fara med suerd ok skiolld
þeir sækia at stadnum allir,
furi munu þeir fa sin giolld
en fanga greifans hallir. - Iorden skalf af mestum matt,
meistarenn fra ec þui ylle,
heyrdiz þeim i hveria att
sem c. lvdrar gylle .
læs eikr ?
4 kuædum A.
knoss med stime A.
randen A.
4 örmum A.
- 61 sk. ok su . A.
4 - 21 en skyra .
31 Spanda. þan :
minn .
i
ilmr
enn mæte.
5, hugdezt strid.
hin: ul.
4
- Wirdar vpp i uigskord for
uopnym ongum beita,
horfdu vpp a hoggen stor
er huer nam odrum ueita. - Bratt mun ytum bragda leikr
birtr i malma rogi,
detta at iordv digrar eikr,
drifr folk af skogi . - þat eru risar ok ramlig flogd,
ruddur baru i hondum,
tallaust er þat tavfra bravgd,
troll af ymsum londum . - Ramliga toku risar ok troll
rada fram at merkivm,
kveita þegar er koma a uoll
kylfu hoggenn Serkium . - Vard firi dreingium digr ok blar
dolgr ur einvm helle,
þegar let Roddian Roskr ok har
Rida einn at uelle . - Ogrligt uar orfua slag,
er þar nog til merkia,
þusar fella þenna dag
þridiung allra Serkia . - Enn kom dagr er af leid natt,
vlfe gefr til krasa,
listar madr i ludrenn hatt
leingi tok at blasa.
81 Uida sueit i . 2 beittu . 4 huorir o , ueittu.
bera.
4 ok t.
Roddan. knar.
113 kuita A.
4 þann .
þesser.
aa þenna B.
afA.
tok :
i randen A.
3
4
2
3
red.
131 er.
þar : uar tf. A.
14, Enn : þeim A, B. en leid
-
Sa mvn enn er fredin fremr
folke þessu stockua,
utan ur hafenv at þeim kemr
otal
storra nockua. -
Vedr at lande hin mykle mugr,
merke ec onguan nafne,
fyrdum þotte flockuren driuggr,
flavgd i hverivm stafnne . -
Hermenn spena huassan geir,
heima væri betra,
dragazt i leiken dolgar þeir
er do firi hundrat vetra . -
Kappar þottuz komnir enn
vid kynstr ok ognir sialfar,
drifa at þeim daudir menn,
duerga sueit ok alfar. -
Raknar karll med ruddu stod
reckum veitti naudir,
Arnngeir Rise ok Aventrod,
allir voru daudir. -
praenn er komin i þeira lid
þegar ok kyngi framde,
þesse glimde Grippson uid
grytti hann allt ok lamdi. -
þar kom Floki fæstum hollr
flockr af Arnngrims huse,
austan at kom Dvmbr ok Dollr,
Dofri kall ok Brvse .
2
151 frægder .
lande :
i randen A.
4 flagd er. - 18, naudir.
drifu .
alfa
193 Edgeir .
laungu d.
gricka ut a lande (!).
213 Drumbr, Drollr A.
3
4 -
Molldu bardiz mugrinn slikr
meiddiz sumir i pinum,
adrir hofdu funar flikr
ok fialir af kistum sinum. -
Eingi uo so armr ok trylldr
ef Ercus suerde helldi,
lægi ecki lemstrvm fylldr,
leid so framm at kuelldi . -
Huergi nair at huilazt drott,
hart er ielet randa,
draugar þegar at dimmir nott
dvgir til upp at standa. -
Niota flestir Naumy skers
navda flockrin æri,
fiogr M. fyrda hers
fra ec at eptir væri. -
Kuklaradom ok kynstrin forn
kappar leggi i minne,
bragda madrinn beintt i hornn
bles i pridia sine . -
Holdum magnazt hiorva rog,
hier eru disser rammar,
filar hlaupa fram af skog,
fliuga þar med gammar. -
Warga kindr ok uille syr
uekia dreyra raudan,
þar med Gefions gradug dyr
giora þau margan daudan.
;
2
221 barde. 2 meidozt.
3 fornar.
ær ne.
249 huast. 4 duga.
skellde.
3 med 1.
framm: dagr .
25, fellir.
siau .
3
4
daudir. væri :
stædi A.
263 madr A. beintt i: bio til. 4 ok bl.
med þeim . - 284 snaudan .
274 þar med .
- Þar kom bædi erpr ok elgr,
vlfa sueit ok biarna,
unikornius yta suelgr,
eydir lidenu giarna. - Lionenn tocu at liosta menn,
lamdi pardus sterki,
ecki spardi tigres tenn,
tok at rifa Serki . - Litllu sidar lavst upp bratt
likt ok þytr i stormum,
kemr þa fram ok frysir hatt
flockr af dreckum ok ormum. - Ormar blesu aller senn
aurfa doggu heitre,
daudir urdu doglings menn
at detta nidr firi eitre . - Hiarta pryde heren ber
at hogua dyr ok kliufa,
fyrre uillde falla huer
en fylking sina riufa. - Allir hniga ytar þeir,
eitrid ma þui uallda,
lofdungs arfar lifa nv ii.,
leingi a stridi hallda. - Roddans fra ec reide grimm
refsar dyrum megnum,
atte hann leik uid lionen fimm
ok lagdi oll i gegnum . - Þar kom dalig drakons snot,
daudu folke steypte,
Roddian kongi red a mot,
reif hann sundr ok gleypte.
32, doggu : docku A.
fyre falla þar.
34 ,
grimmr A.
hann : ul.
3
311 lystr . hatt. 3 þar. bratt. —
hnigu.
3 ра.
351 Roddan ..
3
37. Ercus litr orma uif
æfi drakons skerdi,
þa hlaut martt at lata lif
lion firi kongsens suerde.
38. Fingaklnn sotte frægdar man
ok fiorir dreckarnir stridir,
alla klauf med hrotta hann,
hetian fiell um sidir.
39. Meistaren lætr mattug troll,
mvn so þessv luka,
hafa sig upp ok hreinsa uoll,
huergi sa til buka.
40. Hialma ok bryniu ok hernesk allt
holdar mattv þiggia,
huorki sazt þar heit ne kallt
holld a uelli liggia.
41. Primas klerkr i ludrenn lætr,
listir hefr hann nogar,
trollen hlaupa fliot a fætr
ok flyta sier til skogar.
42. Leyfdar madr um listir bio
leikr hann eigi med galldri,
annar flockrin for a sio,
fanz hann sidan alldri .
43. Blasa tecur i setta sinn
seggr i hornnit nya,
dyren hlaupa digr ok stinn,
en dreckarnir allir flyia .
371 orma uif : aurua drif B.
vard.
sprak. - 39, lætr : skr. 2 gg A.
h.
401 Hialm.
herskrud.
sier:
flyia aull.
43, tok.
2
mattug : menn ok.
SO
414 fl.
4
- Kemr hann so med kynstra grein
kappa sueit or uolke,
ecki fanzt þar aurmol nein
af ollu þessu folki . - „Mikill er þesse meistara domr,
mælte greifen Rike,
ein uar þeira allra romr,
eingi finzt hans like" . - „Plagazt eingi prydi lagr,
Primas talar uid bragnna,
kæra hans ok kyrteis magr
kovmv honum at fagnna. - Kappar gengu a klerksins hond,
kunne folki at dreifa,
hann tok aud ok erfde lond
eptir rikan greifa . - Lagdi hann med listar blom
lyda sueit at uelle,
hann tok sidan hertuga dom
ok helldr honum til elle. - Frv nam elska fridan klerk,
feck hun ast af stille ,
alldri bar til ord ne uerk
ostollt þeira a mille.
50.
Ilas fra ec at audny sterkr
iarllsens rike næde,
sa uar adr en yngri klerkr
optazt nefndr i kvæde .
441 konstra .
alldre sazt.
3
451 þetta.
ein-
3
þeira: eirnen er þat.
461 eige.
klerkr A.
472 k. hann.
einn.
hielt honum allt.
A. 2
4
næde : nade A.
483 tok sidan :
feck sier
- Væntir mic at uella Bil
uisur þessar leidizt,
kalle allir Klerka spil
ok kunne huer sem beidizt. - Bænar stadr er fullu fylldr
Freys en rimu hallar,
Fiolnes karfen fredinn ok sylldr,
fare nv med þær allar.
Bemærkninger.
Ríma I
Middle Icelandic text from Rímnasafn II, edited by Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen, 1905–1922). Manuscripts AM 604h and AM 603, Arnamagnæan Collection, Copenhagen.
🌲