Three rímur of the magic mantle. At Whitsuntide King Arthur holds a great feast but will not eat until he hears an adventure. A white-clad stranger arrives bearing a mantle woven by three elf-women over fifteen years. Any woman who has been unfaithful will find the garment shrinking, gaping, or falling away. The queen is tried first and the mantle barely covers her calves. One by one the ladies of the court are exposed — Kay's wife, Gawain's lady, Percival's beloved, the dwarf-queen, even an eight-year-old princess. Only Kardon, beloved of Kaligras, is found true: the mantle fits her perfectly. Arthur banishes the unfaithful women and the knights ride out to seek better wives. Based on Möttuls saga, the Old Norse translation of the French fabliau "Le Mantel mautaillié." Manuscripts AM 604 and Cod. Wolfenbüttel.

Ríma I

Mansöngr

1.
Most pleasing are those poems
that come before young men —
they are held dearest by folk
when they praise the young swan-lady.

2.
Not all men find
equal favour in return;
by Viðrir I trust the two winds
determine the fair-wind's measure.

3.
Whoever catches a gentle breeze
by the ring-shore's will,
he may both late and early
free himself from sorrow.

4.
But if the northwest blows
against the ship from the east,
where shall one seek harbour then? —
for that one the voyage is worse.

5.
When the fair wind does not blow
gently toward the harbours of land,
it is as though a calm on the flat sea
plays upon shifting currents.

6.
Forward one strives no less
against the long headwind;
he always gets a breeze who waits —
better it is to reach harbour.

7.
Yet though the breeze may blow now
so gently upon the land,
the maiden's faith is often uneven —
many are the examples of that.

Narrative

8.
This the new song of the South
has composed in a single sitting —
about that surpassing adventure
that befell on English ground.

9.
There was one who never let
himself be overcome in the world;
the great champion was called Arthur,
generous with burnished gold.

10.
None was thought his equal
out to the Red Sea;
across the earth he gladdened
men both rich and poor.

11.
No court was maintained so
by any honoured king;
never did one fail against two
of those pure champions.

12.
Gawain was his sister's son —
he was the greatest knight;
none was found upon the earth
his equal on horseback.

13.
Yvain was his second dearest,
the strong champion;
his helm was clasped upon his head
and bore a golden banner.

14.
Erec was thought their equal,
the prince's fair friend;
he brought the fairest home —
the veiled goddess from battle.

15.
These were in the king's hall,
clad in the greatest honours;
there too was the noble Percival,
adorned with the finest weapons.

16.
Estor and Idús they were called,
who always performed great deeds;
they bore the gleaming spear
and both followed the king.

17.
The steward Kay was known —
he served the king at table;
he bore scornful thoughts,
the boaster foremost in speech.

18.
No man of the prince
would be called lesser than another;
otherwise he found no place
within the castle grounds.

19.
So great was the press of men —
such, I believe, would amaze many —
that they thought it ill to their name
if one sat closer to the king.

20.
Therefore the king's seat was made round,
set in the middle of the floor;
all had equal claim to it
from top to bottom of the arch.

21.
It turned ever as the sun went —
such one may call a marvel;
he looked equally upon each of his men
and gladdened his bold warriors.

22.
To all he poured equally into the cup —
in honour I count him true;
each thought it a slight to himself
if he heard another praised.

23.
The prince had one custom —
adorned with golden shores —
none has equalled it
before in the Northern lands.

24.
Never would the bright prince
eat his food or drink
unless he heard some adventure —
so he gladdened all his warriors.

25.
For this his men rode forth
to fetch the king tidings;
many a man came thereby into great peril
before he was done.

26.
He had trumpets blown through towns and squares,
straight to the crossroads;
therefore many tidings flew to him
from ladies and knightly company.

27.
This the wise have set in writing,
the learned masters of tales:
the king holds a feast
and summons many peoples to it.

28.
There came first — so it is known —
a king from the land of dwarves;
he reached no higher than a man's knee,
though he stood fully upright.

29.
This one had his retinue —
sixty of dwarf-kind;
the tallest of that sword-company,
I reckon, reached him below the waist.

30.
The dwarf-king had a queen
whom clever maids attended;
she was not a full ell tall —
all of them came to the hall.

31.
There came another lord of wealth,
all grey with age;
he endured three hundred winters —
that was no small thing.

32.
This one had a hundred men,
all matching him in age;
the beard reached to his sword-guard —
gaunt such men must look.

33.
This lord had a wife
both tall and stout;
all of them took after their nature —
old age was overcoming them.

34.
Yet more people came at this time
with a wise lord;
these folk were nearly all young —
no hair was found on their cheeks.

35.
These had a thousand men
from the Land of Small Maidens;
each was followed by his mistress
in a fair bond of love.

36.
There had come to the king's court
daughters of kings and earls;
many among them were of great worth
and knew how to converse gracefully.

37.
All the prince's men kept
young and fair ladies;
they let nothing go undone —
in arts they were skilled.

38.
At Whitsuntide the noble king
was accustomed to hold this feast;
from it men would learn
some adventure or other.

39.
All week the earth trembled
from the charge of the king's men,
as though a fierce river roared there —
warriors would confirm it.

40.
Men streamed along every road
to visit the king's hall;
all this I learned from one
who knew the adder's fen.

41.
The harp sang and the fiddle rang —
it gladdened the king's company;
noble sounds in the princes' hall
that are called the timbrel.

42.
Drums were beaten and struck there,
both trumpet and pipe;
the organ song was finely rendered —
none could find fault.

43.
Champions entered with the king into the hall —
nothing could go amiss there;
the court was so courteous all
that each wished to gladden another.

44.
Clear wine was in the cups —
I have learned that from men;
there was mead and malmsey,
but common ale got none there.

45.
The queen led her train of ladies,
noble ones, to her hall;
they shone through air and timber
like lightning gleaming over the field.

46.
The champions went on the evening
to drink clear wine;
there was neither brawl nor din —
the harp lulled the warriors.

47.
Men rose early to their feet
and sang all the hours;
the prince went to the fair tournament field,
and the bright ladies to the hall.

48.
Men began to cast then —
javelins and heavy stones;
some played board games or wrestled;
dancing was dear to the young.

49.
The roasters go to their work,
the stewards dress the tables,
the cellar-men come with wine —
then food is served in cups.

50.
So it passed beyond mass-time;
the meal was then made ready —
it was seemly to take broth
in the king's broad hall.

51.
The prince sits apart
and does not go to table;
the king's courtiers wonder at this —
it came to their lips.

52.
Gawain asked the noble queen —
the ladies find this blameworthy:
"What can be the matter, ring-lord?
Why does the king fast?"

53.
"I wish, with your leave,
to ask the king about this;
it would not be amiss
to ease your sorrow."

54.
Next he came before the king
and shaped his speech thus:
"The food is ready and we have waited some time;
the table is prepared within."

55.
The king answers and smiles
at the lord's given speech:
"There is no haste about that —
the whole day remains for the meeting."

56.
"Here it is surely short of a word —
you recall our custom;
when did you see me rush to table
when I had no tidings?"

57.
Sir Gawain bowed
and pressed no further;
the king's words were courteous —
the champions grew hungry.

58.
He tells his silk-adorned ladies
and the youths before he finishes:
"No one amid the merriment has troubled
to bring us fresh tidings."

59.
Well past midday it was now;
many grew thirsty,
and it is most men's habit
to desire food.

60.
Next they see upon the field
a great man riding from the forest.
There shall the gallows-god's horse
wait at the harbour-mark.

Ríma II

Mansöngr

1.
Before one finds the gold-goddess
in my lesser roll,
no one knows where, among men,
the fool sits — if he may keep silent.

2.
Gunnlöð learns at Fjölnir's meeting
that she must keep watch a long while;
the gold-ground was deceived thereby,
for Bölverk had a cunning mind.

3.
A little something he set upon them —
the verses must stand brief;
no one should win the gold-goddess
without sorrow through poems.

4.
Therefore I have not grown used to it;
they do not always keep that custom;
seldom does the mead-joy falter —
uneven is women's fidelity.

Narrative

5.
Let the ladies honour Frigg's shore,
and rather avoid the trick-gap;
remember what befell the slender
maidens of the king in Arthur's court.

6.
Here shall twenty barrels
be poured forth with a rush of words;
King Arthur sat at Jarmóð —
no man among them got food.

7.
It was told next that they saw a man
riding a black horse;
he steered straight for the king's hall —
men went into the road before him.

8.
His horse was proud and great;
each shoe was cast in gold;
courteously that courtier rode —
he was no slight man in build.

9.
The saddle was worth sixty pounds,
as was the bridle in every respect;
never had there come to English ground
another such to their assembly.

10.
He steered straight for the king's hall;
the court turned toward him all;
his hair and clothes were white as snow —
his tongue was smooth and wise.

11.
Courteously he bore himself;
his greeting was stately:
"Direct me to your king —
I know neither path nor step here."

12.
Kay took notice, cheerful and glad;
the cup-bearer found words to say:
"Tell your tidings, fine man —
be quick about it, truly."

13.
"I would come before the king directly" —
the champion turns to the men —
"I shall declare to you some thing;
it is not certain you will smile at it."

14.
Duke Yvain answered thus:
"My lord sits upon his throne;
here you may see him with honour —
he wears a blue cloak over him."

15.
He causes the men no trouble;
he lays off his cloak —
it was wrought with silk and linen;
its like was not found north of the Rhine.

16.
Courteously he stepped before the lord,
bowed low and knelt;
none made a jeer at him,
for all thought him a worthy man.

17.
Courteous was his greeting —
he bore the king word from a lady;
she was both gentle and true —
her like is hardly found now.

18.
"A keen maiden bade me tell you:
she wishes to have one favour granted;
she is both wise and fair
and willingly gives another in return.

19.
"No harm comes near to you,
no damage strikes the realm;
someone will gain joy from it —
fame stands ever the closer."

20.
Duke Yvain answered thus:
"The lady will be gracious;
truly you shall receive shame
if you offend my lord in any way."

21.
The king makes answer before the company:
"Courteous shall that lady be;
she shall have whatever she wishes —
she who sends me word thus."

22.
The youth bowed gracefully,
then he took the embossed coffer;
in it was, as we may tell,
a cloth of divine weave, fair and clean.

23.
The coffer the newcomer opens;
there came forth from it a single mantle —
it was both white and clean;
men had seen none like it.

24.
None had ever seen with their eyes
anything like it before;
they cared nothing for the cost —
so fine was the craftsmanship upon it.

25.
All the borders were embroidered in silk;
the fair one has thought of nearly everything;
it will not be marred by cold,
bound with knotted golden cords.

26.
Three elf-women had woven it
for no fewer than fifteen years;
it appeared both yellow and grey,
green and dark, red and blue.

27.
Men thought it a work of wonder —
this poem means to explain:
no one of clever mind could tell
how the fair mantle was made.

28.
The youth speaks, gracious by nature:
"See now — the day grows short;
long it seems to those who wait —
does this mantle please them?"

29.
The king was asked by the mighty lady
that maidens and wives on English ground
should lay this treasure upon themselves;
the marvel will take but a short while.

30.
"She who has been fully true shall own it;
you will not think it the worse, I trust,
though I tell the king's company
what art the mantle bears.

31.
"Be it maiden or mighty lady
who has not fully kept faith —
noble lord, hear this now —
that mantle will not fit her.

32.
"In this way the garment
will most often shorten upon her
to the degree that she was willing to lend herself
to lie beside her lover.

33.
"Now the prayer is made known before you
that the noble bride commanded me;
let all the women come here now
and let us know who is most faithful."

34.
The king says it is time
for his men to go to table.
The youth would not have that —
he wished to complete his errand.

35.
The king spoke to Gawain:
"Will you fetch the ladies' company?
Tell them of the champion's custom;
let them come here, as I bid."

36.
Gawain parts from the king's hall;
he found the noble brides;
he said he was a messenger —
all the ladies greeted him.

37.
"The king wishes to summon you to him;
there has arrived here a fine mantle;
never with my own eyes have I seen
another like it, ring-goddess."

38.
"It has been sent by a lady —
this I wish to tell you, queen;
a maiden wishes a favour granted;
she has not told us what it is."

39.
"Let us hasten," said the golden goddess;
"this treasure we shall see!"
May nothing go amiss for them —
well enough they played before.

40.
The ladies come home to the hall;
no trace of guilt was on them then;
lovingly stood the gold-caster —
the king rose to meet them.

41.
The king showed the women then
the garment we told of:
"She shall own it, gold-goddess,
on whom no blemish shows."

42.
The maidens took the fine garment;
soft were their fingers;
a ring was formed in the hall
and the courtiers' game went round.

43.
The queen should go first;
more than one desired it;
it will not go well for the others
if any one of them should win this prize.

44.
The king takes the fine linen;
now the fair queen shall dress.
There the white-mountain's wine must turn —
here is the end of my ríma.

Ríma III

Mansöngr

1.
It comes to pass as when the champion Thor
was thought bold when he left home;
Old Age came before him then —
it is not good to contend with her.

2.
I recall that the golden ladies
spoke wondrous well to us;
I strayed into Venus's realm —
yet I was often in play with them.

3.
Though the gold-goddesses pressed about me,
I was always cold to them;
I was not wise in this —
I thought myself very good to them.

4.
Fate ordained a love-assembly;
the maidens held a fair ring;
I came upon this great gathering —
small was my advantage from it.

5.
She who was tallest stood beside me;
a moment later I spoke thus:
"Who is this tall one here?
She is much as though deaf and blind."

6.
"Old Age is my name, my dear;
I have come now to visit you;
everyone gets what he desires —
come with me from here on."

7.
The fair ladies spoke:
"The bold champion is caught now."
She who chose ill took heed —
he should never come free.

8.
This I tell to the gold-goddess:
thus I lost the gentle world;
however it goes for me hereafter —
that one knows best where anything leads.

9.
"Ill did he manage his youth,
making no use of his gold-goddess;
Old Age is allotted to him now —
he needs no better wife."

Narrative

10.
I have heard that all the ladies
have come forward into Arthur's hall,
and also this: that the gold-shore
laid the mantle's bond upon herself.

11.
The king clasps upon his beloved now
the garment that the lady sent;
it fell so smooth about the bust
that the earth seemed to smile.

12.
But at the back it was short of the mark,
as though someone had cut a strip;
I heard every man's word upon it —
it hardly covered the calf's track.

13.
The king's company wondered at this;
each champion looked at the next.
Kay was quick to grow cold:
"The mantle fits the queen badly.

14.
"Let another take it —
one who has no fault upon her;
I do not fool you in this —
if the rest fare the same way."

15.
Arthur called a woman then,
one whom Prince Estor had in mind:
"Come here, veiled lady —
for you are like the queen in figure."

16.
Hringpöll dressed herself in the mantle —
so the book has taught me —
it reached her nowhere near the knee;
shameful is this spectacle.

17.
The king speaks to the lady:
"The mantle has much shrunk;
dreadfully short has it become —
no longer than when it came."

18.
The king hears the fair one say:
"Yet the mantle was longer on me."
Yvain called that a great difference:
"You are far more faithful than she."

19.
Gerflet the fool called out:
"They mock you, ring-sun;
most women deceive their beloved —
you have cheated your lord."

20.
"Now is revealed what before was hidden;
the prince has seen it for himself —
how well you have kept your virtue;
for this the mantle was made."

21.
The queen asked Yvain:
"Is it true what the man said?
Does this mantle have a hidden art?"
The king says that it is certain.

22.
The queen would laugh it off:
"The mantle went badly on me;
the trick is known here —
all of you shall dress in it now."

23.
One goes in as fast as she can;
the book teaches us about this:
it reached her nowhere near —
rather to the middle of the left thigh.

24.
The garment shortens and the ladies grow still;
the maidens stopped in their tracks;
they found no pleasure now
in taking their appointed turn.

25.
Kay immediately began to mock
the woman he himself rules:
"Why do you delay, clever wife,
from having the prize that awaits you?"

26.
Hringpöll answers courteously:
"There are many here worthier than I;
it may be called presumption
if I leap forward before all of them."

27.
"You need not fear that —
none bears herself so well;
surely you may claim it for yourself
for the honour and virtue you gave me."

28.
The lady took the fair linen
and flung it up over her shoulders;
on both sides it fell to the ground —
honourably the mantle was made.

29.
At the back it came down to the knee;
the garment fit none well;
but in front near the navel it stopped —
now it is shown how they had strayed.

30.
The lady flung it off at once
and bade the devil himself take
whoever brought this shirt
and made such handiwork.

31.
The crowd laughs and pride is humbled —
long she had borne the hand's struggle;
shame came home to Kay —
he was little known among them.

32.
Gawain served a maiden —
the prince speaks to the silk-thread:
"How will that white linen
suit us, my sweet?"

33.
The lady comes in Freyja's finery;
it went crookedly on the gold-lady —
she was so short on the left side
that it hardly covered her hip-joint.

34.
Gorán was the one who mocked then:
"We can all plainly see —
this one knows how to raise her thigh;
we understand this game."

35.
The fifth woman was led forward;
she did not go without an errand —
Yvain served a small gold-ground,
lovely and fair to see.

36.
On her it shortened on the right side —
nowhere did the mantle reach;
but on the left it wound so
that it trailed more than an ell.

37.
Gawain led the wife to her seat;
a place was allotted to them,
where they might huddle in a ring;
this is called the women's assembly.

38.
Arthur speaks to the young wife
whom Duke Idús's son had:
"Your honour shall be rewarded —
the mantle shall be yours."

39.
Bernhard, his cup-bearer, answered:
"A man's expectation is always deceived;
my guess is nothing but this —
that none of them will prove true."

40.
She put it on as fast as she could;
in front it touched the ground,
but she was so bare at the back
that her belt was fully visible.

41.
Kay immediately spoke mocking words
upon the lady:
"Little are you covered — the tail is bare;
how could it have gone worse for you?"

42.
The champion called Kardon
had his beloved dress in it;
wretchedly it went on the gold-thread —
it covered not even the shin-bone.

43.
Forward was led that lady
whom old King Felix owned;
she had lived two hundred winters —
I believe she may be so old.

44.
It stood on her all around to the ground;
never had they seen a fairer sight;
but there was a gap at the goose-place —
she could not hide that.

45.
The dwarf-woman was then fooled in it;
men laughed most at that;
it covered no more than the elbow's length
all around this lady.

46.
Forward was led into the ladies' ring
the fair queen of the Land of Small Maidens;
she was eight winters in age —
the mantle was laid upon her.

47.
Exceedingly slender was the gold-rod,
yet even for her the mantle was tight;
sixteen holes were seen upon her —
she will not get her share of kisses.

48.
A gold-tree was led to her seat;
then the mantle was arranged
upon that maiden who looked downcast —
her husband was called Mórit.

49.
Strangely it went upon the bride:
on both sides she got a gap;
short in front and shortest at back —
the people burst into great laughter.

50.
Then the twelfth lady was taken;
she is called neither ugly nor fair —
the fairest of all in the prince's hall,
whom the noble Percival owned.

51.
She put it on as fast as she could;
it seemed to the men no better now;
strangely it went upon the bride —
the bonds all slipped free.

52.
Nowhere did it touch the lady;
it covered the hall-floor instead;
she thrust it at the page who bore it
and at the place where it was made.

53.
The youth then took embroidered with linen
a silk-ribbon from his pouch;
he mended what was lacking
and bid them dress again at once.

54.
No lady wished
to lay that mantle upon herself
any more than walk on hot coals;
the hall-day was drawing to evening.

55.
The young man speaks to the king now:
"Do not slight my lady;
let them dress in this fine garment."
He was cursed in reply.

56.
The king laid down a ruling:
all the maidens must
put it on without delay —
"Our torment in hunger is greatest."

57.
A thousand maidens and a hundred
got from it neither joy nor adornment;
it was not altered one way —
it fit none of them rightly.

58.
Gerflet leapt, as is often told,
nimbly through their chambers,
searching both here and there
whether any had hidden herself.

59.
There was found a single maiden,
a lovely silk-thread;
she lay sleeping in a high tower
and had heard nothing of this.

60.
She was led into the king's hall;
they greeted that gold-tree;
they showed her the blue silk
and told her what lay upon it.

61.
Many there were who boasted more,
but this maiden's name was Kardon;
the champion was called Kaligras
who gave her his faithful love.

62.
Kaligras speaks to his beloved:
"Never go, my sweet,
where that fiend stands in the hall
who has undone all the ladies.

63.
"So has love maddened me —
I cannot bear to lose you;
this is my grief and this is my torment
if it does not go well for you."

64.
Many said he spoke wrongly —
there is no use talking at length —
to love one who is not faithful:
no greater shame is found than that.

65.
The maiden gave a noble answer:
"My shame is greater than his;
yet there is sorrow within
if he is somewhat headstrong.

66.
"It may go for me as for those maidens
whom the king himself led home;
if my lord gives me leave,
we two shall withdraw from the test."

67.
"That the maidens will think best;
you will have the most at stake;
those brides have been proved false now
who thought themselves far better than you."

68.
The gold-tree dressed herself in the mantle,
richly adorned and proud;
when they looked upon the thorn-goddess —
it was fairest where one looked most.

69.
It was not short and it was not loose —
in every way as one might wish;
most people made obeisance to the lady;
each fold lay against the next.

70.
Tremendous was the roar that rose —
all praised Kardon then;
those whose cheeks began to burn
were the ones who had cheated their husbands.

71.
The bride's page then declared:
"I bore this mantle over land and sea;
I found none your equal —
it always came home with me.

72.
"This I may tell the warriors now
when I come before my lady:
what became of the bright mantle —
I left it behind in Arthur's court."

73.
The youth bowed graciously;
then I heard him ask leave to depart;
the ladies begged most wildly
that the devil himself take that boy.

74.
Swiftly he leapt upon his horse;
he made no delay in it;
he departed from the king's hall —
most spoke ill of him.

75.
This had been their delay from drink;
the men then tasted ale;
Kardon was held highest there,
for the bright mantle became her.

76.
The king speaks to all the ladies:
"Leave my hall;
little honour shall you find here —
you live in the shame you deserve."

77.
The king speaks to his champions:
"Let my purpose be known to you;
you shall raise a storm of spears,
for we must seek ourselves better wives."

78.
The men swore upon the prince's grace
all their conduct and counsel;
the romance-sagas rise from this —
that warriors came into trials.

79.
Then the fair feast ends;
the men received fiefs from the king;
the prince enjoyed his honour,
and all departed with gifts.

80.
Kaligras and Kardon his lady
held their love with faithfulness,
for in all the land of England
none was her equal in virtue.

81.
The mantle she gave to the cloister of Cologne;
champions say in the eastern lands
that it is as true today as then —
if maidens are found wanting.

82.
Would to God that it were here —
the maidens would reveal themselves;
then it would not pass without a word
if none of them proved faithful.

83.
Here Solomon's words have proved true —
he speaks of the faithless gold-lady;
it is always good with honour and custom
to have one's ears about one.

84.
I part now from the Mantle Rímur;
let every woman who is not true
laugh when she hears them —
whether she be wife or maid.

85.
Let it be right, as a snare laid
from the navel down to the knee;
let it not fade before they confess.
So shall this game end.

Colophon

Skikkjurímur — "The Mantle Rímur" — three rímur retelling the Arthurian chastity test of the magic mantle. Based on Möttuls saga, the Old Norse prose translation of the Old French fabliau "Le Mantel mautaillié" (c. 1250–1300). The rímur poet is anonymous; the cycle dates to the fourteenth or fifteenth century.

The tale belongs to the international family of "chastity-testing" stories — a magic object (mantle, cup, horn, glove) reveals the sexual fidelity or infidelity of women at a royal court. The Icelandic version follows the Norse prose saga closely: the Round Table, the Whitsuntide custom of Arthur refusing to eat before an adventure, the parade of humiliated ladies, and the triumph of the single faithful maiden. Key Arthurian figures appear under their Norse names: Valven (Gawain), Ívent (Yvain), Errek (Erec), Parcival (Percival), Kæi (Kay), Gerflet (Girflet), Estor (Hestor/Hector de Maris), and the queen (unnamed here, Guenièvre/Guinevere in the French). The victorious maiden is Kardon, beloved of the knight Kaligras.

Ríma I employs four-line ferskeytt stanzas (ABAB rhyme); Ríma II uses four-line runhent monorhyme (AAAA); Ríma III uses four-line couplet stanzas (AABB). The mansöngr of Ríma I concerns the metaphor of fair winds and women's faithfulness; Ríma II invokes the myth of Óðinn stealing the mead of poetry from Gunnlöð; Ríma III meditates on Old Age (Elli), who defeated Thor at Útgarða-Loki's hall.

Three rímur. Approximately 194 stanzas (I: 60, II: 44, III: 85, plus stanzas whose numbering is uncertain in the apparatus). Manuscripts: AM 604 (W) and 22 (a later paper copy). Critical edition: Finnur Jónsson, Rímnasafn: Samling af de ældste islandske Rimer, Vol. 2 (Copenhagen: S. L. Møllers, 1913–1922), pp. 326–353.

Good Works Translation from Middle Icelandic by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Source text: Rímnasafn Vol. 2, pp. 326–353 (Finnur Jónsson, ed.). Finnur Jónsson's critical apparatus was consulted for variant readings. First known English translation.

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Source Text

Ríma I

1. Kátlig eru þau kvæðin næst
   er koma til yngismanna,
   þau eru látin lýðum kærst,
   at lofa inn unga svanna.

2. Ekki fá þar allir menn
   jafna þock á móti ,
   Viðris trúig at veðrin tvenn
   valdi byrjar hóti.

3. Hverr sem hreppir blíðan byr
   með bauga strandar vilja,
   sá má bæði síð ok fyrr
   sik frá angri skilja .

4. En ef blæs við útnorðr á
   Austra móti knerri,
   hvert skal þaðan til hafna gá,
   hinum er óðrinn verri .

5. Þegar at eigi byrrinn blæs
   blíðu lands at hofnum,
   þá er sem lungr á lægi sæs
   leiki á ýmsum stofnum.

6. Í framm beiðiz ekki at síðr
   andófs gola in langa,
   sá fær jafnan byr at bíðr,
   betra er hofn at fanga.
   margen til nærst.
   ófs gola in: a.
   Andulfs galeyd S.

7. Enn þótt byrrinn blėsi nú
   svá blíðu á landið kæmi ,
   misjafnt verðr opt mærin trú,
   morg eru til þess dæmi.

8. Pat hefr Suðra songrinn nýr
   samit á einni stundu
   um þat afbragðs æfintýr ,
   er Englands varð á grundu .

9. Sá var einn sem aldri lét
   undir takaz í heimi,
   afreksmaðrinn Artús hét,
   orr af brendum seimi.

10. Engi þótti jafn við þann
    út at hafinu rauða,
    grettis jorðu gladdi hann
    gumna sæla ok snauða.

11. Hirð var engi haldin svá
    með heiðurs kóngi neinum,
    aldri bilaði einn við tvá
    af afrekskoppum hreinum.

12. Valven hét hans systurson,
    så var riddarinn mesti,
    engi fanz á Óðins kvón
    jafn við hann á hesti.

13. Ivent var honum annar kæstr
    afreksmaðrinn sterki,
    honum var hjálmr at hefði læstr
    ok hafði gulligt merki.

14. Errek þótti jafn við þeim
    oðlings vinr enn fríði,
    þessi flutti fegrsta heim
    fallda Rist úr stríði.
    til blidvlanda k.

15. Þessir vóru í siklings sal
    sóma skrýddir mestum,
    þá var enn prúði Parcival
    prýddur vópnum beztum.

16. Estor hét ok Idús þeir,
    sem ávalt fromdu dáðir,
    þessir fara með fránan geir
    ok fylgdu kóngi báðir.

17. Ræðismaðrinn Kæi var kendr,
    kóngi þénti at borði,
    hæðnar berr hann hyggju strendr,
    hælinn næsta í orði.

18. Engi vildi qðlings maðr
    oðrum minni heita,
    elligar fekkz þeim ekki staðr
    innan borgar reita.

19. Svá var mikit um seggja fors ,
    slíkt trúeg margan villi ,
    at þeim þótti ilt til orðs,
    ef einn sat næstur stilli.

20. Því var kringlótt kóngsins sess
    komit á miðju gólfi ,
    allir áttu jafnt til þess
    upp ok niðr frá hvólfi .

21. Sneriz pat æ sem sólin gekk,
    slíkt má fordild kalla,
    horfði hann líkt á hvern sinn rekk,
    holda gleðr hann snjalla.

22. Ollum skenkti hann jafnt í ker,
    at æru tel ek hann sannan,
    hverjum þótti hallmælt sér,
    ef heyrði lesit um annan.

23. Qðling hafði einn þann sið,
    orma prýddur strondum,
    hér hefr engi jafnaz við
    áðr á Norðurlondum.

24. Aldri vildi qðling skýr
    eta sinn mat né drekka,
    utan hann frétti eitt æfintýr,
    alla gleðr hann rekka.

25. Hér firi ríða hans holdar braut
    at heimta kóngi fréttir,
    kemr því margr í mikla þraut
    maðrinn áðr en léttir .

26. Blása lét um bæi ok torg,
    beint at gatna mótum,
    fló því at honum fréttin morg
    af frúm ok riddara nótum .

27. Pat hafa svinnir sett i letr
    sagna meistarar fróðir,
    vísir eina veislu setr
    ok velr til margar þjóðir.

28. Kom þar fyrst svó kendr sé
    kóngr af dverga landi,
    eigi tók manni upp at hné,
    þótt allur réttur standi .
    maðrinn 22 ; hærra

29. Þessi hafði sína sveit,
    sex tigu dverga kinda,
    þann tel ek hæstan hjorva þveit,
    er honum tók neðan at linda .

30. Dverga kóngrinn drotning á,
    er dyrgjur þéntu snjallar,
    ei var hún fullrar álnar há,
    alt gekk þat til hallar.

31. Þar kom annar auðar Baldr,
    allur grár firi hærum,
    þrjú hundruð vetra þreytti hann aldr,
    pat braut eigi smærum.

32. Hafði þessi hundrað manns,
    honum at aldri líkir,
    skeggit tók á skálmir hans,
    skrámleitir munu slíkir.

33. Herra þessi húsfrú á
    háva bæði ok digra,
    ollum þeim til eðlis brá,
    at ellin tók at sigra .

34. Þjóð kom enn í þenna punkt
    þar með herra svinnum,
    pat var fólkit flest alt jungt ,
    fanz ei hár á kinnum .

35. Þessir hofðu þúsund manns,
    þat er af Smámeyjalandi,
    fylgdi hverjum frilla hans
    með fogru ástar bandi .

36. Komnar vóru í kóngsins hirð
    kónga dætr ok jalla,
    þar var morg sú mikils var virð
    ok mjúkliga kunni at spjalla.

37. Allir heldu qðlings menn
    jungar frúr ok vænar,
    þær létu ekki litit enn,
    at listum vóru þær kænar.

38. Hvítasunnu hilmir dýr
    hófit plagaði þetta,
    þaðan munu eitthvert æfintýr
    ýtar kunna at frétta.

39. Alla vikuna jorðin skelfr
    af atreið kóngsins manna,
    sem þar gnýði en grimma elfr,
    garpar munu þat sanna.

40. Holdar drifu á hverri braut
    hallar kóngs at vitja,
    allt frá ek þetta einum laut
    eyði noðru fitja.

41. Harpan song, en gigjan gall,
    gleðr þat kóngsins sveitir
    tignar hljóð í tiggja hall ,
    er timphanistrum heitir.

42. Bumba var þar barin ok þeytt,
    bæði trumba ok pipa,
    organssong er allvel breytt,
    svá ekki mátti á gripa.

43. Kappar stigu með kóngi í holl,
    kann þar ekki skeðja,
    hirðin var svá hæversk oll ,
    at hverr vill annan gleðja .

44. Skira vin var skálum í,
    skynja frá ek þat drengi,
    þar var mjęðr ok mámasi,
    en mungát fekk þar engi.

45. Drotning leiddi drósar lið
    dýr til sinnar hallar,
    lýsti af þeim um lopt ok við,
    sem leiptr eð skín til vallar.

46. Kappar gjorðu á kveldit framm
    klára vín at drekka,
    hvárki var þar hark né glamm,
    harpan svæfði rekka .

47. Seggir risu snemma á fætr
    ok sungu tíðir allar,
    lofðung gekk á leikvoll mætr,
    en ljósar frúr til hallar.

48. Skatnar tóku at skjóta þá
    skapti ok þungum steinum,
    tefldu sumir eðr tókuz á,
    tíðr var dansinn sveinum.

49. Steikarar fara til starfa sins,
    stallarar borðin klæða,
    kjallaramenn þeir koma til vins,
    þá koppum byrlaz fæða.
    við (el.
    hvárki--

50. Svá leið framm yfir messu mál ,
    matr var þá til reiða,
    sæmiligt var at súpa kál
    i siklings ranni breiða.

51. Qðling sitr í annan stað
    ok ekki ferr til borða,
    kóngsins hirðmenn kynjar það,
    kemr þeim slíkt til orða.

52. Valven spurði drotning dýr,
    drósir þetta lasta :
    „hvat mun valda hringa Týr,
    hvi vill kóngrinn fasta ? "

„Ek vil kóng með yðvart lof
eptir slíku frétta,
næsta væri oss ei við of
angri þínu at létta* .

54. Hér næst kom hann á hilmis fund
    ok hagar svá ræðu sinni:
    „búinn er matr ok beðit um stund,
    borð er til reiðu inni" .

55. Buðlung svarar ok brosti at
    burgeis máli gefnu :
    „ekki hastar enn um þat,
    allr er dagr til stefnu .

56. Hér er at visu vant til orðs ,
    várar mantu stéttir,
    hvar sáttú mig hrapa til borðs,
    svá hefða ek ongvar fréttir ? "

57. Herra Valven hneigði sig
    ok hafði ei áframm lengra,
    kóngsins orð eru kurteislig,
    kappa tekr at svengja .
    Valvent 22 ;
    heyrdi eg ecki . f.

58. Segir hann þetta silki-láð
    ok sveinum áðr en léttir :
    „ei hefr neinn firi gleðinni gáð ,
    at gjora oss nýjar fréttir" .

59. Mjąk leið framm á miðjan dag ,
    margan tók at þysta,
    ok er þat flestra fyrða plag ,
    til fæðu kann at lysta.

60. Hér næst sjá þeir mikinn á mar
    mann af skógi ríða.
    Par skal Herjans hrosta far
    við hafnarmarkit bíða.

Ríma II

1. Áður finz um auðar Ná
   afmórs vess í minni skrá,
   engi veit, hvar holdum hjá
   heimskur sitr, ef þegja má .

2. Gunnlęð kennir Fjolnis fund
   fyst at geyma langa stund,
   blekt var af þvi bauga grund,
   at Bolverk hafði slæga lund.

3. Lítit nokkut lagði hann á
   ljóðin hljóta at standa smá
   engi skyldi auðar Ná
   angurlaust með kvæðum fá .

4. Því hef ek ekki vaniz þar við ,
   valla hafa þeir jafnan sið,
   sjaldan bregður mjaldur mið,
   misjafnt verðr um kvenna frið .

5. Fljóðin ræki Friggjar barð,
   forðiz heldur véla skarð,
   minnumz á, hvat mjóvum varð
   meyjum kóngs i Artús garð .

6. Þar skal tuttugu tunna fat
   tempra upp með orða hrat,
   Artús kóngr í Jarmóð sat,
   engi drengja fekk þar mat.

7. Sagt var næst, at sá þeir mann
   svortum hesti ríða þann,
   stefnir mitt á ræsis rann,
   rekkar gengu á veg firi hann.

8. Hestur hans er stoltr ok stór,
   steyptr er hverr af gulli skór,
   hæveskliga þann hofmann fór,
   hann var eigi i gerðum mjór.

9. Soðullinn kostar sextigi pund,
   svá var beisl á alla lund,
   aldri sótti á Englands grund
   annar slíkr á þeira fund.

10. Stefnir beint á hilmis holl,
    hirðin víkur þangat oll,
    hár ok klæði er hvitt sem mjoll,
    hans var tungan mjúk ok snjoll .

11. Hofmannliga hann hegðar sig,
    hans var kveðjan stoltuglig :
    „kónginn yðvarn kennið mig,
    ek kann hér hvárki gong né stig.
    streget.

13. á

14. Kæi nam ansa kátr ok glaðr,
    koppum varð at orðum staðr :
    „seg tiðendi , snyrtimaðr,
    sannliga vertu í þessu hraðr“ .

15. „Firi kónginn vildag koma i stað,
    kappinn vikur drengjum að,
    ek mun tjá yðr eitthvert það ,
    eigi er víst, hvárt brosi þér að “ .

16. Hertugi Ívent svaraði svá:
    „sitr minn herra stóli á,
    hér mátt hann með heiðri sjá,
    hefr nú yfir sér kápu blá" .

17. Eigi gjorir hann ýtum pin,
    af sér leggr hann kápu sín,
    sú var senkt með silki ok lín,
    slík fannz ei firi norðan Rín .

18. Hæveskliga firi herrann sté
    með hneigðum búk ok lýtr á kné,
    engi makaði at honum spé,
    því allir hugðu, hann dándis sé.

19. Kurteislig var kveðjan sú,
    kóngi bar hann firi eina frú,
    hún var bæði hýr ok trú,
    hennar líki er valla nú.

20. „Yðr bað segja jungfrú kæn,
    eina vill hún þiggja bæn ,
    þessi er bæði vitr ok væn,
    veitir hún gjarna aðra í gén.
    matt hedan til

21. Ongum harmi ertu at nær,
    ongvan skaða ríkit skér,
    einhverr af þvi fognuð fær,
    frægðin stendur hellz til nær.

22. Hertogi Ívent svaraði svá:
    „sæmilig mun hringa Gná,
    sannliga skulu þér sneypu fá,
    ef sakar minn herra nokkut upp á" .

23. Kóngrinn gjorir firi koppum skil :
    „kurteis mun sú hringa Bil ;
    hún skal þiggja hvat er hún vil
    ok hingat gjorir mér boðskap til" .

24. Sveinninn hneigði sjóla beint,
    síðan tekr hann kofrit steint,
    þar var i, sem getum vér greint,.
    guðvefs pellit fagrt ok hreint.

25. Kofri lýkr enn komni sveinn,
    kemr þar upp úr mottull einn,
    hann var bæði hvítr ok hreinn,
    holdar litu ei slíkan neinn.

26. Pat hofðu ongum augun léð,
    at áður hefði slíkan séð,
    þeim var ongum fast um féð,
    sem formi á smíði þessu réð.

27. Bondin oll eru silki senkt,
    sætan hefr um flest allt penkt,
    sú mun eigi af kalsi krenkt,
    með knýttum gyldum tyglum tengť.

28. Álfkonur hofðu ofit hann þrjár,
    eigi skemr en fimtán ár ;
    sýndiz bæði gulr ok grár,
    grænn sem dokkur, rauðr ok blár.

29. Virðum liz pat vanda slagr,
    vill svá greina þessi bragr,
    engi skildi hyggju hagr,
    hversu gjorr var mottull fagr.

30. Sveinninn talar við sjóla fríðr :
    „sjái þér beint, hvat deginum líðr,
    langt þikkir þeim, sem lítils biðr,
    liz þeim þessi mottull fríðr“ .

31. Milding bað þess at mektugt sprund,
    meyjar ok konur á Englands grund
    leggi yfir sik Freyju fund,
    furðu mun þat litil stund.

32. „Sú skal eiga, er allvel ferr,
    eigi mun yðr þikkja þat verr,
    þótt ek greini hilmis her,
    hverja list at skikkjan berr.

33. Sé þat mey eða mektug frú,
    misjafnt vel hefr haldit trú,
    herra rikur, heyr þat nú,
    henni hæfir ei skikkjan sú .

34. Þann veg styttir þorna Ná
    penna mottul optast á,
    sem hún vill sik til leiksins ljá
    leigumanni sínum hjá.
    bliðr S.

35. Nú er bænin birt firi þér,
    er brúðrin ríka skipaði mér,
    konurnar allar komi nú hér
    ok kynnið oss, hver dyggust er" .

36. Milding segir, at mál sé þá
    monnum hans til borðs at gá .
    Sveinninn var þar ekki á,
    erindit sitt hann vildi fá .

37. Kóngrinn talaði Valven við :
    „viltú sækja drósa lið ?
    kynnum þeim um kappans sið,
    komi þær hingat, þegar ek bið“ .

38. Valven skilz við ræsis rann,
    rikar brúðir hitta vann,
    sagðiz vera einn sendimann,
    snótir allar kveðja hann .

39. „Kóngrinn vill yðr krjá til sín,
    komin er hér ein skikkjan fin,
    aldri sá ek með augum min
    aðra slíka, bauga Hlín .

40. Hana hefr sent ein seima Ná,
    slíkt vil ek þér, drotning, tjá ;
    eina bæn vill jungfrú fá,
    ekki hefr hún greint oss þá“ .

41. „Gjorum oss ant" , kvað gullaz Ná,
    „góðgrip þenna skulum vér sjá “ ;
    verði þeim nú ekki á,
    allvel hafa þær leikit pa.

42. Fljóðin koma til hallar heim,
    hvergi fannz nú á þeim keim ;
    kærliga stóð, sá kastar seim,
    kóngrinn upp á móti þeim .

43. Kóngrinn sýndi konunum þá
    klæðit þat, vér sogðum frá :
    „sú skal eignaz auðar Ná,
    er engi virðaz lýtin á" .

44. Meyjarnar tóku et mæta klingr,
    mjúkir vóru þeira fingr,
    þar var sleginn i hollu hringr
    ok herlig-sveina leikrinn kringr.

45. Drotning skyldi fara i fyst,
    fleirum var þó á því lyst;
    ei mun mjąk um aðrar hnyst,
    ef einhverr hefði þessa kyst.

46. Kóngrinn tekr et kléna lin ,
    klæðaz skal nú drotning fin ,
    þar skal hverfa Hvitbergs vin,
    hér er endir á rímu min .

47. Kemr at því, sem kappinn Þór
    kaskur þótti er heiman fór,
    Elli varð firi Atla þá,
    ekki er gott við henni at sjá .

48. Fyrri man ek, at falda Gnár
    furðu toluðu vel til vár,
    veik ek út i Veneris heim
    var ek þó opt i leik með þeim.

Ríma III

3. At mér þyrptuz auðar Gnár,
   jafnan var ek til þeira fár;
   beygi var ek um þetta fróðr,
   þóttumz ek þeim næsta góðr.

4. Qrlog skipuðu elsku þing,
   jungfrúr áttu fagran hring ;
   kom ek á þetta et mikla mót,
   min varð lítil at því bót.

5. Sú var stæst, er stóð mér hjá,
   stundu síðar mælta ek svá :
   „hver er þessi in háva kind,
   hún er mjęk svá dauf ok blind" .

6. „Elli heiti ek, ástin mín ,
   er ek nú komin at vitja þín ;
   getr þat hverr, er girniz á,
   gaktu með mér heðan í frá “ .

7. Fríðar toluðu falda Gnár :
   „fanginn er nú kappinn knár“ .
   Anzar sú , sem illa kaus,
   aldri skyldi hann verða laus .

8. Þetta segi ek Þrúði seims,
   þann veg mistig blíðu heims,
   hversu sem mér síðar semr,
   sá veit gjorst í nokkut kemr.

9. „Illa hagaði hann æsku sín,
   at ongva nýtti hann bauga Lín,
   Elli er honum ætluð nú,
   ekki þarf hann betri frú .

10. Pat hef ek frétt, at fljóðin oll
    framm eru komin i Artús holl
    ok svá hitt, at auðar strond
    yfir sik lagði skikkju bond.

11. Kóngrinn semr á kæru nú
    klæðit þat, sem sendi frú ,
    fell svá slétt um fangit niðr,
    at foldin þótti hlæja viðr.

12. Enn á bak var stutt um stef,
    sem stungit hefði einnhverr ref,
    heyrða ek á því hvers manns orð ,
    huldi hún valla kálfa sporð .

13. Kynjar þetta kóngsins sveit,
    kappinn hverr til annars leit.
    Kæi varð þegar at kalsi berr :
    „krátans illa skikkjan ferr.

14. Onnur taki hana auðar Gná,
    sem eigi er þessi mjallinn á;
    ekki dára ek yðr í því,
    ef aðrar verða þann veg i" .

15. Kallar Artús kvinnu þá ,
    sem kóngsson Estoris penkti upp á :
    „far þú hingat, falda brik,
    því frúnni ertu i vexti lík " .

16. Hringpoll klæddi hjúpnum sik,
    hefr svá bókin fræddan mik,
    henni tók hún hvergi á kné,
    hormuligt er þetta spé.

17. Milding talar við menja Gná :
    „mjok hefr hlaupit skikkjan sjá ;
    ógurliga er hún orðin stutt,
    ekki lengra en hún var flutt" .

18. Siklings frá ek at sætan tér :
    „síðari var þó skikkjan mér“ .
    Ívent kvað þat mestan mun :
    „miklu ertu dyggri en hun“ .

19. Gall hann upp nú Gerflet fól :
    „gabba þeir þik, hringa Sól ;
    flestar blekkja friðilinn sinn,
    falsat hefr þú herra þinn" .

20. Nú er þat uppi, er áðr var leynť,
    oðling hefr þat sjálfur reynt,
    hversu þér hafið haldið dygð ,
    hér til var sú skikkjan bygð “ .

21. Drotning spurði Ívent að :
    „er pat satt, at fljóðit kvað ?
    hefr sjá skikkjan leynda list ?"
    Lofðung segir, at þat sé vist.

„ljótliga fór skikkjan mér,
keskibrogðin kennaz hér,
klæðaz skulu henni allar þér“ .

23. Ferr ein í sem fljótast getr,
    fræðir oss um þetta letr,
    hann tók henni hvergi nær ,
    heldur mitt á vinstra lær .
    af tallet „12“ i v. 50, har disse vers måske stået efter v.

24. Styttaz tekr en stilliz friðr,
    staldra tóku meyjar viðr,
    gjorðiz þeim nú ekki ant,
    út at taka sinn setta skamt.

25. Kæi nam þegar at kalsa skæðr
    kvinnu þá er hann sjálfur ræðr :
    „hvar firi dvelr þú, hyggin frú ,
    at hafa þann grip, sem býz þér nú?"

26. Hringpoll ansar hæveskleg :
    „hér eru margar fremri en eg ;
    hvatvísi má heita nær,
    ef hleyp ek framm firi allar þær" .

„Eigi þarftu at óttaz pat,
engi berr sik jafnvel at;
eflaust máttu hana eigna þér
firi æru ok dygð, þú veittir mér" .

28. Fljóðit tók it fagra lin
    ok fleygir upp yfir herðar sin,
    á hliðunum báðum hljóp á jorð ,
    heiðarliga er skikkjan gjorð .

29. Á bakinu niðr í knésbót kemr,
    klæðit þetta engi semr,
    enn í fyrir á nafla nær,
    nú er þat sýnt, hvé brugðuz þær.

30. Fleygði af sér frúin í stað ,
    fjandann sjálfan eiga bað
    þann sem flutti þenna serk
    ok þvílík gjorði handaverk.

31. Lýðrinn hlær, en lægðiz dramb
    þess longum býðr af hendi kamp;
    Kæja nam sækja hæðnin heim,
    hann var kendur litt af þeim .

32. Valven þénti jungfrú ein,
    oðling talar við silkirein :
    „hversu mun þat hvita lin
    henta okkur, sæti min ? "

33. Fljóðit kemr i Freyju skraut,
    fór þá skakkt á menja laut,
    hún var svá stutt á vinstri hlið,
    at valla huldi mjaðmar lið .

34. Goran hét sá eð gabbaði þá :
    „gjolla megum vér allir sjá,
    þessi kann at leggja upp lær,
    leikinn þenna skiljum vær“ .

35. Framm var leidd in fimta taus,
    fór hún valla erindislaus,
    Ívent þénti auðgrund smá,
    óskafogr ok væn at sjá .

36. Henni stytti á hægri hlið ,
    hvergi kom þar skikkjan við,
    enn at vinstri vafðiz svó,
    visliga meir en alnar dró.

37. Valven leiddi vif til sess ;
    var þeim ætlat rúm til þess ,
    at þær mætti húka í hring ;
    heitir þetta kvenna þing.

38. Artús talar við unga kvón ,
    sem Ídús átti hertoga son :
    „ombuna skal þér æru þín,
    yður mun verða skikkjan fin" .

39. Bernarð svaraði, byrlari hans :
    „blekkiz jafnan hugsan manns ;
    ætlun vár er ei nema sú,
    at engi þeira verði trú" .

40. Fór hún í sem fljótast má,
    í fyrir tók jorð á menja Ná,
    en svá var hún á bakit ber,
    beltit hennar gjorvalt sér.

41. Kæi nam þegar með keskiorð
    at kalsa upp á menja skorð :
    „hulin ert litt, svá halinn er berr;
    hversu mátti hún fara þér verr ?"

42. Kappinn sá, sem Kardon hét,
    kæru sína skrýðaz lét;
    aumliga fór hún auðar rein ,
    ekki huldi klettis bein.

43. Framm var leidd sú falda Gná,
    sem Félix kóngr inn gamli á,
    tvau hundruð vetra tíræð bjó,
    trúeg hún væri at aldri svó .

44. Á jorðu stóð hún alt í kring,
    aldri sá þeir vænna þing,
    en þó var gat firi gásar stað ,
    gat hún ekki fólgit það.

• 40, fljótast:

45. Dyrgjan var þá dáruð í,
    drengir hlógu mest at því,
    ei tók meir en olboga bót
    allt í kring um þessa snót.

46. Framm var leidd í fljóða krans
    en fagra drotning Smámeyjalands,
    átta vetra at aldri sogð ,
    yfir hana var skikkjan logð .

47. Einka mjó var auðar spong,
    en þó var henni skikkjan prong,
    sáuz á henni sextán got,
    sú mun eigi á kossa lot.

48. Seimþoll var til sætis leidd,
    siðan var þá skikkjan greidd
    þeiri mey, sem móðugt lét,
    Mórit hennar bóndinn hét.

49. Breytiliga á brúði varð ,
    á báðum hliðunum fekk hún skarð,
    stutt i fyrir, en styzt á bak,
    stóran hlátur fólk upp rak.

50. Þá var tekin in tólfta snót,
    telz hún hvárki fol né ljót,
    allra vænst i qðlings sal ,
    er átti enn prúði Parcival.

51. Fór hún í sem fljótast getr,
    fyrðum leiz nú ei at betr;
    breytiliga á brúði fór,
    bondin gjorvoll sluppu ór.

52. Hvergi kom hún við hringa Ná,
    hallar gólfit klæddi þá,
    sokkti hún þeim sveini sem hana bar
    ok svá þeim stað hún gjorð í var.

53. Sveininn tekr þá senkt með lín
    silkibond úr pungi sín,
    hann bætir þat, sem brestur að ,
    ok biðr þær klæðaz þegar í stað.

54. Engi vildi auðar Gná
    yfir sik leggja mottul þá
    heldr en ganga á heitan eld ;
    hallar degi en líðr á kveld.

55. Drengrinn talar við dogling nú :
    „dári þér ekki mina frú ;
    látið þær klæðaz búnings bót" .
    Bolvat var honum þegar í mót.

56. Kóngrinn lagði úrskurð á,
    allar skyldu meyjar þá
    í hana fara at ongri dvol –
    „oss er mest i sulti kvol" .

57. Þúsund meyja ok hundrað hlaut
    hvárki af henni gaman né skraut,
    ei var þessu einn veg breytt,
    ongri þeira fór hún neytt.

58. Gerflet hljóp, sem getit er opt,
    greiðliga út um þeira lopt,
    leitar bæði hér sem hvar ,
    hvárt þær leyndiz ekki þar.

59. Þar var fundin jungfrú ein,
    óskafogr er silkirein ,
    hún lá sofin í hávum turn,
    hafði ekki af sliku spurn .

60. Sjá var leidd í hilmis holl,
    þeir heilsa þeiri menja poll,
    sýndu henni silkit blá
    ok sogðu hvat par lægi upp á.

61. Þar var morg, sú meira lét,
    meyjan þessi Kardon hét,
    Kaligras nefniz kempan sú,
    sem kæran veitti sína trú .

62. Kaligras talar við kæru sín :
    „kom þar aldri , sæti mín,
    þar er sá fjandi fyrir í holl,
    sem falsat hefur upp sprundin qll.

63. Svá hefr ástin ærðan mik ,
    engi er ván, at missa ek þik ;
    þat er minn harmr ok þat er mitt hel,
    þegar hún ferr þér eigi vel“ .

64. Margir sogðu hann mælti rangt,
    má þar ekki tala um langt,
    at unna þeiri, er ekki er trú,
    engi skomm finz meiri en sú .

65. Meyjan gaf til mektugt anz :
    „min skomm er þat meiri, en hans ;
    en þó er inni iðuligt angr,
    ef hann er nokkut hyggjustrangr .
    nefniz : nefndezt

66. Mega mun mér, sem meyjum þeim,
    sem milding sjálfur leiddi heim,
    ef ek mins herra orlof fær,
    at einum líma slítum vær“ .

67. „Pat mun meyjum þikkja best,
    þú munt eiga í hættu mest;
    brugðiz hafa þær brúðir nú,
    sem betri þóttuz miklu en þú.

68. Menþoll klæddi mottli sig
    mentarík ok stoltuglig,
    þegar þeir geymdu at porna Ná,
    þar var vænst er helz leit á.

69. Ei var hún stutt ok ei var hún flá,
    alla vegu sem kjósa má,
    flestir gjorðu frúnni lot,
    fell þá hvert við annat brot.

70. Ógurligr var ymrinn sá,
    allir lofuðu Kardon þá;
    hinum tók heldr at hitna kinn,
    sem hefðu falsat bóndann sinn.

71. Brúðar sveinninn birti þá :
    „bar ek þá skikkju um lond ok sjá ;
    ongva fann ek jafna þér,
    æ-jafnt fór hún heim með mér.

72. Pat má ek segja þegnum nú,
    þá er ek kem firi mína frú ,
    hvat af skærri skikkju varð,
    ek skildi hana eptir í Artús garð" .

74. Sveinninn hneigði sjóla í stað ,
    síðan frá ek hann orlofs bað ;
    fljóðin báðu furðu vilt
    fjandann sjálfan hafa þann pilt.

75. Jafnskjótt hljóp hann út á hest,
    engi lét hann því á frest;
    forðaz síðan fylkis rann,
    flestir toluðu ilt við hann .

76. Þetta var þeim drykkjar dvol,
    drengir kendu síðan ol ;
    Kardon var þar haldin hæst,
    at henni sómdi skikkjan glæst .

77. Fylkir talar við fljóðin oll :
    „fari þér burt úr minni holl,
    lotning fái þér litla hér,
    þér lifið við skemm sem makligt er" .

78. Kóngrinn talar við kappa sin:
    „kunnig sé yður ætlan min ,
    þér munuð vekja vigra skúr,
    því vér skulum sækja oss betri frúr" .

79. Ýtar sóru á qðlings náð
    alla sína breytni ok ráð ;
    riddara sogurnar rísa af þvi,
    at rekkar kómu þrautir í.

80. Síðan endaz veislan væn,
    virðar þágu af kóngi lén ;
    qðling sinnar æru naut,
    allir fóru með gjofum á braut.
    farid i burt

81. Kaligras ok þau Kardon frú ,
    með kærleik heldu sína trú ,
    þvi at um alla Englands bygð
    engi var henni jofn í dygð .

82. Skikkjuna gaf hún í Kolnis klaustr ;
    kappar segja í londum austr
    enn í dag sé jofn ok þá,
    ef jungfrúm verður nokkut á .

83. Vildi guð, at væri hún hér,
    veisa skyldu meyjarnar sér ;
    þá mundi eigi orðalaust,
    ef engi þeira reyndiz traust.

84. Hér hafa sannaz Salomóns orð ,
    segir af falskri menja skorð ,
    æ er gott við æru ok sið
    eyru sín at hafa þar við .

85. Við Skikkjurímur skilz ek nú ,
    skal sú hver, at ei er trú,
    hlæja þegar hún heyrir þær,
    hvárt þat er heldr kona eðr mær.

86. Sé þeim rétt sem snæra sé
    sett frá nafla ok ofan á kné,
    slokni ei fyrr en segja þær til.
    Svá skal lyktaz þetta spil .
    , londum: londen
    jungfrúm verður : meyivn-

Source Colophon

Skikkjurímur. In Finnur Jónsson, ed., Rímnasafn: Samling af de ældste islandske Rimer, Vol. 2 (Copenhagen: S. L. Møllers Bogtrykkeri, 1913–1922), pp. 326–353. Manuscripts: AM 604 4° (W, primary) and 22 fol. Critical apparatus by Finnur Jónsson.

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