by Einar Guðmundsson (fl. 1630)

In 1600, Alexander and John Ruthven, brothers of the Earl of Gowrie, attempted a plot against King James VI of Scotland at Perth. The conspiracy failed, and both brothers were killed. Their story reached Iceland through a Danish translation of the official English account, published at Copenhagen in 1601. The Icelandic poet Einar Guðmundsson — a clergyman in the remote parish of Kirkjuból in the Westfjords — turned the tale into six rímur, composing in the elaborate metres and kenning-laden diction of the Icelandic ballad tradition. The result is a unique document: a real event of modern European history rendered in the ancient forms of Norse verse. This is the first known English translation.

Ríma I

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–20)

Once I read a tale of wonder
in far-off foreign lands;
the master, faithful and noble,
had set it down in eloquent words.

The worthy scribe tells of Scotland
and of its mighty king;
two brothers, as the letter shows,
plotted to betray the prince.

Their wicked work did not succeed —
they were forced to flee,
for the glorious hand of the Lord
shielded the king from harm.

The world's deceit and faithless trust
they teach to all who hear,
to those who in this present age
would turn their minds to such things.

Here may the treacherous villain
behold such ruin as his own;
the wretched man, in this example,
may see himself entire.

The traitor's ugly heart
always wins a fleeting gain;
he rages on in furious blindness,
expecting victory.

Ill-begun is every man's venture
that meets an evil end;
ill are the wages of his vice;
ill will settle upon him.

An emperor was known in Rome
who held the Christian faith in ban;
the ancient tyrant thought to make
the Son of God a liar.

He thought to build a fortress in Jerusalem,
he who cursed the Lord of heaven;
his fresh-laid masonry fell in the marketplace —
his lot grew only worse.

At last, so the story tells
(the histories style it thus),
the prince received his fitting reward:
an arrow from the sky struck him dead.

Nero heaped afflictions ever
upon the Lord's good servants;
the wretch became (as the book attests)
no better than a wild boar.

His own dogs (it is said)
tore him to his death;
sorrow and torment his soul found —
so was he driven to destruction.

The misery and grief of Antiochus
will never, I trust, be forgotten;
Herod in the holy city
was struck down by the Lord.

Both these kings, skilled in guile,
trusted in arms and shafts;
their greed and envious excess
reaped an evil reward.

Cyrus had to taste
a bitter death from a woman's hand;
his greed and envious nature —
that is what he had to thank for it.

Those men who robbed the Lord's servant
Daniel of his joy —
they swiftly reaped their shame
from the king's wild beasts.

Even so shall all men yet be punished
for faithlessness, fraud, and guile;
the greater the men of power,
the more heavily have they been brought low.

The same is the Lord, the same the sin,
the same the nature of men;
in the same crimes, equally blind,
the same punishment shall be known.

Too long it would be to reckon up in verse
all those the Lord laid judgement on
for their wretched folly.

My dull examples weary
the dear ring-goddess;
therefore I shall pour the wine of Boðn
and disclose the matter of the story.

The Story (Stanzas 21–92)

A king ruled over the land of the Scots
who gladdened wise men;
to that lord of the shining path
all manner of skills were given.

The mighty prince honoured Christ,
adorned with deeds and treasure;
scarce has there ever dwelt in this world
a more famous king.

That lord was skilled in every art
(the letter records it thus);
from this the prince's fortune stands —
he had a noble queen.

She was both fair and wise,
the Frigg of the serpent's hall;
the daughter of the King of Denmark,
men may call her so.

That most gracious lady of kirtles
was known by the name of Anna;
never has there been found such
a king's beloved Nanna.

Noble is the prince's bloom;
he can conquer steadfast men;
Jakob wields the giant's fame,
accustomed to the frost of spears.

One tale of the prince
I wished to set in verse;
of dark magnificence and ample gold
I care little to boast.

I was told the prince once rode
throughout his kingdom;
a great host followed the lord,
marked by the serpent's stream.

The small estate was called Falkland,
over which the king held rule;
thither the prince rode swiftly
with his fine retinue.

This lord was accustomed there
to hunt the deer in the forest;
the prince's men amused themselves
with sport and pastime.

One day the prince rode out
across the wide forest;
men saw the gold-tree ride
upon a sweating horse.

Off his horse stepped the spear-breaker
and strode straight toward the warriors;
the destroyer of the serpent's stone
greeted the king's whole company.

The newcomer stood before the king
and hailed the bold warriors;
on both knees the prince's men
saw the rogue fall down.

He greets the prince first,
thinking worse things in his heart:
"I would humbly ask of Christ
to bless you, my lord."

Alexander was the name of that bold man
who greeted the glorious king —
the brother of the Earl of Gowrie.
Good was the trust between them.

Saint Johnstoun was the name of the broad town
the brothers, I trust, commanded;
there the noble earl held court
with the lord of the retinue.

This knight turned to the king
and steered his speech thus:
"I have, mighty king,
marvellous tidings to tell you.

"Yesterday evening, in high spirits,
I walked through the fields;
upon the road I came across a man —
I do not know his name.

"He seemed to me a man of little worth,
stumbling alone across the heath;
his face and the house of his skull
the wretched villain had concealed.

"I went up to the fellow
and asked his name;
the poor wretch would not
answer me at all.

"In a single cloak the man was dressed,
the skulker, full of guile;
beside the miserable fool I found
a pot brimming with gold.

"I looked well over the rascal's land
and then I seized the vagabond;
he spoke not a word in protest —
so one may catch the rogue.

"I took the gold and the fellow with it —
a joy to tell of such things;
the villain, who was given to tricks,
I bound up tightly.

"I shut him in a hidden room;
no one cares about the fool;
no living soul sees there
any light or brightness.

"No one in the wide world knows of it,"
said the giver of the serpent's seat;
"that is why I have come, gracious prince,
to tell you of this matter.

"Neither my brother nor any warrior
knows of the gleaming treasure —
only you, noble and pure prince,
adorned with deeds and honour."

So spoke the stainer of the shield,
well versed in the clash of arms:
"I would gladly, good lord,
be true to you in all things.

"I came straightaway to find you,
lord of the green scrolls;
King, will you honour me
and see the gold yourself?

"If you find this man,
there is fame worth boasting of;
Prince, you may claim
all that wealth for yourself.

"If the king does not find Thor,
the gallows-horse shall be his lot;
the townsfolk and our brother
shall enjoy the red gold's burning."

The traitor spoke — and swore upon his soul —
thus before the mighty king,
that the red gold and the fire of wealth
would be well for him to receive.

The prince answered at once
to that bold speech:
"It is not fitting for us," the king said,
"to meddle in such matters.

"Unless the treasure were dug from the earth
through the discovery of the nail-god,
the laws of the land judge us harshly
for the riches of the gold-bearer."

Alexander answered the rich lord,
full of boldness:
"The man intended to bury the gold in the earth —
the dishonourable villain.

"'It was in my mind,' he said,
'to conceal the bag of gold.'"
I questioned that false steersman
no further about his tricks."

"There is a difference," said the steel-breaker,
"and we may mark it well,
between committing a deed in full or half
and merely having the wish to do it.

"A lesser sin is the wish than the deed,
when one means to work mischief."
This worthy comfort, surely,
will come of use to men.

"You are slow," said the shield-stainer,
"to trust my words;
that does not increase the prince's honour
among your chosen men.

"The bold prince thinks too long
about the substance of such matters;
it shames a man to seek wealth
and win the gleaming gold."

"If you do not find the Fáli's kin
and seize the shining treasure,
our brother and the warrior band
will soon be boasting of the gold.

"The king will receive a reckoning
bitterly won from the gain,
but ample matter, as one may tell,
when he has searched long enough."

The prince, free from harm, wondered
at such a speech;
he recalled when counterfeit coin
had earlier passed through the land.

The king remembered the murder and mischief
that had brought men to ruin
when foreign money passed through the land
before, in the Scottish kingdom.

The worthy gold-breaker asked
about the coin and the serpent's strands:
"You surely know full well
that it was from other lands.

"You will know the fellow
by the poor Draupnir-sweat;
the Papist folk are skilled in tricks —
they are accustomed to dealing treachery."

"I shall tell you the truth, lord,
so that you be not deceived;
the man seemed to me a Scot;
I do not understand the gold.

"By his speech and bearing, the man seems
as though he were reared
at the serpent's skerry of gold
by some wealthy earl.

"I never saw the like
of the bright hoard of the serpent's lair;
that gold-spring is unknown to me;
I have not seen its equal.

"Nor do I think I would ever see
that man again."
The king's desire grew exceedingly;
he thought upon the stream's surge.

"My suspicion is that a monk
may own that treasure,
sent out with guile and force
to deceive noble men.

"Therefore I will send a servant with you
to see the same gold;
he shall carry word from me
to your brother, the destroyer of scrolls.

"I want the earl to guard it
and keep it in his hands
until the king's own word shall come
to settle this matter.

"The earl shall not wish death
upon that fellow, nor give him strength;
rather let him care for him and guard him well."
The king then fell silent.

Alexander was known for malice;
he plotted to trick the prince;
the traitor burned with grief
and swore and spoke thus:

"King, I have shown you
true and shining loyalty;
I wished better, lord, for you
than for our own dear brother.

"As duty demands, word and oath
should honour us both;
I set out early on the road,
eager for your grace.

"If the noble and fortunate prince will
heed my words,
then I ask that the famous king
follow his servant.

"If you will not ride with the spear-god,
bold in the strife of scrolls,
you will never see
that excellent gold with your own eyes.

"Let us both ride away from the warriors;
the proof is clear enough;
grant me this honour yourself —
I wish no other reward.

"If you, prince, see for yourself
the clay of Fáfnir's gully,
then may the shield's adorning spirit
dispose it at his pleasure."

The lord wondered at the traitor's words;
his heart was false within;
the knightly company rode across the land
to prove the bright steel.

The warriors wondered at the prince's talk,
ready at once for the hunt;
the prince rides out, the speech is ended,
into the broad forest.

The traitor got no other answer
from the king's noble mouth;
he said he would think it over
at his ease, in good time.

The deer gave up their lives
and lay dead in their blood;
the king watched the arrow-drift;
the traitor's rage grew fierce.

Alexander turned again to the lord,
full of wiles and tales:
"The prince should not bother
to prolong a lengthy sport.

"The clerks are in the church now,
and the warrior company ready;
never will you find a fairer time
than the present moment.

"Let us ride at once," said the shield-spirit,
"the warriors will obey;
then the prince may see for himself
the fair lair of the serpent.

"I truly fear
that if we must wait,
the prisoner will manage
to break open the fine chamber.

"If I am not sitting beside the gold-vessel
when the gallant warriors dine,
the earl will then be angry with me
and suspicion will grow from it."

"People will likewise wonder about me
if I am away too long;
King, I do not wish to deceive you —
it will be noted by the company.

"If you do not ride at once, lord,
to seize what is offered you,
then the messenger of grievous wounds
shall never see the gold again."

The king paid him no heed;
he spurred the saddled beast
forward into the forest with his company of men.
The hunt was joined.

Ríma I ends.

Ríma II

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–28)

I must begin another song
for the young men's sake;
take this old draught of Boðn's vessel —
I offer it to no costly throng.

Young folk should always heed
noble examples,
not dwell on harsh strife of words,
but honour the matter of good men.

From your youth you shall fear God
and love learning,
father, mother, and kinsmen both;
renowned is he who reaches thrift.

Be up early every morning
each day of the week;
if you would struggle against poverty,
beware the Norns of sloth.

Ungirdled they go, grinning through their teeth,
with cunning they drive their waves of sorcery,
and so cheat treasure from young men.

Fewer gain the learning
and the skills of study;
I say to young men: it is seemly
to love knowledge and noble examples.

Let industry please you
and the service of your hands;
stand firm in your calling,
and you shall come through any hardship.

Let the honour fortune grants you
be pleasing to your mind;
the clerical estate in every district
should not strive to hold the sword.

A king's power should not press
into the province of clerks;
it does not befit sword and shield
to be mixed with the sacrament.

Saul and Uzziah — both of them
lusted after honours not their own;
the punishment of the Lord struck harshly;
they lost their place and kingdom at the last.

Therefore men went to offer
pure sacrifices before the Lord;
that duty belonged to priests alone,
the worthy servants of God.

Let no one fall into another's station —
it breeds confusion;
let each man stand in his own
honourable work of mouth and hand.

Wish no man to fall from his honour;
though one should prove weak,
our honour is no less for it.

Athanasius was the man that Arius
wished to strip of his rank;
they set a harlot on to accuse him,
and bade her heap lies upon the bishop.

She made out that he had committed
the sins of the flesh,
that his body was stained with wickedness,
and he had tamed foul desires upon her.

Before the court the wretch stood,
and more men beside her,
the bishop facing the ring of gold;
greater deceptions shall now come to light.

Another questioned that mighty champion,
strengthened in glory:
"Do you say I have clouded sins,
ground of gold, and committed them with you?"

The bishop, nearest that prince, stood
and spoke to the woman;
her courage stiffened as she answered:
"Your flesh has done me ill."

"You are the same man who has wrought the deed
behind the wall,
spun it with your wicked wiles —
lords, render your judgement now."

The bishop — he was not the man the woman
had exchanged words with;
the trick that had been fashioned long before
stood there before the lords' table.

The veiled woman was found out
in falsehood and lies;
to strip Athanasius of his honour —
it could not be done that way.

Such examples of falseness
are found widely among men;
one man strives to slander another,
sparing no effort to forge lies.

The honourless they goad
to do wicked work;
they magnify the lie, ugly and strong,
yet pretend to keep themselves upright.

Ahithophel's counsel of malice
does not always succeed;
the Lord with his precious mind
can overcome the fool's deceit.

Ill it goes at last
with the schemes of envious men;
it goes for them as for savage dogs —
they are repaid in full measure.

The malice of men, their undermining,
is upheld by misfortune;
so it always goes with the spear-tree —
he falls to his own shame.

The matter of the saga proves it,
and the example of men;
another draught must now be poured,
if I can set it in good order.

The verse has fallen — let another cup
of Boðn's remembrance be served;
the iron-hearted one at Kjalar's hall
strikes the song a second time.

The Story Continues (Stanzas 29–94)

The men parted from the king before,
when that wise prince
turned toward the forest, prudent and good;
the villain stood behind, silent.

Two men followed Alexander,
eager to do mischief;
the king did not suspect it —
they had set the brothers as spies.

He sent one servant away
to tell his brother
that the prince himself wished to come
to the appointed meeting.

He bade them prepare the feast
as befits noble men:
"Three hours, and no more,
before the king arrives."

Andrjes was the name of that wicked servant
who praised the message;
chamberlain to the crafty earl —
he knows a thing or two of treachery.

The bold fellow spurred his beast
forward to the earl;
he bore the words his brother sent
with treacherous haste from his hand.

Let us turn again to the king
upon the fair land;
the prince paid no heed to the precious one —
the day yet showed its brightness.

The tidings never left the prince's mind;
the verse-smith a second time
the wise king calls back again.

"Swiftly shall I follow you
forward to the fortress,"
the king spoke, lord of Fáfnir's field;
the traitor rejoices at the prospect of sorrow.

"That woman never leaves my mind,
that ring of the hand;
this honour shall be granted you —
it is no hardship to stir my feet."

The king blew his horn aloud
and made it ring;
the hunt he wished to end,
and turn at once with Alexander.

Four hours the hunt had lasted
by the king's command;
all the while he thought of nothing else
but what Alexander had told him.

The prince cared nothing for the sport of men;
it is said that from the grey heath
he could never drive the matter from his mind.

Now the ornament of hosts
wishes to hasten his journey;
he bids his men saddle their mounts —
the folk obey the king's command.

The stallion that had carried him before
was strangely weary;
the villains thought it worst to wait;
the king bids the horse obey him.

"The same saddle shall serve
the wise prince," said the villain;
the knave's mind was not without suspicion —
"the road is smooth where the paths lie."

The swift one mounted the steed again;
he rode off with Alexander at his side;
all the king's men were left behind.

The king had neither weapon
nor warrior's garb;
the horse ran in wild haste;
his breast felt a heavy burden.

When the thanes saw the king's departure,
men spurred after the prince;
their loyalty shall be rewarded.

All these warriors rode
without orders;
two lords were with the king,
and swore to him the dearest fealty.

The Earl of Mar, a good lord,
followed the king;
never did that feeder of wolves
flee where the spear-wave rose.

Sixteen thanes sped to the place
and did not delay;
all had untried horses;
their courage would not fail them.

They caught up with the prince
and the breaker of spears;
in his mind the ugly traitor thinks:
their threats will be of little use.

The wretch bade the king refuse them —
let him choose his counsel:
"Turn the company back swiftly on their heels —
I would have the fewest possible attend us."

"Else my plan is hindered,
and the plan of us both;
let them retrace their steps;
men's minds prove unequal."

"My lord the earl, I think it best,
and the duke as well,
should turn back over the land;
our deeds are less observed that way."

The king answered him in anger:
"None of them are in my way;
their service is excellent."

"I will yet trust these men
in the highest matters;
I do not mean to slander
the noblest warriors of steel."

"I have found no treachery
among my men;
we have bound firm pledges,
and cast off all deceit and tricks."

The king took little suspicion
from the bold man's words;
the tongue has deceived many in times past —
such things shall be told in verse.

The prince then pondered many things
about the man's behaviour;
the generous one thinks, turning red,
there will be no treachery at all.

Because the king's nature was clean
of all stain,
the prince had no cause for doubt;
each of them meant something different.

The noble prince thinks privately,
quick in his mind,
that the little scoundrel had offered
to serve both the royal couple before.

No treachery, thinks the man,
will be brewed this time
in secret, in the shadow of verse;
men need not fear such things.

The king thinks it may happen
as it does to many:
melancholy, that bitter affliction,
often robs men of their wits.

Perhaps the earl is angry
at the lord of spear-wounds;
the heaviness thrives from that;
it may account for his failing mind.

A famous thane from the company
followed the king;
the duke he asked with kindly truth
about this young man.

The duke's wife was the traitor's sister —
that noble lord;
his honour shall never diminish;
the other man brewed the worse counsel.

Whatever the prince told him
with the force of his tongue,
the king repeated with a gesture of his hand;
the duke thought there was cunning in the game.

"Tell me," said the noble king,
"tell me the truth —
whether madness has been found
in this famous man before."

The duke answered the rich prince,
and thus explained:
"I knew of no weakness in him;
he was young and little troubled."

The king commanded that his men
should not part from him:
"We shall look the matter in the face —
never shall our company be broken."

Secretly the man took note
of what the king said;
the fellow rides downcast and silent,
and spurred his horse at once.

The villain, practised in treachery,
turned toward the king;
he bowed his head like Odin's heir;
the men thought the behaviour strange.

Humbly the prince bade
the guilty wretch:
"Tell no wise warrior
anything of our meeting."

"Of the glittering gold-field
and its certain truth,
tell no noble man —
King, I beg you: test it first."

"I wish the prince to go in alone
to the place of men's grace,
to see the bright serpent's treasure;
I should like us to see it together."

The prince spoke kindly
and smiled:
"I count the serpent's plumage ill,
if no man is there to help."

"Therefore we need that thane
who can do the work;
it will be a nuisance for me to remind you."
The other spoke, and thus explained:

"The king shall look first upon
that serpent's heath alone;
then the noble folk may later
gaze upon the treasure with the lord of rings."

The king marvelled at such words
as he let fall;
the man trusted in his own counsel;
the spark of treachery burns in his heart.

The prince truly suspects many things
about the treachery in his breast:
"Alexander now with cowardly cunning
means to bring us grief."

This suspicion the king will not voice
before his thanes;
truly he may boast of his honour —
he bears loyalty and glory plain.

Now as the king draws near the fortress,
the prince deliberates,
while the sly traitor, harmful to men,
sends word to his brother.

Andrjes Ruthven — the destroyer — was named,
the torment of honour;
he carried those tidings of sorrow;
he found the famous lord of the fortress.

He told him all of the king's journey,
and then fell silent;
the mighty earl prepares himself boldly,
glad — but added nothing more.

A full mile the king still had
to the cold fortress;
Alexander took off at speed
homeward to the shield-bearer's hall.

He wished to tell his brother
of the king's coming;
the brothers met, chilled with shields;
the earl sat at table, magnificent.

He made it seem as if the prince
had arrived at the hall by surprise;
yet the thane had already learned the truth
by messenger beforehand.

Swiftly the chariot-driver rose from the table —
that feeder of wagons —
he pretended to welcome the king with affection;
he calls a great host of men to him.

He rides out with his company
through the great halls;
bold fellows in Darling's cloth,
all armed in full armour.

The earl had eighty warriors,
that mighty destroyer of peace;
he did not delay
until he met the king.

The courteous thane greets the king
in the manner of old friendship:
"Welcome," he says, "lord of lands" —
all the men stand round about.

The king's company was small
beside that host of men;
the prince had only sixteen thanes,
poorly fitted with swords.

The saddled beasts make their way
to the earl's hall;
the king with all his retinue
is led in before the splendid throng.

Here the filthy drink of Suttungr's vessel
wishes to run dry;
the brew begins to fail;
the verse must here stand and rest.

Ríma II ends. The translation continues.

Ríma III

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–17)

Though the jewel-goddess might wish
to receive a mansöngr's game,
the brew I bore from the god of poets
has now run dry.

The meagre fruit of verse
let me taste once more;
for his generosity — that wretched man's —
I have nothing at all to thank.

Let those praise who received more
bounty from the halls of the gods;
the bonds of friendship are laid upon men,
but not granted to all.

A lord's favour is a noble art;
I have seldom known it;
when the blush of shame comes with a sudden summons,
disgrace is certain in hand.

Hard it is to find a man who can show
loyalty with honour and skill,
though you search with cunning now
from one land's end to the other.

Friendship may be had among men
if Fáfnir's hoard is offered;
the hungry fly, if it gets no prey,
stings most fiercely.

Tantalus was called a giant —
he might eat and drink;
yet he bore, starving and famished,
the ugly pangs of hunger.

The greedy rich man is like him:
no mercies does he have;
ever more — the wretched clay —
he wants of wealth and quiet fields.

No greedy man can bear to see
another gain
wealth or renown beside him;
he alone would enjoy it all.

Alike is the vessel of the starving wretch:
it cuts deep at the heart's roots —
another's fortune — while envy and plunder
increase by day and night.

Many a man, generous in word,
seems mild for a time;
that ear-flattery and deadly practice
betrays itself, for cunning lies beneath.

Let few a ring-keeper's hand
boast, though generosity adorns it;
care not for praise or the temple of honour
from the world's people.

He who is vainglorious
has taken small reward from this world;
he wins contempt and the plunder of his wealth —
renown driven away.

He who sees in secret rewards you
with grace and other honour;
He increases bread and destroys need —
the love of the righteous Lord.

In due time the reward of all works
shall be settled for mankind,
when the Lord's flower shall hold judgement
among the wise mortals of the world.

Let me see with good fortune,
Redeemer, your glory,
though my works be hardly fine
and less polished than they ought.

I have not been lent that mansöngr's art
of speaking of the bright maiden;
yet in the third metre for the thorn-keeper
I must now begin to gloss.

Narrative (Stanzas 18–89)

There the verse fell, none too fair;
the prince went into the hall;
the wise lord sits
beside the scatterer of the serpent's field.

For a good while the prince's mind waited,
and the cunning sword-bearer,
before the generous earl, that mild man,
led the king to the table.

The prince asks the traitor
to bend the gold-bright branch:
"Now it is time," said the prince of skill,
"to look upon the serpent's den."

The treacherous wolf answered, that coward,
and did not let his speech fail:
"All is quiet in the chamber, bright;
be cheerful, lord.

"I think it needful," said the bold deceiver,
"that you keep our talk secret;
good lord, I wish the weary mother
to enjoy her meal."

"The king shall, in the splendid hall,
by the dragon's fire of life,
have a word at the earl's table
before the worthy sword-keeper."

"Above the earth, from the gleaming field,
I believe no man
knows more, except we two here,
among all the company of men."

After Alexander asked this
of the prince's dear authority,
the rogue, I believe, held the king
thereafter to the earl's will.

The wise king questioned
the breaker of rings about much;
the word-fox gives answers,
all from a cowardly temper.

The lord sat and took his food;
I believe his fame shall not diminish;
the earl stood with fury and rage
inside before the king's table.

Full of cunning, bent in mind,
the earl seemed to the men;
he bowed his head down;
fear torments his heart.

Of the king's grace, with valour and deed,
the traitor takes no heed;
rather he who rules the treason
minds other mischief.

The king's men with affection still
attend nimbly at table;
in rank and skill I count them fit;
one can scarcely find their like.

The prince's skill brings the meal to its end;
that honour shall be his;
in another hall the chosen men
shall enjoy ale and food.

The king's son, a worthy and strong man,
wondered at the earl;
strangely silent, very flushed,
he heeded no one's speech.

The prince bids, as is ever the custom,
when the meal has ended;
then the wretched traitor
beckoned to the prince, I hear.

Alexander then, as is told,
speaks to the gentle lord:
"I think it time that the warrior
should see the fair mountain's side.

"I think it wise, lord,
that you first dismiss the earl,
so that he cannot in the least
suspect this matter.

"We two shall, while those men
choose their drink and food,
look upon that treacherous man,
and then ease our burden."

The king did as the warrior asked,
and then summoned
a fine cup with the fire of Grettir,
and spoke to the handsome earl.

"You have not — and this is rightly
welcome to thanes —
drunk your toast with proper deed,
as is the custom of bold men.

"I shall now upon my faith
turn my speech thus:
to you first with honour and skill
send a noble toast.

"Then it is fitting," said the prince,
"that you give to all guests
the glow of the Rhine, and pour
a flood of praise to the valiant warriors."

The other took it, but the lord bids
him drink the toast:
"Let the spear-elf himself gladden
our noble men."

The man went out with the horn's draught
when the lord drank to the pages;
he placed it with the precious rod
in the hand of one of the king's men.

Alexander was there beside the prince;
doom calls to him:
"Lord, you shall follow me
to find the bold warrior."

The prince bids the traitor
call one man of his,
a tamer who can count
the tears of Fýri's field.

"Let us two go, while those men
enjoy their food for now;
bold lord, follow,
and trust my foresight."

He set out as the rogue bade;
fiercely the sorrow-dread increased;
the worthy prince lets the man
lead, and follows after.

The lord goes, and the treacherous fellow,
through four rooms;
that concealer of strife locked the doors
and hid his heart from the thanes.

Eager for cunning, into a small house
the man led the prince;
there stood a man, none too glad,
with a heavy spear in hand.

Honour broke; the fellow fast
shut the door behind;
the pitch-tree, triple-furious,
has ended all pretence.

The shameful coward, raging,
seized the bright blade;
he thrust at the prince's breast with heavy malice,
straight at the heart.

"I have hold and noble power
over the prince's gallant life;
your hateful honour, lord,
shall be utterly spent.

"Do not dare to open
the bright glass of the window,
nor make a wretched call through the clash of spears;
you must beware of weeping.

"If you swerve, as I now command,
from my counsel,
then your life, against the strife of leaves,
shall seek its end.

"It will go well though you get death
from the bent rod of destruction;
my brand shall pierce
through your body and breast.

"Do you not remember, you worst of dogs,
that you killed my father?
The blow of death in the clash of spears
he received through your counsel.

"My father's death and ancient distress
I fiercely mourn;
you shall, angry one, with the thane's blood
pay with your own life."

The prince, silent, appeared flushed;
he who can shatter shields;
such words and threat of murder
the lord begins to wonder at.

The steel-wielder bore the horn to his neck,
the warrior fierce in his rage,
defenceless, as the villain chose,
among men none too good.

Then Christ so dearly looked down;
He cares for the king;
courage swells in the breast of the man
who was meant to murder the lord.

His promises failed when the prince was tested;
the king stood and was silent;
the coward trembled like a leaf
and laid the blade aside.

The king sees where the danger is
and looks upon the murderer;
to Alexander then, as I told,
he addressed his words thus:

"Think in silence, of a prince's blood —
Þundr of the clasp of ice —
great is the sin for the god of swords
to spill out the innocent.

"Vengeance will be strong," said the worthy hero,
"and harshly repaid;
the king's host is not timid;
they can cleave mail-coats.

"Though neither kinsmen, folk, nor farmers
attempt to carry out revenge,
stones and roots the worthy healer
makes fiercely to avenge.

"Know for certain," said the giver of gold,
"though our fortune endures,
the prince's wife and noble children
will strip you of life.

"Your father's death with the tears of doom
gives me no dread;
let those pay who wielded the spear
and let him die.

"His fall in the clash of spears
let the brave Redeemer judge;
full was his guilt, though the wave of death
struck him from the world.

"My power was weak and my strength was small
when the prince was struck with the spear;
I was alone and a young lad,
grieved as many others.

"The lords of the land, with wife and counsel,
ruled on property and domain;
I am now entirely free
of the mind of blood-wealth.

"Their counsel against the wrath of Þundr
stripped the thane of life;
he suffered need, but the wise ones
divided the wealth among themselves.

"When I gained hold and the noble power
of a king here in this land,
your kinfolk and all others
were all freed from trouble.

"I granted you — you know it well —
it was not little:
all honour, and restored to you
your forefathers' estates.

"You know well," said the prince's child,
"though you have turned against me,
I ended your need and filled the wealth
of your worthy brothers.

"Every virtue but no ill-will
have I shown you;
I counselled remedy, raised to their feet
men as though lost.

"The estate I gave back — O spear-tree —
(and I thought it a trial)
to your family; but it shall be said
you have repaid it badly.

"Power and honour, breaker of metal,
you have me to thank;
you ought never over ours
to rejoice in any grievance.

"Your sisters, you bitter thane —
though it matters little to me —
I have fed, so neither is in want,
at home upon my estate."

Spoke the loyal prince, sorrowful;
the speech begins to sharpen:
"Look here what reward
you lay upon me in return.

"Your soul for such deceit
shall bear the heaviest burden,
misery and sorrow in the city of joy,
but never enjoy grace.

"Your master, with wise words,
would never grant
you that aid, that against the prince
you should so behave.

"Other skill the prince has taught
the destroyer of Fáfnir's treasure;
I think it least befitting
to betray one's own lord.

"Famed he was and bore great deeds,
blessed with Fróði's grain;
better is death and open need
than to break from good counsel.

"His soul, for the speech of troth,
shall often at the Last Judgement
accuse you, but acquit itself,
before the king's glorious throne."

The prince's son begs and turns pale;
such trials are told:
"Give me my life against the clash of spears;
well shall I repay you.

"Our words and the planned murder
I shall never reveal
to any man in the king's hall,
though I may boast of my life.

"Never from me shall the woman of gold
hear a word of anger,
punishment or stern command,
if it does not trouble us further."

The prince's need swore a solemn oath
by the goddess of the serpent's bed:
"If I am given peace with righteous custom,
you shall be free of this."

Since the voyage of the raven's dale
over Són's path is least easy,
it will be best with Boðn's cargo
to make for harbour.

Cloth falls upon the growth of learning
in the land of false thought;
Berlingr's ship at the shore of skill
will fare best if she stands.

Ríma III ends.

Ríma IV

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–3)

The ship waited where men wrangled
over the cruel work of need;
to worthy men I shall yet bring
the cargo of the dwarves' vessel.

The liquor of Boðn's vessel runs low;
I search hard in my mind;
to fair maidens I shall bring a new
draught from my hand.

I poured and sold the wine of Fjölnir
for a bold rogue of tricks;
my quarrel and my tale begins
of the spear-fearing prince.

Narrative (Stanzas 4–60)

The strong man in the hall at home
heard the prince's words;
the worthy and noble lord
wished to accept the offer of power.

The son of the war-god
softened the strong school of fury;
force and wonder fell to the field;
the prince heeds the teachings.

The man with cunning deceit
promised the prince peace;
the prince's son swore the oath
to the strong force of the warrior.

"If the scatterer of Fáfnir's rain
avoids words and violent call,
fortune grants life
against the strife of leaves.

"First I wish for a little while
to let the quarrel stand,
and tell my good brother of this meeting;
soon the trouble will ease."

Spoke gently to the bearer of metal
the flushed wielder of swords:
"You shall now, while I am gone,
be quiet and silent.

"The elf of swords shall himself
speak with the young prince."
The prince wished to soften the talk
chiefly about the heavy terms.

The hardener of swords answered at once
the treacherous rogue:
"Thane, obey — you must not
seek the prince's trial.

"My plea to you is the gentlest,
worthy wielder of spears:
avoid murder and treacherous harm
against the giver of Fróði's seed.

"It least becomes righteous men
to lay on sword-wounds;
without sorrow I would certainly wish
to withdraw from this game of us both.

"You will gain no glory or ease
from wrestling with such warriors;
if this pleases you as it does me,
then spare the grief-laden one."

Woe and misfortune that the villain here
answers the lord of the host:
"No other answer can I give you
at this time.

"My wise and good kinsman,
master of strong deeds —
to humble and raise your kingdom
I say he shall decide.

"Let the firm man speak with
the destroyer of the gleaming field;
let warriors lay a truce and peace,
and enjoy sweet grace."

Spoke gently to the man then
the murderer of least fame:
"Guard and watch the lord, I say,
so he stays quiet in here.

"The noble reddener of swords
will surely approve;
with the fearful leader of the host
the mighty breaker of shields shall speak."

The rogue goes out, false and scheming,
and locks the building fast;
the prince, shut in with the ban of power,
has little ease from sorrow.

The wise lord of the land asked
the watchful rogue:
"Will you, calm giver of a son,
deceive the prince with tricks?

"Have you, wretched one, made a plot
to deal death?
Think hard upon your intent to murder us,
and remember the danger, friend."

Answered harshly the worthy thane,
who could follow what was right:
"Unwilling and reluctant, righteous prince,
my brothers compelled me to this."

Swore by the heavens the frightened prince
with his fair mouth,
smooth and plain, schooled in deceit,
as the rogue could speak.

I suppose the prince's faithful son
would never dare
shove or break the glass from the windows
in that fearful strife of need.

Flushed and angry, the timid thane
begged to be saved from weariness;
to stretch his hand to the bright glass
and so look out upon the road.

The wounded sender of the salmon
then was able to grant
the lord's request at once —
bound in the sweat of wounds.

The Lord of hosts calmed the strife;
courage swells to its utmost;
that man at the edge of the sword-storm
the highest wisdom softened.

His poor, weary arms contrived
ugly plans and found them;
the glad man least wished
to strive against the prince's power.

The highest, most glorious One of heaven's house
attended to the lord's cunning;
He stirred and nourished his heart
to hinder the evil assault.

Then to the rich men
who serve the fair prince he turns;
these warriors of the spirit's expanse
receive good food.

The meal ends at last;
the mead gladdens the warriors;
the stirring earl sits down with the men;
each drinks thus.

It is told that the coward
then laid his plan of schemes:
that one rogue should shout to the king's men
sharply, to deceive the warriors.

The warriors of the serpent's cliff wonder —
no one can see the king;
they ask rightly of the leader of the host
and rush to investigate the building.

Without pausing, the coward answered
the stunned thanes with a speech:
"The prince has ridden away in haste,
stripped of bright steel."

The thanes were struck and startled;
great was the warriors' dread;
the lord's retinue then
wished to ride after him.

The man who guarded the gate
the bold men questioned:
"Has the king truly ridden away in haste?
Explain this in words!"

The sly deceiver of swords
tells the wise men such a tale:
"I believe the worthy lord is in the hall
here, and has not left.

Hearing this, reddened with hate and sorrow,
the earl spoke thus:
"The gatekeeper lacks good fortune;
you lie, doomed fool!"

A hot anxiety swirled
in the earl's heart:
"The coward and the sneak is a rogue;
you lied in most things, wretch.

"The prince has ridden away in peace —
this I tell you truly;
yet we shall prove the matter here
at once, and look to the building."

Over the hall's high wall
he sends his crouching form;
his brother stood there, treacherous,
and the mighty man of Bölverkr.

He asks if the lord
lies hidden in the torments of death;
he let bright words be heard
before his hateful brother.

Back to the men the villain turned
(so the ríma tells);
he bows and says the king has departed
on a journey long since.

Behind the castle wall, beside the rampart,
the pleasant one had ridden from the host;
the wretched coward, untrue,
leads all the warriors astray.

They ready themselves and quickly mount,
the king's brave thanes;
all ride forth upon the road
on pale steeds.

The chosen men rode straight
towards the prince's chamber,
where before the king had ridden on the path
with his smaller company.

The captive lord was caught;
a spear lodged in the house;
the handsome men ride past there —
that fortune came from Christ.

The ríma, in confusion, turns back
to the rich traitor;
the wretched fool, ill-tempered,
goes again to find the prince.

Alexander cares little for honour;
his dignity and splendour worsen;
his brows draw dark and tight,
swollen with a wolf's fury.

"Red death I decreed for you,
my dear kinsman of old;
now you shall, if fortune allows,
be brought low, wretch."

The ill-tempered destroyer seizes
the hellish blade
and strikes at the breast, but the prince turns
fiercely against him.

The raging villain thought
to bind the prince's hands:
"Your honour, for its part,
shall lie spent upon the earth!"

"Doomed and craven, to fall in shelter
I would sooner choose by hard fortune
than bound in bonds be seen
like a cursed wretch upon the earth.

"I was born and raised free, in peace —
that was fortune's gift;
I wish to leave the world thus,
weakened in like manner."

They wrestle and scuffle fiercely;
the rogue then manages to bind
the prince, but the prince seizes the sharp sword
swiftly from the belt.

The bitter warrior could not
get the prince bound;
he claws at the king's cheek
and calls on him to be silent.

There the battle grew into fierce strife,
a mighty tumult in the house;
they defended and fought well for a time;
the strength of power was given.

The bow and curve of the wine of Són
are least well nourished;
the end of my song draws near;
may the noble enjoy what is good.

Let the maiden receive the verse
now, and cease the strain;
let the worthy honour the tale of Són,
won and brought with might.

Ríma IV ends.

Ríma V — Fimta Skotska

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–35)

I cannot now in truth offer men
a feast of Viðrir's drink,
for the horn-wave of Hár has vanished from me
out of my mind's hollow.

The rewards of Ómi's craft were lost;
it is often a trial to me;
the flood of praise and Rögnir's wine
never flowed in to me.

Though the dregs lay dull upon the slope
and spread but little upon Són's table,
I blame not the fair folk for it,
nor the townsmen, nor the young lady.

Many an old wife sits in the cottage;
the poems she enjoys are unequal;
she may own the talk of Són,
the sweet one, who has no better choice.

Yet I must bring a mansöngr's game
to the worthy ring-goddess;
from old examples the gold-woman
may easily learn what is good and light.

Ahab had an evil wife;
to none was she loyal or true;
fair in colour but false in nature —
most men hated the jewel-woman.

She goaded her husband most of all
against God and His servants;
the deceitful woman betrayed the innocent;
she gave shelter and protection to the guilty.

That fallen creature hated all
who kept their faith pure to God;
the woman loved false prophets;
on the righteous she laid hatred and ban.

Her wickedness the king paid for;
therefore the wheel turned for them both;
horses trampled the king's wife,
and dogs licked the king's blood.

So that thorn-woman wrought the worst:
the prince's fall and fortune's ruin;
a bitter death she herself received;
she gained ill from her own pride.

Ahab's house was laid waste;
all lost the world's honour;
seventy were his sons,
slain by the sword within the land.

This queen, bold in shame,
thought to kill Elijah;
the Lord delivered His righteous servant;
she herself received sudden death.

I warn every ruling lady:
avoid these ugly examples;
let wisdom and mercy bind to herself
each maiden as fortune bears.

Let her soften and heal mankind's flaw;
from that shall goodness rise the most;
love honour and righteous virtue —
that praise goes through the world's dwelling.

Cold are sometimes women's counsels;
men take no heed of it;
men are burned in the heart,
and think little where things later land.

No one should increase the harm
of God's noble servant;
rather let the sword-elf honour
whomever the Lord Himself loves.

Strive never to humble the one
whom Christ Himself grants honour;
kick not against the goad;
the wrath of God is sometimes swift.

The favour of God and holy fortune
helps them in every matter
who have taken to themselves the Lord's glory;
read the examples in the holy book.

Beware these wicked threats —
to strive against God's will;
He does not recall His counsel,
and you fall into mockery and scorn.

The examples of these words
are found in great abundance;
the Lord humbles the proud spirit,
though glory be lent for a time.

It harms men and women most
while they hold a precious office;
pride grows among them then;
the soul falls from the Lord.

In moderation it is best, though late,
that men use this world;
surely today it appears red —
tomorrow it may be dead.

To humble another's fortune
seems a small disgrace to the proud;
envy and ugly greed
are the worst root of it.

I have thought in my heart:
when the world's folk puff themselves up,
blustering oft with mighty power,
they truly do not know themselves.

It is folly that draws men to believe
it is any honour to warriors
to fasten flash and finery upon the body
but starve the pallid part of the soul.

Let the inner man be clad in honour,
adorned with love, virtue, and dignity;
though gold may gleam much on the body,
piety is the finest ornament.

Where will man and woman land
when the Lord comes at the last meeting?
If all the trust of faith is lost,
the sinner's confidence vanishes.

Good works do not avail
when you desired them for the sake of praise;
what your heart bore in secret,
the Lord will reward you there.

Simple in love and faith
let man and wife always be;
those works will be judged the best;
tricks and lies fare worst.

The pure of heart shall see the Lord;
the others shall fall away,
who lead many others into sin;
greatly is their soul blind.

Though one rushes forward beyond counsel,
truly that is shame enough;
if the foolish man drags others with him,
great is the debt of reckoning.

Whoever desires the dwelling of heaven,
let him conduct himself with honour and skill,
give good examples to the people,
and drive out lies and anger.

He who closes out his life
blameless and without complaint
shall be a king and a cleric
in the Emperor's kingdom beside the Lord.

I wish for myself and all the folk
who love the Lord early and late:
may they receive the peace and that joy
which the Father in heaven can give.

Thus I end the mansöngr's speech;
may the Lord bless my soul;
the wine of Ómi I will prepare —
back I turn to the story.

Narrative (Stanzas 36–87)

The string of Rögnir's voice vanished
where warriors had toil enough;
the lord had to escape death;
the traitor thought the game well played.

When the angry lord of steel
had struggled a long while against his foe,
Alexander drew the shieldless king
out through the open window.

He looks out with fortune's trust;
the prince calls in a loud voice:
"Men here wish to murder us!
Good brothers, help me!"

At once the king's men came,
and the earl himself through the gate;
they heard every word of the prince —
that murder and torment were upon him.

When they heard the bitter sorrow
of their lord out in the courtyard,
back through the gate they turned,
all the king's men together.

The false earl hears this
and pretends to know nothing:
"What is this about?" said the gallant hero;
"I heard no cry or call."

The duke and the earl, two lords,
were both there with the king;
they sought to find the hall-doors
where men had gone in before.

The doors of the noble hall
were barred shut, as must be told;
great was the lock and strong the wall —
it does not yield to the storm of swords.

In secret the scoundrel had opened
the doors a little while before;
this was a faithless sign —
the bewitched earl had dashed through them.

Because of this murderous plot,
though men thought it ill spoken of,
those doors were opened — never before;
all the people learn of it.

To the prince the story turns a while:
the treacherous lord of wealth
drove him down and bowed his head hard;
the other could hardly play at all.

The wretch had not locked the door
shut as before;
this spared the prince his sorrow —
at once he pushes Alexander out.

The villain held in his right hand
a bitter weapon of wounds;
the beleaguered prince could not reach
the fire of the north, though he was strong.

The evil man lacked strength;
the prince won deeds against him;
the other stood, red with fury,
in the house as though he were dead.

Nimbly the king's men ran
around the courtyard, all at once;
they found no open doors —
no wonder the tumult grows.

At last they found a little building;
the prince went up that hall;
Ramsay was the name of the knight
who first found the passage.

He cared little for the pages' blows;
the fellow leaped into the hall above;
he found the villain and the lord first;
the warrior then stood hardly still.

No need to tell at length;
the prince's thane took the wound-blade;
three times he ran the wretch through;
a rain of wounds gushed from the gashes.

The prince seized the hawk's mountain
of that traitor whose wounds swelled;
down out of the house into the courtyard
he hurled Alexander — the more glorious prevailed.

The murderer, tangled in his trial,
staggered then straight from the house,
terribly afraid, trying to save himself;
more must be told here.

The tongue's marketplace of Gölnir turns
to the earl who rules the fortress;
the coward stood below in the courtyard;
he pretended not to hear the king's cry.

Thomas Erskine, at the god of war's speech —
when he heard the prince's call —
seized the earl, and not gently;
the prince's strength is enough.

The cunning one managed to throw
the crafty man to the ground at once;
the earl fell to earth with a crash;
the warrior enjoyed his own prowess.

The prince's thane thought to lay
a linen knife into the worthy earl;
but the warrior of the brand could not
carry it out for the crowd of men.

When the earl's pages saw
what the king's knight was about,
they seized their lord by the hands;
he leaped at once into the courtyard.

Ramsay stood beside the king
and calls upon the king's people;
Hugh the famous heard it,
and Sir Thomas at once.

They feared the treacherous tumult little;
men ran up into the hall;
the warriors found the wretch there,
at the very edge of death.

They killed the evil servant;
his soul suffered a bitter fate;
the murderer spoke those words to them
before he left the world.

"Truly I am now innocent
of the treachery that was done here;
my kinsmen's counsels were hostile;
terribly late I realised it."

After all this was done,
the cold-hearted villain prepared —
the earl then, and six warriors;
fury swells in his breast.

The earl arms himself, accustomed to strife,
and his men for the clash of spears;
they burst into the warriors' hall
and found the king with a third man.

The reddener of Rögnir's fire,
fierce-looking and grim to behold,
bore a wound-knife in hand,
ready for the battle of spears.

He calls aloud when he sees the king,
full of tricks, and says:
"Now you shall lose your lives,
all of you wretched churls here!"

The prince stayed quiet in the hall;
death had been shown to him before;
the men thought the trial grew worse
when they saw the evil warrior of swords.

The prince sought
a belt-knife and a weapon's hilt,
that bitter one which the lowly villain
had borne in battle earlier.

The pages begged the worthy man
to save himself from the dance of swords:
"King, sit still in the hall
while the warriors redden the wound-hollow."

His thanes the worthy prince
gladly lets advise him thus;
three warriors took the weapons;
the noble king withdrew to the hall.

Against the grimly furious false warrior
eight pages stood;
against these came three men;
they must put their strength to the test.

I am told the onslaught was fierce
and went on terribly long;
bloody ran the rivers of wounds;
swords gave the flesh its gashes.

The warriors tested the slashing edge;
the greatest storm of spears increased;
the worthy men of the northern frost
all fought nearly well.

The king's men show no weakness;
Christ gave them strength and courage;
warriors dealt wounds with the spear;
they shall win the victory.

That hail of shields which Ramsay bore
drove straight through the traitor;
the earl received his death from steel;
he never spoke another word.

A mighty clash of weapons followed;
the men fell back,
all those who had lent their aid
to the life-stripped son of Syrpa.

Not a one of the men there
who survived was without wounds;
the lord's men, against the frenzy of spears,
thus freed the king's grace.

Both scorching and wounds
the king's warriors received against the blows;
the prince shall then those red wounds
reward to the warriors for all time.

While the king's warriors tested
the fire of Rögnir, as was told before,
thirteen of the prince's men
stood at the outermost gate.

Through those doors of the noble hall
the lord had walked with his chosen men,
at first when the lord of the land
met the treacherous lord of the brand.

This gate was locked with bolts;
the cunning earl had arranged it;
therefore the prince's company of warriors
must break this strong barrier.

The load of Óðinn's wife's vessel
shattered the locked doors and the cliff of hammers;
the storm-spirit prised the gates apart;
the walls rang tremendously.

The gates and the whole barrier
were made of strong timber;
the brave company could hardly
manage to break the doors swiftly.

The warriors did not lack for stratagems;
the strong door was broken through;
the tumult lasted half a while —
therefore they came late to the prince.

Here at last from the sea of verse
I let the dwarves' ship run;
let the maiden take the song to herself —
Berlingr's tune and the horn's friend.

Ríma V ends.

Ríma VI — Sjötta Ríma

Mansöngr (Stanzas 1–5)

Now shall I once more, for the sixth time,
row the boat of the South,
if men and the wise maiden
deign to listen.

Many like to share a verse
with the maidens, merry of mind;
I can least manage to fit
my tunes to the southern boat.

Yet the tale of Són shall lie
upon the memory of Suttungr's horn,
if the fountain will accept
the lay of song just once.

The ship of Hár bears a gentle breeze;
she has but a small Kári;
yet I shall not cease
until the wave of praise is spent.

A closing knot upon the speech of words
I shall fashion, undemanding;
from the mouth of Gölnir I send
the fair gust of jest.

Narrative (Stanzas 6–42)

The sweep of the song earlier bound
the small boat of Austri
where the earl fell dead
and men were at their work.

The warriors found their prince
and hailed the victory;
likewise upon the ground they see
the life-stripped earl.

Greatly they praise the Lord's counsel,
the warriors freed from torment;
the men proclaim the Creator's grace
that shielded their king.

All the men fall to their knees
and thank the noble Lord;
through lands and halls let praise be his,
that life may never fail.

They raise their hands high
and praise the King of heaven:
"Your virtues and dear might
you make mightily known.

"You have freed us from peril,
Father in the kingdom of heaven;
you give men fortune's treasure;
none is found like you.

"You halted the storm, smith of heaven" —
so the holy praised of old.
The lord himself addresses the Lord
with these dear words:

"We give thanks to you for me,
and when we go to sleep;
we shall never be silent; all of us
shall always praise you here.

"My enemies, Father,
you let fall in battle;
fitting is that punishment for them:
you rid the murderers of old age.

"Therefore His strong hand
chose to save me from the snare:
that I might do good works
to God's praise and honour.

"To my subjects, honour and ease
I wish the Lord to grant —
to the merry-minded, wealth as well as fame,
and deny peace to none."

Fortune came to the wise king;
I can now tell of little need;
but this I shall relate: the people heard
the tidings of the earl's death.

He who earlier had ruled
the fortress among the warriors —
men raise a mighty tumult;
they intend to avenge the earl.

The crowd surged, and strife begins
at once at the earl's hall;
the prince remained in the hall a while,
stripped of all anguish.

The men did not know
the wickedness of the murder-plot;
they learn the treachery there
and call it a marvellous wonder.

Four hours the battle stood;
the prince was able to call
out through the window, often, to the people
and explain the whole event.

The lord bids the foremost men
to be summoned before him;
peace was given — it was soon done;
he gladdens all the men.

They came then before the king;
they greet the prince;
the softener of the gold-field's sleep
spoke a fair word to his people.

He told the warriors then
of the brothers' treachery,
and how sorrow hindered the trial;
the men praise their fortune.

The prince bade them keep
the brothers who fell in battle,
until the prince should deliver the judgement
on what should be done with them.

He bade his good men seek
upon the brothers
whether any strange things
might be found on the cold ones.

The keeper of purses thought there
of his clothing's burden;
a written parchment pouch was found
on the warrior of shields, in his bosom.

Written all over in runes,
the pouch seemed to the men;
few who wield the clash of spears
received better wages than these.

All the villain's confidence came
from that sorcerer's pouch,
when he fought his battle;
the devil strengthened that wielder of spears.

Sorrows afflicted the gold-man;
grief holds with death;
his wounds never bled —
it is said the pouch caused it.

The warriors took the sorcerer's bag;
the earl's wounds begin to bleed;
then the rivers of wounds increased
truly far across the ground.

Scorn and contempt grew from that man
among his kinsmen by marriage
and among all the neighbours,
with heavy rage and grief.

The she-wolf's feeder yearns for home,
forward to his own fortress;
the men follow the prince,
and now know nothing of sorrow.

At evening the king rides away,
nimbly, to his own counsel;
all the people grant the prince
honour and courtesy.

They marched out with tones of joy,
the warriors of the land, through the fields;
they played the lute, and the lord of the realm
granted Fáfnir's treasure.

The free people were able to praise
their Redeemer with honour;
the gold-wielder sowed rings
and bright treasures of the wave.

Good friends and a noble company
found the prince's grace;
wise warriors quickly rejoiced,
gladdened in the spirit's field.

Men seek the land of the Falcon
and travel to Edinburgh;
there the lord of the brand took his seat;
there is now no cause for sorrow.

The bright flame of Ónarr's maid
was kindled far and wide;
through lands and islands the people learn
the fair tidings of fortune.

Both fiddles and music
ring through the prince's fine towers;
there was no end to generosity;
games flourished far and wide.

The men sang songs of praise
in the land, on the squares of the hall;
the tongues of the world's peoples
all honoured the Lord.

The Scottish tale, swiftly and truly,
has been told in words;
the sixth metre closed lightly
on the learned pillars of praise.

Ríma VI ends. The cycle is complete.

Colophon

Skotlands rímur — The Scottish Rímur. Six rímur composed c. 1630 by Einar Guðmundsson, clergyman at Kirkjuból in the Westfjords of Iceland, retelling the Gowrie Conspiracy of 5 August 1600. Based on the Danish translation of the official English account, published at Copenhagen in 1601. Source: MS AM 146a, 8vo (Arnamagnæan Collection, Copenhagen). Edition: W.A. Craigie, Skotlands Rímur: Icelandic Ballads on the Gowrie Conspiracy (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1908). Text transcribed from the scholarly edition with modernised orthography.

Translation: Good Works Translation by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026. Translated from the Icelandic by NTAC with Claude. Gospel register. All six rímur translated: Ríma I (92 stanzas), Ríma II (94 stanzas), Ríma III (89 stanzas), Ríma IV (60 stanzas), Ríma V (87 stanzas), Ríma VI (42 stanzas). Total: 464 stanzas.

Scribal note: First known complete English translation. The Skotlands rímur are unique among rímur: a real event of modern European history — the attempted assassination of King James VI of Scotland — told in the ancient metres of Norse verse by an Icelandic pastor working from a Danish pamphlet. The poem covers: Alexander Ruthven's approach to the King at the hunt; the didactic mansöngr of Ríma II warning of treachery; the King's confrontation with the armed assassin and his speech of rebuke; Alexander's second attempt with the dagger; the rescue by Ramsay and Thomas Erskine; the death of the Earl of Gowrie and his men; the discovery of the magic pouch that prevented the Earl's wounds from bleeding; and the King's triumphal return to Edinburgh with praise and celebration.

🌲

Source Text — Fyrsta Ríma

[FYRSTA RÍMA]
i

Eitt sinn las eg æfintýr

út í löndum foröum ;
meistarinn hafði dyggur og dýr

diktaö snildar oröum.

Skrifarinn mætur Skotlands getur,
og skjöldungs þess hins ríka ;

bræöur tveir, sem birtir letur,
buðlung hugðu að svíkja.

3

Ekki tókst þeim illsku verk,

undan urðu að svífa,
því dýrðar höndin dróttins merk

dögling gjörði aö hlífa.

4

Veraldar flærð og falska trú

fá þeir lýöum kenda,
hinum sem vilja í heimi nú

huganum þartil venda.

5

Hjer má lyginn lymsku-þór

líta slíkan voða,
í eptirdæmi auðnu-mjór

allan sig nú skoöa.

6

Fangar jafnan fljóta skamm

falsara lundin ljóta ;
æsist þó með æði framm,

ætlar sigur að hljóta.

7

Ilia byrjað efnið manns

illan hlýtur enda ;
ill fær launin ódygð hans ;

illt mun hjá honum lenda.

8

Keisari einn var kendur í Róm

Kristni hjelt í banni ;
Guðs son hugði hið gamla gróm

gjÖra að lygi-manni.

9

Jórsala hugöi að byggja borg,

er bölvaði himna herra ;
ferska smíöi fjell á torg;

fjekk hann því úr verra.

10

Segir loksins sú varð raun

(sogurnar þetta stíla),
að dogling fjekk þau dygða laun,

hann drap af lopti píla.

n

Neró jafnan nauöir jók

nýtum drottins sveinum ;
vomurinn varö (sem vottar bók)

að villigelti einum.

12

Sjálfs hans hundar (sagt er) hann

særðu alt til dauða ;
sorg og pínu sálar fann;

svo var stefnt til nauða.

13

Antiochi eymd og sorg

aldri trú eg aö þrotni;
Herodes i helgri borg

hann var sleginn af drotni.

14

Tyggjar báöir, *tamir á slægö, *p. 211.

treystu á vopn og skepti ;
ágirnd þeirra og öfundar nægö

ilia Ömbun hrepti.

15

Cýrus hlaut af seima grund

sáran dauöa aö smakka ;
ágirnd sinni og öfundar lund

átti hann slíkt að þakka.

16

Dreingir þeir, sem drottins mann

Daniel sviptu hýrum,
sjálfir hreptu skjóta skamm

af skjöldungs villidýrum.

17

Eins munu straffast allir enn

fyr ótrú, fals, og slægöir;
frekari hafa mektar-menn

mjög svo veriö lægðir.

18
Sami er drottinn, söm er synd,

som er artin manna ;
í sömu glæpum samt er blind,

sama straff mun kanna.

19

Of langt er, ef alia þá

upp skal reikna kvæði,
sem drottinn lagöi dóminn á

fyrir dårligt þeirra æði.

20
Daufleg leiðast dæmin min

dýrri hringa Gefni ;
því skal byrla Boðnar vin,

og birta af sögunnar efni.

21

Fyrir Skotta landi skjöldung rjeð,

skatna gladdi fróða ;
þeim var allra lista Ijeð

lundinum frænings slóða.

22

Dögling ríkur dýrkar Krist,
dáðum prýddur og seimi;

fyrr hefur varla frægri hýst
fylkir neinn í heimi.

23

Sá var lofðung listum vendur
(leturin þanninn skýra) ;

hilmirs af því hagurinn stendur,
hann átti drottning dýra.

24

Sú var bæði fögur og fróð
Friggjan ofnis palla;

Danmerkur kóngs dýrligt jóð
dreingir mega hana kalla.

25

Var sú kljenust kyrtla brík
kend að nafni Anna ;

fyrr hefur eigi fundist slík
fylkirs æski-Nanna.

26

Tiguligt er tyggja blóm,
trausta menn kann sigra;

Jakoþ veitir jötna róm
í jeli vanur vigra.

27
Æfintýrið eitt af þeim

öðling vildi eg glósa;
niflungs tign og nógum seim

nenni eg lítt að hrósa.
28
Innt var mjer að öðling fór

eitthvört sinn um ríki ;
milding fylgdi múgurinn stór

merktur linna síki.

29

Fálha-land hjet frónið smátt,
fyikir átti að stýra;

heldur þangað hilmir brátt
með herra-fólkið dýra.

30
Vanur var þessi visir þar

að veiða dýr á skógi ;

ljeku sjer með lista par

lofðungs menn að plógi.

31

Einhvörn dag að öðling reið

út á skóginn *víða, *p. 2F2.

seggir litu seima meið
sveittum hesti ríða.

32
Stje af baki stýfir spjæts,

og stefhir mitt á dreingi;
heilsaði eyði orma grjóts

og öllu kóngsins meingi.

33

Komu-maðr fyr kónginn stje,

og kvaddi rekka snjalla;
buðlungs menn á bæði hnje
bófann sáu þar falla.

34
Heilsar hann upp å hilmir fyrst,

í huganum þeinkir verra;
' Blíðan vil eg þess biðja Krist
að blessa yður, minn herra/

35

Alexand hjet sá örva grjer,

ítran kvaddi stilli,
greifans bróðir af Góiver,
gott var þeirra í milli,

SK R J}

36

Jóhannis-staður hjet borgin breið,
bræður, trú eg, að stýri;

hjelt þar hof með hjörfa meið
herra greifinn dýri.

37
Riddari þessi að ræsi víkur,

rjeð svo málið sveigja:

' Tállaus hef eg, tyggi ríkur,

tíðindi yður að segja.

38

'í gærkveldi geysi-glaður
eg gekk um foldar reiti;

varð á fyrir vegi maður,
veit eg ei hans heiti.

39

'Lítils máttar leizt mjer hann,

lötraði einn um heiði;
ásjón hafði og heila rann
hulið skálkurinn leiði.

40
í Gekk eg framan að garpnum, því

gjörði nafns að frjetta;
öngu vildi hið arma þý

ansa mjer af ljetta.

41

'Kápu einni klæddur var
kauðinn lymsku-fulli ;

hjá fóla leiðum fann eg þar
fullan pott af gulli.

42
' Gjörla leit eg grettis land,

greip eg síðan dólann;
mælti eigi á móti grand,

má því hitta fólann.

43

'Tók eg gull og garpinn með,

gaman er slíkt að róma;
bófann þann sem brögð voru ljeð
batt eg saman í dróma.

44
'Falda eg inn í fólgnum rann,

um fólann öngvir hirtu;
lítur þar einginn lifandi mann

ljós eða nokkura birtu.

45

' Veit það einginn í veröldu lýður/

kvað veitir orma sessu,
'því er eg kominn, buðlung blíður,

að birta yður af þessu.

46
' Hvorki bróðir né bragna neinn

báru veit af ljóma,
utan þú, dögling dýr og hreinn,

dáðum prýddur og sóma/

47
Talaði þanninn tjörgu rjóður,

tamur við vopna göllu :
'vilda eg gjarnan, vísir góður,
vera yður trúr í öllu.
d 2

48
'Fór eg strax að íinna þig,

fylkir grænra rita;
Sikling, muntu sæma mig,

og sjálfur gullið líta.

49

fFáir þú þennan finna mann,

frægð má slíkri *hrósa; *p. 213.

öðling, máttu auðinn þann

allan til þín kjósa.

'Eí hilmir eigi hittir Þór,

Hagbarðs hest mun hljóta;
borgar menn og bróðir vór

brenda gullsins njóta.'

Falsarinn mælti, cg sór við sál,

svo fyrir ríkum tyggja,
gullið rautt og græðis bál

gæíist honum að þiggja.

52
Þeingill ansar þegar í stað

þessum örfa stefni:
'Oss heyrir ekki/ að hilmir kvað,;

'höndla um þvílíkt efni.

53
'Nema það væri numið ur jörð

nadda Týrs af fundi,

landsins dæma oss lögin hörð

en launin auðar lundi/

54
Ansaði ríkum örfa Njörð

Alexand fullur rausi,
'Gullið hugði að grafa í jörð

garpurinn ærulausi.

55
"Mjer var í sinni/' sagði harm,

"sjóði gulls að leyna."

Framar eg eigi frjetta þann

falskan stýrir meina.'

'Munur er það/ kvað meiðir stáls,

'rnegum vjer þetta skilja,
að fremja einn hlut til fulls eða hálfs,

eða fýsast eins að vilja.

57
'Minni synd er vilji enn verk,

ef voðann hyggst að starfa/

Helst mun þessi huggun merk

höldum koma til þarfa.

5B
'Tregur ertu/ kvað tjörgu meiðurj

'að trúa orðum mínum;
vex ei við það visirs heiður

hjá vildar-mönnum þínum.

59
'Ærið hugsar öðling knár

um efnið slíkra greina;

volkar sjer að vitja fjár

og vinna gullið hreina.

60
' Finnir þú eigi Fálu nið,

og fangir auðinn ljósa,
bróðir vor og bragna lið

brátt munu gulli hrósa.
61
4 Reikningskap mun ræsir få

raun-illan af feingi,
en efni nóg, sem inna må,

eptir að grenslast leingi/
62
Undrast þvílíkt orða spjall

öðling firtur grandi;
minntist fyrr þá for um hjarl

fölsuð mynt i landi.

63

Minntist gramur á morð og grand
er mönnum varð að tjóni,

þá framanda myntin for um land
fyrr á skotsku fróni.

64
Spurði mætur meiðir gulls

að mynt og orma ströndum.
' Vita munu þjer vist til fulls,

að var hun af öðrum löndum.

65

'Kenna muntu kompán þann
með kljenan draupnis sveita;

pápisk þjóðin pretti kann,
plaga þeir svik að veita.'

FYRSTA RÍMA 39

66

' Satt skal inna, sjóli, þjer,

svo að þig eigi blekki;
Skottum likur skildist mjer;

skynja eg gullið ekki.

67

'Að máli og burðum maðurinn er

sem mundi hann vera á hjarli
alinn upp *við orma sker *p- 214.

auðs hjá ríkum jarli.

68
6 Linna bólsins ljósa mynd

leit eg aldri slika ;
ókend er su orma lind;

ei sa eg hennar lika.

69

' Man ei heldur munda eg sjá

mann þann nokkurn tima/
Fylkir jók það firna þrá;

á ílæðar þeinkti bríma.
70
' Minn er grunur að muni þeim auð

munkur eiga að stýra,
sendur út með svikum og nauð

seggi að blekkja dýra.

' Því vil eg senda svein með þjer,

sama gullið líta;
bróður þínum boð frá mjer

bera skal eyðir ríta.

72
'Greifinn vil eg að grábaks storð

gey mi oss til hand a,
þar til koma þeingils orð

þennan leysa vanda.

73
' Eigi skal greiíinn girnast hel

garpi þeim að magna ;
gæti hans heldur, og geymi vel.'

Gramur rjeð síðan þagna.

74
Alexand var við illsku kendur,

öðling hyggst að pretta ;
svikarinn varð af sorgum brendur,

sór og mælti þetta :

75
'Sikling, hef eg sýnda þjer

sanna dygð og skæra,
viljað betur, vísi, en mjer

eða vorum bróður kæra.

76

'Eptir skyldu orð og eið
okkur að sæma báða,

for eg snemma fram á leið,
fuss til yðar náða.

77
' Vilji dögling gegn og gæfur

gjöra að orðum mínum,
þá bið eg að fylkir frægur

fylgi þjenara sínum.

FYRSTA RÍMA 41

78
'Farir þú ei með fleina Ull,

framur í rógi ríta,
aldri muntu ágætt gull

augum þínum líta.

79
'Ríðum báðir rekkum frá;

raun má kalla ljósa;
veit mjer sjálfur virðing þá ;

vil eg éi aðra kjósa.
80
'Ef þú, lofðung, lítur sjálfur

leirinn Fofnis gilja,
þá má skerlaugs skreyti-álfur

skipa að sínum vilja/

81

Sjóli undrast svikarans orð;

sá var flár í hjarta;
riddara sveitin reið um storð

að reyna stálið bjarta.
82
Bragnar undrast buðlungs tal,

búnir þegar til veiða;
öðling ríður, en endast hjal,

út á skóginn breiða.

83

Fjekk ei annað svikarinn svar

af siklings dýrum rómi ;
hann kvaðst vilja í hægðum þar

hugsa í góðu tómi.

84
Dýrin urðu að láta líf,

lágu dauð í blóði;
fylkir horfði á fleina dríf;

falsarinn æstist *móði. *p 215.

85

Alexand aptur að visa veik,

vjela fullur og sagna :
'Ekki skyldi lofðung leik

langan hirða að magna.

86

• Klerkar eru í kirkju nú,

og kappa sveitin búna;
færið aldri fá munt þú

fegra, heldur en núna.

87

' Ríðum strax/ kvað randa álfur,

rekkar munu hlýða,
' þá má lofðung líta sjálfur

linna bólið fríða.
88
' Eiginliga mig uggir það,

ef við skulum bíða,
bandinginn mun bera sig að

brjóta upp rannið fríða.

89

' Sitji eg ei hjá seima grjer,

þá svinnir kappar snæða,
greifinn mun þá gremjast mjer

og grunsemd af því fæða.

ÖNNUR RlMA 43

90

4 Undrast líka ella um mig,

ef eg er úti leingi ;
tyggi, vil eg ei tæla þig;

tjást mun slíkt fyrir meingi.

' Farir þú ekki, fylkir, strax

feinginn þjer að nýta,
þá mun sendir sára lax

harm síðan aldri líta.'

92
Gramur ekki gaf honum ans ;

gjarða fílnum rendi
fram á skóg með firða krans.

Frosta skeiðin lendi.

Source Text — Önnur Ríma

II
ÖNNUR SKOTSK

1
Efna verð eg annan brag fyrir unga dreingi ;
bermið fornt af Boðnar feingi
býð eg ekki dýru meingi.

2
Æskufólk skal ágæt dæmin ávalt hirða,
ekki hugsa um orögnótt stirða,
efnið kvæöa heldur virða.

Frá ungdóm skaltu óttast Guð og elska fræöi,
föður, móður, og frændur bæði ;
frægur er sá er þrifnað næði.

44 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

Uppi vertu árla dags um alia morgna;
viljir þú við volæð sporna,
varast skaltu leti norna.

5

Gjörða-lausar ganga þær og glotta tönnum,
með spáfarir spirta hrönnum,
spjá svo fje af æskumönnum.

Ljáist færi lærdóms þjer og lista næmi,
ungum segi eg ýtum sæmi
elska mennt og góðlig dæmi.

7
Iðju láttu þóknast þjer og þjónkan handa;
í kalli þínu keppstu að standa,
kemur þú síðan í nokkurn vanda.

8
Láttu heiður líka þjer þann lukkan veitir ;
andlig stjett um allar sveitir
ekki girnist halda á hneitir.

9

Kóngs vald ekki keppist inn í klerka vanda ;
sómir ekki sverö og randa
sacramentum við að *blanda. *p. 216.

10
Saul og Usias sjóla báða sæmdir fýstu ;
straffan drottins stirða gistu,
stað og ríki um síðir mistu.

n

Af því firðar fóru að offra fórnum hreinum ;
prúðum bar það prestum einum,
prýði-fullum drottins sveinum.

ÖNNUR RIMA 45

12

Einginn falli í annars stjett ; það eykur vanda :
sjerhvorn láti í sínu standa
sæmdar starfi munns og handa.

Öngvum skaltu óska falls frá æru sinni ;
veikur þó einn veröa kynni,
vor er heiður ekki að minni.

Athanasium Arius vildi af æru setja;
skækju gjörðu skatnar hvetja ;
skyldi hún lygð á biskup etja.

15

Ljet hún sem hann líkamans hefði losta framið,
sjer með hold í syndum lamið,
saurugar illa girndir tamið.

16

Fyrir dómi stóð þar drillan leið og dreingir fleiri,
biskup gagnvart bauga eyri ;
birtast munu hjer slægðir meiri.

17

Annar spuröi afreksmaöur efldur frygðar:
6 Segir þú hafi eg syndir skygðar,
seima grundin, meö þjer drýgðar?'

18
Biskup stóö sá bragning næst til brúðar mælti ;
hennar svaraði hugurinn stælti :
'holdið þitt mig illa vælti.

19
c f>ú hinn sami það hefur verk meö þilju unniö,
vondum þínum vjelum spunnið :
viröar, dóm álykta kunnio/

46 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

20

Biskup hugði brúðurin þann er býttí orðum;
strillan þessi stælt upp forðum
stóð þar fyrir herra boröum.

21

Fundin varð að falsi og lygð sú falda Gerða ;
Athanasi æru að skerða
ekki mátti þanninn verða.

22

Falsara dæmin finnast slík hjá íirðum víða ;
einn vill keppast annan níða,
ekki spara lygar að smíða.

23

Ærulausa egna þeir til ilsku verka ;
lygina magna ljóta og sterka,
látast sig þó halda merka.

24
Achitofels ilsku ráð ei altíð duga;
drottinn með sinn dýran huga
dárans slægð kann yfirbuga.

25
Illa lyktar öfundar manna áform stundum ;
gengur þeim sem grimmum hundum ;
geldst þeim aptur fullum pundum.

26
Ilsku manna undirgröftur ósköp styður ;
ferr svo *jafnan fleina viður, *p. 217

fellur sá til skammar niður.

27
Sannar þetta sögunnar mál og seggja dæmi ;
efna verður annað næmi,
ef eg því í gott lag kæmi.

ÖNNUR RÍMA 47

28

Bragurinn fjell, en byrlast annað Boönar minni,
kaldhamraður Kjalars viö inni
kvæöa slagur í ööru sinni.

29
Skildust áðr skatnar við, þar skjöldung fróður
veik á skóginn, vitur og góður;
vomurinn hinn stóð eptir hljóður.

30

Alexand fylgðu íirðar tveir og fúsir að pretta ;
hugsar ekki hilmir þetta ;
hafa þá bræður til njósnar setta.

31

Sendi annan svein á burt, er segja skyldi

sínum bróður, að sikling vildi
sjálfur koma að liðinni hildi.

32
Veizlu bað hann vanda þá sem virðum semur :
'eyktir þrjár, en ekki fremur,
eru til þess að vísir kemur/

33

Andrjes hjet sá ilsku þjón er orð nam leyfa,
kæmeistari hjá klókum greifa^
kann sá nokkuð svikunum hreifa.

34

Gjarða fílnum garpurinn fram til greifans rendi;
bar þau orð er bróðir sendi
brigðu-fljótt af sinni hendi.

48 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

35

Vikjum aptur visirs til á vænu láði;
dögling ekki dýra gáði,
dagur þó sína blíðu tjáði.

36

Tíðindin aldri tyggja geingu túns úr minni ;
orða smið í öðru sinni
aptur kallar gramur hinn svinni.

37
' Fljótliga skal eg fylgja þjer nú fram til borgar/
fylkir mælti Fofnis torgar ;
falsarinn gleðst við efnið sorgar.

38

' Geingur aldri úr minni mjer sú mundar snæra ;
þjer skal veitast þessi æra;
þúngt er eigi fót að hræra/

39

Hátt nam blása hilmir þá í hornið renda;
jaktina vill þá jöfurr enda,
jafnsnart burt með Alexand venda.

40
Stundir íjórar stóð sú jakt að stillirs ráði;
aldri á meðan annars gáði
en ræða um það sem Alexand tjáði.

41
Sinti ekki sjóli par um seggja veiði ;
getið er hins að grábaks heiði
geingur aldri úr sinnu leiði.

ÖNNUR RIMA 49

42

Flýta vill nú ferðum sínum flokka prýðir;
söðla dýr býður sæki lýðir;
siklings boði að fólkið *hlýðir. *p. 218.

43

Furðu var sá fákurinn móður er fyrr nam ríða ;
vomnum þótti verst að bíða ;
vísir biður hann sjer að hlýða.

44

' Sami nægir söðla beri svinnum tyggja/
gaurs var ekki grunlaus hyggja,
' gatan er sljett þar leiðir liggja.'

45
Fáknum aptur fór á bak sá fleygir gerða ;
undan tók með Alexand herða;
allir sveinar epdr verða.

46

Hafði hvorki hilmir vopn nje Handings klæði;
blakkurinn rann með býsn og æði ;
brjóstið kendi þungrar mæði.

47

Þegar að sáu þegnar nu til þeingils ferða,
dreingir eptir dögling herða ;
dygðin mun þeim launuð verða.

48
Óskipaðir allir þessir ýtar fóru;
herrar tveir með hilmir vóru,
harla dýran trúnað sóru.

SK R E

5o SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

49
Greifi af Mayr, góði herra, gram nam fylgja ;
flýði aldri fæðir ylgja,
fleina þar sem vektist bylgja.

50
Þegnar sextán þeysa á stað og þeygi fresta;
ólúna höfðu allir hesta ;
ekki mun þá kappið bresta.

Si

Náðu þessir niflung brátt og nadda brjóti ;
í sinni hugsar svikarinn ljóti
sízt mun gagn að þeirra hóti.

52
Raumurinn pretta ræsir bað, hinn ráða væli,
ferð um snúa fljótt á hæli :
'fæstir vilda eg okkur tæli.

53
' Áform hindrast ella mitt og okkart beggja ;
þeir mega aptur leiðir leggja ;
lyndið reynist misjafnt seggja.

54
6 Herra greiíinn hygg eg bezt, og hertuginn báðir,
vendi aptur víst um láðir ;
vitnast síður okkar dáðir/

Svaraði honum sikling aptur svo með reiði :
' einginn er mjer á þeim leiði ;
ágætlegur er þeirra greiði.

ÖNNUR RÍMA 51

56
' Enn munn eg trúa ýtum þeim til æðri mála ;
ætla eg ekki í orðum hála
ágætustu meiði stála.

57
' Svo hef eg ekki seggja minna svikráð fundið ;
traustar höfum vjer trygðir bundið,
táli og prettum öllum hrundið/

58

Grunsemd tók sjer gramur litla garps af orðum :
túngan marga tældi forðum ;
tjást mun slíkt í ljóða skorðum.

59
Milding kom þá mart í hug um meiði gerða ;
ríkur hugsar rjóður sverða
raima svik munu eingin verða.

60
Af því lofðungs lund var hrein við lestir fleina?
sökina hafði ei sikling neina ;
*sitt hvort munu þar báðir meina. *p. 219.

61

Hugsar með sjer hilmir dýr í huganum bráður,
að boðist hafði bófinn smáður
báðum þjóna hjónum áður.

62

Svik mundi eingin seggurinn því að sinni brugga
leyniliga í ljóða skugga;
lýðir þurfa ei slíkt að ugga.

e 2

52 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

63

Hugsar gramur hitt megi ske sem hendir marga;
melancholia, meinið arga,
manna gjöri opt vizku að farga.

64
Greifinn kanske gramur sje mjög við geira lesti,
þróast af því þunginn mesti ;
það má valda sinnu bresti.

65

Fylgdi kóngi frægur þegn af ferða ranni ;
hertugann spurði hýr með sanni
helst að þessum unga manni.

66

Systur átti svikarans versta svinnur herra ;
hans mun aldri heiðurinn þverra ;
hinn nam brugga ráðið verra.

67
Alt hvað tyggja tjáði hinn með tungu afli,
hermdi gramur af handar skafli ;
hertuga þótti brögð í tafli.

68
' Grein mjer það/ kvað gramur dýr, ' með góðum sanni,
ef fíflbka hefur á frægum manni
fundist áður í ljóða ranni/

69

Svaraði ríkum sjóla hann, og svo rjeð greina :
'Vissa eg hans ei veikju neina;
var honum ungum fátt til meina/

ÖNNUR RI MA 53

70
Skjöldung bauð að skildi ei við sig skýíir ríta
' Auglits skulu við aurinn líta,
aldri okkar samvist slita.'

71

Heimugliga gaf halurinn akt hvað hilmir sagði ;
dreingur ríður dapur og þagði,
drösulinn keyrði þegar að bragði.

72
Veik að stilli vanur til pretta vella lundur;
höfuðið hneigði Herjans kundur;
höldum þótti kýmin undur.

73

Lítillátliga lofðung bað hinn lasta fljóti :
' Segðu öngvum seima brjóti
svinnum neitt af okkar hóti.

74

'Af grettis vallar glæstri lá með greindum sanni,
tjáðu öngvum tignum manni,
tyggi, bið eg þig áður kanni.

75

'Einn vil eg gangi öðling inn á ýta náðir,
að líta bjartar linna sáðir;
líkar mjer það við sjeum báðir/

76

Blíður mælti buðlung þá, og brosti viður:
'Ilia reikna eg orma fiður,
ef einginn dreingja þartil styður.

54 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

11
' Því er oss þörf á þegni þeim er það kann vinna ;
ómak verður mjer að minna.'
Mælti hinn, og svo rjeð inna :

78
'Einn skal *lofðung líta fyrst þá linna heiði; *P- 220.
ágæt síðan öldin leiði
augum dýr með hringa meiði/

79

Undrast gramur orðin slik er út hann leysti ;
rekkurinn á sín ráðin treysti ;
ríkir í hjarta flærðar neisti.

80
Sjóli grunar sannliga mart um svikin barma :
' Oss mun ætla auka harma
Alexand nú með lymsku arma/

81
Þann sinn grun vill þeingill ei fyrir þegnum glósa;
sannlega má hann sæmdum hrósa,
sá berr dygð og æru ljósa.

82
Nú sem fylkir nálgast borg, þá niflung ræður,
orð frá eg sendi sínum bræður
svikarinn lymskur, lýðum skæður.

83
Andrjes Rut inn eyðir nefndist auglits torgar ;
flytti þessi frjettum sorgar;
frægan hitti stýrir borgar.

ÖNNUR RIMA 55

84
Sagði hann alt af sjóla för, og síðan þagði;
greiíinn býr sig gildur að bragði
glaður, en ekki til þess lagði.

85
M mílu átti milding enn að murnurn kalda,
undan tók með ákefð halda
Alexand heim til skýfis skjalda.

86

Sínum bróður siklings komu segja vildi;
barmar hittust bræddir skildi;
að borðum sat þá greifinn gildi.

37

Óvart Ijet sem öðling kæmi að ýta ranni;
þó hafði áður þegn með sanni
þetta spurt með sendimannL

88

Fljótlega gekk frá borðum burt sá beitir vagna
kóngi Ijezt með kærleik fagna;
kallar hann til sin fjölda bragna.

89

Ríður út með rekka lið um ríkar hallir;
Derlings voðum dreingir snjallir
dubbaðir voru hlífum allir.

90

Áttatigi greifinn gildur garpa hafði ;
eyðir sætta ekki tafði,
unst hann hitti kóng að bragði.

SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

Kónginn heilsar kurteis þegn að kærum vanda:
4 vel kominn,' segir hann, ' vísir landa ' ;
virðar allir í kringum standa.

92
Grams var heldur flokkurinn fár hjá firða meingi ;
sextán hafði sjóli dreingi
sjena lítt með unda þveingi.

93

Gjarða fílar greiða ferð að greifans höllu ;

lofðung þar með liðinu öllu
leiðist inn hjá meingi snjöllu.

94
Saurugt vill hjer saupið þrotna Suptungs fljóta ;
bermið tekur brátt að þrjóta ;
bragurinn mun hjer standa hljóta.

Source Text — Þriðja til Sjötta Ríma

[ÞRIÐJA RÍMA]

I

Mansöngs spil þó menja Bil

mætti vilja þiggja,
þá er þurt sú bermin burt

er bar eg frá Asa tyggja.

2
*Litla lukt af Ijóða frukt *p. 221.

]jet mig eitt sinn smakka ;
örleik hans, þess auma manns,

öngvan hef eg að þakka.

ÞRIÐJA RÍMA 57

3

Hæli þeir sem höppin meir

höfðu úr Ása höllum ;
vináttu brögð eru virðum lögð,

en veitast ekki öllum.

4
Herra gunst er herlig kunst ;

hana eg sjaldan kendi ;
þá snerkja roð með snúðug boð,

sneypa er vis í hendi.

5

Trautt fær þann, er trúskap kann
tjá með sæmd og snilli,

þó leitir þú með listum nú
landshornanna á milli.

6

Vináttu má hjá virðum fá,

veitist Fofnis bingur;
flugan svong, ef fær ei föng,

frábærligana stingur.

7
Tantalus var talinn þuss,

tönnla mátti og drekka;
þó bar angur soltinn, svangur,

sultar grön óþekka.

8

Agjarn ríkur er honum líkur ;

öngvar hefur hann náðir ;
æ vill meiri aumur leir

auð og linna sáðir.

58 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

9
Öngvan má sér ágjarn hjá

annan vita hljóta
aura nægð, eða aðra frægð;

einn vill alls þess njóta.

10

Samt er tómur sultar grómur;

sárt sker hjarta rætur
annars lán, en öfund og rán

eykst um daga og nætur.

ii

í orði gildur, margur mildur
mjög læzt vera um stundir ;

það eyrna hjúk og banvænt brúk
bregðst, því slægð er undir.

12

Hrósi fátt ein hringa gátt
hönd, þó mildin prýði ;

hirði ei lof, nje heiðurs hof,
hafa af veraldar lýði.

Hefur í raun sín lítil laun
lofgjarn út hjer tekið,

fær hann smán, og fjárins rán,
frægö á burtu rekið.

14

Launar þjer, sá í leyni sjer,
líkn og annan sóma ;

eykur brauð en eyðir nauð
ástin drottins fróma.

ÞRIÐJA RIMA 59

15

í rjetta tíð mun lykjast lýð

laun af verkum öllum,
þá herrans blóm vill halda dóm

með holdum veraldar snjöllum.

16

Lát þú mig fá með lukku að sjá,

lausnarinn, þína prýði,
þó verkin min sjeu varla fín

og vönduð miður en hlýði.

17

Mjer er ei ljent sú mansongs ment

að mæla um sprundið ljósa,
þriðja hátt fyrir þorna gátt

þó mun eg verða að glósa.

18
Þar fjell bragur þeygi fagur,

þeingill gekk til hallar ;
dögling vitur og drottinn situr

hjá dreifi nöðru vallar.

19

Heila stund beið lofðungs lund

og listugur hjörfa *meiðir, *p. 222

áður en gildur greifinn mildur

gram til borða leiðir.

20
Sikling spyrr að svikarann fyrr

sveigi gyltra ríta:
' Nu mun hent/ kvað niflungs ment,

'nöðru ból að líta/

6o SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

21

Svika vargur svaraði argur,
sögn ljet ekki þverra:

'Alt er kyrt i kofanum birt;
kátur vertu, herra.

22

'Læt eg þörf/ kvað lymskan djörf,
' Þjer leynið okkar ræðu ;

vega móður, visir góður
vil eg að njóti fæðu.

23

' Dögling skal í dýrum sal

drákons heiðar aldri
geta orð við greifans borð
fyrir gildum hjörfa Baldri.

24

• Fyrir ofan mold af frænings fold

flrða tru eg eingi
viti meir nema við hjer tveir

hjá virða öllu meingi.

25
Eptir það sem Alexand bað

af öðlings dýru valdi,
gaur í vil sig greifans til

gramur tru eg síðan haldi.

26
Spurði gramur spektarsamur

spilli baugs að mörgu;
orða refur andsvör gefur

oil af lyndi örgu.

ÞRIÐJA RIM A 61

27
Fylkir sat, og fjekk sjer mat;

frægð tru eg ekki linni;
greifinn stóð með grimd og móð

grams fyrir borðum inni.

• 28

Lymsku drjúgur í lyndi bjúgur

lýðum greifinn þótti;
hneigði niður höfuðið viður;

hjartað pínir ótti.

29
Að fylkirs náð með fremd og dáð

falsarinn gætir ekki;
sá nam heldur er svikunum veldur

sinna um aðra hvekki.

30
Kóngsins menn með kærleik enn

kvintir að borðum þjena;
á tign og ment eg tel þeim hent;

trautt fær slíka sjena.

Öðlings ment fær máltíð ent,

mun sá heiður hljóta;
í öðrum sal skal ýta val

öls og matar njóta.

32
Gramson merkur, gildur og sterkur,

greifann undrast náði;
einka hljóður, ærið rjóður,

ávarps einskis gáði.

62 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

33

Þeingill biður, sem þrátt er siður,

þegar að máltíð enti;

síðan aumur svika raumur

sjóla frá eg að benti.

34

Alexand þá, sem innt er frá,

við öðling talar hinn blíða :
'Get eg sje tíð að gargans hlíð

garpur líti fríða.

35
'Þyki mjer ráð að þess sje gáð,

þeingill í burtu stefni
greifa fyrst, svo geti hann sízt

grunað um þetta efni.

36

'Við skulum tveir, meðan virðar þeir

velja um drykk og fæðu,
líta þann hinn lymsku-mann,

og ljetta *síðan mæðu. *p. 223.

37
Gjörði það sem garpurinn bað

gramur, og heimti síðan

góða skál með grettis bál,

við greifann talaði fríðan.

33
1 Þjer hafið sízt, og það er víst

þegnum vel komandi,
drukkið til með dáða skil,

hvað dreingja er þó vandi.

ÞRIÐJA RÍMA 63

39

c Mun eg því nú á mína trú

máli þanninn venda,
yður fyrst með æru og list
ágætt minnið senda.

40
' Síðan ber,' að bragning tjer,

c býtið gestum öllum
Rínar glóð, og rósar flóð

rekkum skeinkið snjöllum/

41

Hinn tók viður, en herrann biður

hann skuli minnið drekka:
' Geira álfur gleði sjálfur

göfuga vora rekka/
42
Halur gekk út með horna lút,

er herrann drakk til sveinum,
fjekk í hönd með fræðin vönd

fylkirs manni einum.

43
Alexand var hjá öðling þar;

ósköp að honum kalla:
'Fylkir, þjer skuluð fylgja mjer

að finna rekkinn snjalla/

44
Siklings niður svikarann biður

sinn mann einn að kalla,
taman þann er telja kann

tárin Fýris vallar.

64 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

45

6 Förum tveir, en íirðar þeir

fæðu veri að sinni;
fylkir þarfur fylgi djarfur
og forsjó treysti minni/

46

Fór á stað sem fólinn bað ;

frek jókst sorgar kvíðan;
ráða lætur ræsir mætur

rekk, og geingur síðan.

47
Fylkir geingur, og flærðar dreingur,

fjórar stofur í gegnum;
læsti dyr, sá leyndi styr

og lista geð sitt þegnum.
48
Lymsku fús í lítið hús

með lofðung halurinn vendi ;
þar stóð maður þeygi glaður

með þungan vigur í hendi.

49

Dygðin brast, en dreingurinn fast

dyrnar aptur lukti ;
tjörgu meiður trítilreiður
týnt hefur öllu bukti.

50
Skemdar leiður skalkurinn reiður

skjómann þreif hinn bjarta;
stakk fyrir brjóst með þungan þjóst
þeingil mitt á hjarta.

ÞRIÐJA RÍMA 65

51

' Eg hefi hald og vegligt vald

á visirs lífi snjöllu,
þinn skal leiður þeingils heiður
þrotinn vera með öllu.

52
' Glerin björt á glugga hjört

girnstu ei upp að láta,
nje vondslig köll um vigra göll;

varast skaltu að gráta.

, 53
£Ef bregður þú, sem að býð eg nú,

burt af ráðum mínum,

þá skal Iff við laufa kíf

leita að enda sínum.

54
'Ferr það vel þó fáir þú hel

*af feda vendi bjúga ; *P- 224

brandur minn skal búkinn þinn

og brjóst í gegnum smjúga.

55
^íanstu ei, hið mesta grey,

þú mýðir föður mínum ;
feigðar blak við fleina skak

hann fjekk af ráðum þínum.

56

' Föðurs míns deyð og forna neyð

frekt gjöri eg að sorga;
þú skalt móð og þegnsins blóð

með þínu lífi borga/

F

66 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

57
Sikling hljóður sýndist rjóður ;

sá kann hlífar sundra;
þvílík orð og þrauta morð

þeingill tekur að undra.
58
Hreytir stáls bar horn við háls«,

Handings íirtur vóðum,
varnar laus, sem vomurinn kaus?

hjá virðum þeygi góðum.

59

Kristur þá svo kær til sá,

um kónginn lætur hirða;
dignar brjóst í dreingnum ljóst,

sem dögling átti að myrða.
60
Brugðust heit þá buðlung leit ;

bragning stóð og þagði;
skalf sem lauf sú skræfan dauf7

og skjómann frá sjer lagði.

61
M hilmir sjer hvör hættan er,

og horfir á víga manninn;
við Alexand þá, sem inni eg frá,

orðum hagaði þanninn.

62
'Þeink í hljóði, þeingils blóði,

Þundur greipar svella,
synd er stór fyrir sverða Þór

saklausu út að hella.

ÞRIDJA RfM A 67

63
'Hefnd mun sterk/ kvað hetjan merk,

' harðliga goldin verða ;

þeingils múgur er þeygi bljúgur ;

þann kann brynjur skerða.

64
6 Þó hvorki frændur, folk nje bændur,

freisti hefnd að efna,
grjót og rætur græðarinn mætur

grimmliga lætur hefna.

'Vit til fulls/ kvað veitir gulls,

'vor þó endist gipta,
döglings fíjóð og dýrlig jóð

dreing mun lífi svipta.

66
'Föður þíns lát við feigðar grát

fær mjer öngvan kvíða ;
borgi þeir sem beittu geir,

og bana ljetu hann líða.
67
' Hans bið eg fall við fleina svall

frelsarinn dæmi hinn snjalli ;
full var sök, þó feigðar vök

feldi hann burt af hjarli.
68
' Min var sljó og maktin mjó,

þá milding hjóst með geiri;
eg var einn og ungur sveinn.

angraður svo sem fleiri.

F 2

68 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

69

á Höfðu ráð um hauður og láð

herrar lands með fljóði ;
eg er nú því með öllu frí

auðar lunds af blóði.
70
t Þeirra ráð við Þundar gráð

þegninn lífi sviptu;
sá hlaut nauð, en svinnir auð

sín á milium skiptu.

'Þá eg fjekk hald og visirs vald

vegligt hjer í landi,
ættfólk þitt og annað *hitt *p. 225.

alt var leyst frá vandi.

72
'Veitta eg þjer, þu veizt það hjer,

var það ekki minna,
alia sæmd, og aptur dæmd

óðul feðra þinna.

73

4 Þú veizt gjör/ kvað þeingils bör,

c þó mjer sjert orðinn skæður,
eg firti nauð, en fylti auð
fróma þína bræður.

74
'Álla dygð en öngva stygð

eg hefl yður sýnda,
ráðið bætur, reist á fætur

rekka svo sem týnda.

ÞRIÐJA RIMA 69

75

• Gótsið aptur, geira raptur,

gaf (og þótti raun að)
þinni ætt, en það mun rætt

þu hafir illa launað,

76

'Makt og heiður, málma meiður,

mjer hafi þjer að þakka;
ættuð víst yfir vorum sízt

vanda nokkrum hlakka,

77
' Þínar systur, þegninn bistur,

þó mig lítið varði,

hefi eg fætt, svo hvorgi er hætt,

heima á mínum garði/

78
Mælti dyggur milding hryggur,

málið tekur að hvessa:
c Líttu hjer hver launin mjer

þú leggur í staðinn þessa.

79

' Þín mun sál fyrir þvílíkt tál

þunga mestan hljóta,
eymd og sorg í yndis borg

en aldri náða njóta.
80
'Meistari þinn með málin svinn

mundi aldri veita
þjer það lið, þú þeingil við

þanninn skyldir breyía.

70 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

Si

'Aðra ment hefr öðling kent

eyði Fofnis sikja;
hygg eg vist það hæfi sizt

herra sinn að svíkja.

82
'Frægur var og fremdir bar,

Fróða gæddur sáðum;
betri er deyð og berlig neyð,

en brjóta af góðum ráðum.

83

& Hans mun sál fyrir trygðar tal

títt á efsta dómi
klaga þig, en kvitta sig,

kóngs fyrir dýrum rómi/

84
Gramson biður, og glúpnar viður ;

getið er slíkra rauna :
; Gef mjer líf við geira kíf

góðu skal eg þjer launa.

85
£ Okkar orð og ásett morð

aldri skal eg glósa
fyrir neinum hal í hilmirs sal,

þó haíi eg lífi að hrósa.

86

4 Aldri af mjer skal örfa grjer

orðið stygðar heyra,
straff á mót eður stirðlig hot,

ef sturlar oss ekki meira/

ÞRIÐJA RÍMA 71

87
Döglings neyð sór dýran eið

dreiíi linna sessu;
'Fái eg grið með fróman sið,

frjáls skaltú af þessu/

88

Sízt er greið um Sónar leið

sigling dælu hrafna,
því mun bezt nieð Boðnar lest

bera sig heim til hafna.

89

Fellur voö á fræða gnoð

Fals í hyggju landi ;
Berlings knör viö bragða vör

bezt mun fara þó standi.

IV
[FJÓRÐA RÍMA]

1

Skeiðin beið þar skrofuðu menn

um skæöan *nauða starfa; ^p. 226.

nýtum ýta ná skal enn

nausta lestum karfa.

2

Boönar soðnar logurinn lítt,

lest eg fast í sinni;
brúöum prúðum bera skal nýtt

bland af hendi minni.

72 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

3

Feldi og seldi eg Fjölnis vin
um frakkan hrekkja dóla ;

bagan og sagan byrjast min
af brodda hræddum sjóla.

4
Halur i salnum heima sterkur

heyrði orðin tyggja ;
vildi gildur visir merkur

veldis haldið þiggja.

5

Hægði og lægði Herjans kundur

harka sterkan skóla ;
fjell að velli fors og undur;

fræðum hlýðir sjóla.
6
Heitir veita hilmir grið

halur með vjela galla ;
eiðinn greiðir öðlings nið

orku sterkan valla.

1
' Ef forðast orð og frábært kall

Fofnis drafna hreytir,
líf við kífa laufa pall

lukkan þekkum veitir.
8

• Mig lystir fyrst um litla stund

láta þrætu standa,
bróður góðum birta af fund;

brátt mun ljetta vanda.'

FJÓRÐA RÍMA 73

9

Mælti dælt við málma bör

meiðir rjóður sverða :
' Þú skal nú, meðan þreyti eg for,
þýður og hljóður verða.

10

'Sjálfur álfur sverða skal

með sjóla mæla hinn únga/
Milding vildi mýkja tal

mest um kosti þúnga.
11
Sverða herðir svaraði brátt

svika ríkum dóla:
'þegninn gegni, þeygi mátt

þrautar leita sjóla.

12

1 Min til þín er mjúkust bón,

mætur spjóta beitir,
forðast morð og falskligt tjón

við Fróða sáða veitir.

' Sómir frómum seggjum sízt

sára færið leggja ;
útan sútar vildi eg vist

víkja af leiki beggja.

' Frægð og hægðir fær þú sízt

af fanga dreingjum slíkum ;
þjer sem mjer ef þetta lízt,

þyrm þú harma ríkum.'

74 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

15

Veill óheill að vomurinn hjer

vísi ansar sveita:
'Annað kann eg ei ansvar þjer
enn að sinni veita.

16

1 Fróður góður frændi minn,

fastra lestir gerða,
kefja og hefja kóngdóm þinn

kveð eg hann ráða verða.

'Tali halurinn traustur við

týni frænings láða,
seggir leggja sætt og frið,

sætra njóta náða/
18
Mælti dælt við manninn þá

morðarinn verði minni :
' Vakt og akt gef visir á,

so veri hann kyr hjer inni.

19

' Verður sverða vænum rjóð

víst að beztu líka,
við skæðan ræða randa bjóð,

Rögnis megnra bríka/

20
Flasar og vasar fólinn út,

fast og læsti ranni;
*lítið slítur lofðung sút, *p. 227.

luktur mektar banni.

FJÓRÐA RI MA 75

21

Spurði smurður stillir fróns

spakan vökudóla :
'Viltu stiltur veitir sons

vjelum tæla sjóla?

22
6 Áttu dátt við dreyra foss

dauða greiða -færi ?
hátt um mátt að myrða oss,

mundu vandann, kæri.

23

Svaraði harður sæmdar þegn,

er sinna kunni rjettu :
£ Nauðugan trauðan, niflung gegn,

mig nauða bræður settu/

24

Sór við ljóra sikling hræddur

sínum vænum munni,
rjett og sljett með falsi fræddur,

sem fólinn mæla kunni.

25
Get eg að hjeti gramson trúr

gluggum veggja aldri

skufa eður rjúfa skuggum úr

í skæðu nauða hjaldri.

26

Beiddi reiddur bjarga sjer

bljugan þegn af mæði,
hendi benda hið bjarta gler,

braut svo líta næði.

76 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

27
Sára fára sendir lax

síðan náði veita
bón á fróni buðlung strax

bundinn unda sveita.

28
Drottinn hrotta deyfði kíf,

dignar megnið næsta ;
manninn þann við málmá dríf

mýkti spektin hæsta.

29
Barmar armir brugga Ijót

bæði ráð og finna;
maðurinn glaður minnst vill mót

mildings valdi vinna.

30
Hæstur glæstur himna ranns

hugði að brögðum herra,

hrærði og nærði hjartað hans

að hindra vondan hnerra.

31
Víkur að ríkum virðum þeim

er vænum þjóna tyggja;

hersar þessir geðs um geim

góða fæðu þiggja.

32
Enda kendir máltíð mest,

mjöðurinn gleður rekka ;
greifinn hreifi að görpum sezt,

gjörir svo hver að drekka.

FJÓRÐA RIM A 77

33
Gaurinn aura getið er enn

gæða ráðin leggi,
að glópur einn hrópi grams á menn

glöggt, svo blekkti seggi.

34

Undrast lundar orma skers,

einginn kóng nam líta ;
frjetta rjett að foringja hers

-og ferðum hirði ríta.

35

Án stans nam ansa lyddan leið

lognu þegnum máli :
' Burt með kurt sá bragning reið
björtu firtur stáli/

36

Þykti, hnykkti, þegnum við ;

þröng varð dreingjum kvíðan ;
þegar til vegar visirs lið

vildi halda síðan.

37
Manninn þann sem plagaði port

prúðir náðu frjetta :
1 Um skeiðið reið hvort skjöldung fort ?

skýrðu orðum þetta/

38

Innir svinnum soddan tal

svífur hjörfa blekki :
' Hygg eg dyggvan herra í sal

hjer, en farinn ekki.

78 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

39
*Heyrði reyrður hatri og sút, *p. 228.

hóf so greifinn máll:
' Portarann skortir lukku lút ;

þú lýgur, feigur gáli/
40
Sveif í greifans sinnu ker

súta hitinn varmi :
6 Lygin og smygin lyddan er ;

laugstu flest, hinn armi.

41
'Riðinn í friði ræsir er,

ræð eg yður með sanni ;
þó skal prófa þetta hjer

þegar, og huga að ranni/
42
Yíir hallar vallar háfan mur

hleypir snápa líki,
bróðir stóð þar brigðu-trúr

og Bölvers halurinn ríki.

43
Frjettir rjett hvort fylkir sje

falinn í heljar pínum,

ljósar glósur ljet í tje '

fyrir leiðum bróður sínum.

44
Aptur skaptur að virðum veik

(vill svo spjalla ríma),
hneigir og seigir kominn á kreik

kóng fyrir löngum tíma.

FJÓRÐA RI MA 79

45

Á bak við þak hjá borgar múr

blíður reið frá meingi ;
aumur raumur ekki trúr
alia villir dreingi.

46

Búast, snúast brátt á reið,

bragnings þegnar snjallir ;
ríða fríðir fram á leið

fákum bleikum allir.

47

Stefndu nefndir strax á leið

stofunni jöfurs nærri,
þar áður á láði ræsir reið

og rekka flokkurinn færri.
48
Fanginn spanga spillir var,

spjes í húsi gisti;
fríðir ríða fram hjá þar,

fjell su heill af Kristi.

49
Ríman stímuð reikar aptur

að ríkum svika dóla,

aulinn staulast illa skaptur

enn að íinna sjóla.

50
Alexand vandar virðing lítt,

vesnar rausn og greiði ;
brýn ófrýnar bárust sítt,

bólgin ylgjar reiði.

8o SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

51

'Dauðann rauðan dæmdi þjer

dýr minn kæri barmi ;
þú skalt nú, ef lukkan ljer,

lægður verða, hinn armi/

52
Þrífur og rífur þokka rýr

þilju heljar nóti
í brjóstið ljóst, en buðlung snýr

bistur fast á móti.

53

Halurinn galinn hugði reiður

hendur að binda á tyggja:
6 Þinn um sinn skal þrotinn heiður
þverður á jörðu liggja/

54

' Feigur, deigur, falla í hlje

fyrr eg kjör af hörðu,
en bundinn undinn böndum sje

sem bölvuð fól á jörðu.

'Eg fæddist, klæddist, frjáls með frið,

fjekk það lukkan káta;
vil eg svo skilja veröldu við

veikur í líkan máta/

56

Ruskast, tuskast, rekkar fast ;

ræður síðan binda
sjóla, en fóla sverðið hvast

svipull greip af linda«

FJÓRDA RÍMA 81

57
Ekki íjekk hinn bisti bör

bundið sendi sjóða;
klórar nóri í kóngsins vör,

kveður hann síður hljóða.

58

Jókst og tókst þar styrjöld stríð,

sterklegt hark í húsi;
vörðust, börðust vel um hríð;

veittist *máttar kúsi. *p. 229.

59

SÖgur og bogur Sónar víns
si'zt er best að næra ;

endir lendi óðar míns;
ágæt njóti kæra.

60
Hirði stirðan brúðir brag

brátt, og Ijetti hætti,
virði dyröar Sónar sag

sótt og reitt af mætti.

V

FIMTA SKOTSKA
1

Má eg ei veizlu Viöris blands
viröum bjóða nú til sanns,
því mjer er horfin Hárs á braut
horn a dröfn úr hyggju laut.
G

82 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

2

Óma týndust iðju laun;
er mjer opt að slíku raun ;
rósar flóö og Rögnis vín,
rann þaö aldri inn til min.

3
Dauf þó lægi dregg á hall,
og dreifðist lítt um Sónar pall,
ber eg þaö ei fyrir blíða þjóð,
burgeis-lýð eða yngis-fljóð.

4
Kerling mörg í kotinu er,
kvæðin nytjar misjöfn sjer;
sú má eignast Sónar tal
sæta, er ekki á betra val.

5
Mun eg þó veröa mansöngs spil
mætri færa hringa Bil,
af gömlum dæmum gullas Ná
gott og ljett að læra má.

6

Akab átti illa frú;
öngvum var hún dygg nje trú ;
fögur á lit en fölsk í lund;
flestir hötuöu menja grund.

7
Mann sinn egndi mest til sanns
móti Guöi og þjónum hans ;
saklausa nam svíkja fól,
sokuöum veitti hlífö og skjól.

FIMTA RIMA 83

8

Hataöi alia hrundin sú
er hreina geymdu Guði tru;
íals-spámönnum fljóöið ann,
á fróma lagöi hatur og bann,

9
Hennar vondsku visir galt ;
varð því báöum hjólið valt ;
hestar drápu hilmirs fljóð,
en hundar sleiktu kóngsins blóð.

10

þanninn olli þorngrund verst
þeingils falli og auðnu brest ;
sáran dauða sjálf hún hlaut,
síns stórlyndis illa naut.

11

Akabs hús varð eyöilagt
alia misti heimsins frakt;
sjötíu voru synir hans
sverði drepnir innan lands.

12

Drottning þessi, djörf á skamm,
deyöa hugði Elíam;
frelsti herrann fróman þjón ;
fálan sjálf fjekk andartjón.

Vara eg hvörja valda snót,
vondslig foröast dæmin ljót ;
spekt og mildi spenni aö sjer
sprakkinn hvor sem lániö ber.
G 2

84 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

14

Mýki og græði mannsins brest;
mun þar rísa af gæfan mest ;
elski frygö og fróma dygð ;
fer þaö lof um heimsins bygð.

Köld eru stundum kvenna ráö;
karlmenn fá þess ekki gáð;
höldar verða í huganum brendir,
hugsa lítt hvar síðar lendir.

16

Einginn skyldi auka mein
ágætum Guös oröa svein,
*heldur prísi hjörfa álfur *p. 230.

hvorn sem drottinn elskar sjálfur.

17

Keppstu aldri að kefja þann
sem Kristur sjálfur æru ann;
brjóztu ekki broddi á mót;
bræði Guðs er stundum fíjót.

18

Hyllin Guðs og hamingjan hrein
hjálpar þeim í hvorri grein,
sem drottins að sjer dýrðin tók ;
dæmin les í helgri bók.

Varastu þessi vondslig hót
vilja Guðs að stríða á mót ;
aptur kallar hann ei sitt ráð,
en þú fellur í spott og háð.

FIMTA RÍMA 85

20

Eptirdæmin orða frjáls
allmörg finnast þessa máls ;
drottinn lækkar drambsamt geð,
dýrð þó verði um stundir Ijeð.

21

Mest það skaðar menn og sprund
meðan þeir hafa dýran mund ;
forsið vex með firöum þá;
fellur sálin drottni frá.

22

I hóíi er beztj þó hafi sein\
höldar brúki þennan heim ;
vist í dag hann virðist rauður,
vera kann á morgun danöur.

23

Annars að kefja lukku lán
lítil þykir stoltum smán ;
öfund bæði og ágirnd ljót
er til þess hin versta rót.

24

Hugsað hef eg í hjarta mjer,
heims fólk þegar að hreykir sjer^
rambar opt af ríkri mekt,
raunar fær sig ekki þekkt.

25
Drussi er þaö, sem dregur í vænd
að dreingjum sje það nokkur sæmd
að festa á kroppinn flár og skart,
en fölvan níða sálar part.

86 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

26

Innri maður sje æru skrýddur,
elsku, dygö og sóma prýddur;
þótt gull á búki glói mart,
guðræknin er bestå skart.

27

Hvar vill lenda halur og sprund
þá herrans koma á efsta fund ;
ef taptur er allur trúar fans,
traustið hverfur syndugs manns.

28

Góð verk ekki gilda þá,
sem girntist þú af hrósun fá;
í leyni hvaö þín lundin bar,
launa vill þjer drottinn þar.

29

Einfaldur í elsku og trú
ávalt sje því halur og frú ;
þau munu verkin viröast best ;
vjel og lygar skarta verst.

Hreinhjartaöir herrann sjá ;
hinir verða að falla frá,
er meö sjer færa marga í synd ;
mjög er þeirra sálin blind.

31

Einn þó rasi yíir ráðið framm,
raunar er það nóglig skamm ;
ef fávísa sjer flekar meöur,
íirna stór þann gjöldin skeöur.

FIMTA RIMA 87

32
Hvör sem girnast himna vist,
hegöi sjer með æru og list,
dæmin gefi dróttum góð,
drífi á burtu lygar *og móð. *p. 231.

33
Hinn sem lyktar lífið sitt
lastvar svo fyrir utan kvitt,
kóngur verður og kierkur så
i keisara veldi drottni hjá.

34

O ska eg mjer og Öllum lýð
sem elska drottinn fyrr og síð,
þeir hreppi frið og fögnuö þann
er faöir á himnum veita kann.

35

Enda eg þanninn mansöngs mál,
mína blessi drottinn sál ;
Óma vin eg efna vil,
aptur víkja sögunnar til.

36

Raddar streingur Rögnis hvarf,
þar rekkar höfðu ærið starf;
fylkir átti að forðast hel;
falsara þótti leikið vel.

37

Þá stillir móður stáls við kund
stímpast hafði langa stund,
út að glugga opnum þar
Alexand dró sá hlífar skar.

88 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

Lítur út með lukku traust;
lofðung kallar hárri raust :

• Menn þeir vilja myrða oss hjer ;
  mætir bræður, hjálpið mjer ! '

39

Samsíundis kom siklings lið
og sjálfur greifinn út um hlið;
þeir heyrðu gjörvöll hilmirs orð,
að honum var búið þrauta morð.

40
Þegar að heyrðu harma sút
herra síns í garðinn út,
inn um portið allir senn
aptur sneru kóngsins menn.

41
Falskur greifinn fregnar þar

fyrða, og Ijet sem vissi ei par;

4 Hvað er nú um,' kvað hetjan snjöll ;

heyrða eg eingin hróp nje köll.'

42
Hertugi og greifi, herrar tveir,
með hilmir voru báðir þeir ;
hugðu að finna hallar dyr,
þar höldar gengu inn áður fyrr.

43
Dyrnar voru á dýrum sal

dreingdar svo sem herma skal ;

stór var lás, en sterkur mur

stökkur eigi við hjörfa skúr.

FIMTA RIMA 89

44

f leyni hafði loddarinn dyr
látið opnå skömmu fyrr ;
teikn var þetta trygðalaust,
trylltur greiíinn um þær skauzt.

45

Vegna þessa víga morðs,
þó virðum þætti ilt til orðs,
opnaðar voru, en aldri fyrr;
allur lýðurinn þetta spyrr.

46

Til sjóla víkur sagan um stund;
svikulan keyrði auðar lund
niður, og beygði hausinn hart;
hinn fjekk varla leikið mart.

47

Ekki hafði aulinn dyr

aptur lukt sem áður fyrr;
það nam íirra þeingil sút
þegar og hrindir Alexand út.

48

Bófinn hjelt á benja vönd
bistur í sinni hægri hönd;
ekki náði niflung fár
Norðra hyr, þó væri knár.

49
Aílið skorti illan mann ;

öðling *við þann dáðir vann ; *p. 232.

hinn stóð maður af harmi rauður
í húsi þar, sem væri dauður.

9o SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

50
Kvintir hlupu kóngsins menn

kringum garðinn allir senn;

öngvar fundu opnar dyr,

er því von að vaxi styr.

Si

Loksins fundu lítið rann ;
lofðung gekk upp salinn þann :
Ramsaí hjet riddari så,
rataði fyrstur ganginn á.

Sinti litt um sveina skupp,
seggurinn hljóp i salinn upp,
hitti dólg og dögling fyrr;
dreingurinn stóð þá varia kyrr.

53
Ei þarf leingi ljóða um það ;

lofðungs þegn tók unda nað ;

þrisvar lagði þrjót í gegn;

þusti ur benjum unda regn.

54
Dögling þreif í fálka fjall
falsara þeim, er undin svall;
út af húsi ofan í garð
Alexand hratt, sá frægri varð.

Vígamaðurinn vafinn í þraut
veik þá strax af húsi í braut,
furðu hræddur að forða sjer;
fleira hlýtur að segja hjer.

FIMTA RÍMA 91

56

Golnis víkur góma torg
að greifa þeim sem stýrir borg;
í garði niður gaurinn stóð,
grams ljezt ekki heyra hljóð.

57
Tomas Eskinn Týrs við spjall,
tyggja þegar að heyrði kall,
þreif til greifa þeygi laust;
þeingils afl er nógu traust,

58

Kasta náði kænn til bragðs
kyndugum þar til jarðar strax ;
Grjes að foldu greifinn laut ;
garpurinn sinnar hreysti naut.

59
Linda knííi lofðungs þegn

leggja hugði greifa gegn;

ekki mátti Ullur brands

efla það fyrir múga manns.

60
Þá sveinar greifans sáu það,
hvað siklings hafðist riddarinn að,
höndum gripu herra sinn;
hann hljóp þegar í garðinn inn.

61

Ramsaí hjá ræsir stóð,
og ræður að kalía kóngs á þjóð ;
Hus hinn frægi heyrði það,
og herra Tómas þegar í stað.

92 SKOTLANDS RIMUR

62
Forðast lítið falskan bupp;
firðar runnu i salinn upp ;
kappar fundu kauðann þar,
kominn að dauða næsta var.

63

Utaf drápu illan þjón ;
andar beið hann sårligt tjón;
mæla orðum morðarinn þeim
mundi, áður en for af heim.

64

' Sannlega eg nu saklaus er

af svikunum þeim sem gjörðust hjer ;

míns voru frænda fjandleg ráð;

furðu *seint er að því gáð.' *P- 233-

Eptir þetta unnið alt,
illur bjóst með hjartað kalt
greifinn þá, og garpar sex;
grim din honum í brjósti vex.

66

Vopnast greifinn vanur við kíf,
og virðar hans i fleina drif;
flösuðu upp í íirða rann,
og fundu kóng með þriðja mann.

67

Rögnis elda rjóður sá,
reiðugligur og bistur að sjá,
bar í hendi benja kníf,
búinn að halda fleina dríf.

FIMTA RIMA 93

68
Kallar hátt, þegar kónginn sá,
konstra fullur, og mælti þá :
'Lata skuluð nú lííið þjer
sem leiðir þorparar allir hjer/

Sjóli bleif í salnum kyrr ;
sýndur var honum dauðinn fyrr;
virðum þótti vaxa þraut,
þá vondan sáu þeir hjörfa Gaut.

70
Leita gjörði lofðung að
linda kníf og hjalta nað
bitrum þeim, sem bófinn smáður
borið hafði í rómu áður.

Sveinar báðu sæmdar manns
sjer að forða hjörfa dans;
kóngur. sitji kyrr í sal,
meðan kappar rjóða unda fal.

72
Þegna sína þeingill mætur
þessu gjarnan ráða lætur ;
vopnin tóku virðar þrír;
veik að salnum kóngurinn dýr.

73

Með ógna grimmum Ulli fals

átta voru sveinar tals;

þessum komu þrír í gegn ;

þeim mun kostur að reyna megn.

94 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

74
Sagt er mjer að sóknin strong
síðan tókst, og furðu löng;
blóðugar runnu benja ár;
brandar gáfu holdi sár.

75
Bragnar reyndu bæsings egg ;

brodda jókst hið mesta hregg;

nýtir dreingir Norðra þjel

náliga reyndu allir vel.

76
Kóngs menn ekki kenna bug;
Kristur gaf þeim mátt og hug;
seggir veittu sár með geir;
sigurinn munu hljóta þeir.

77
Randa hagl það Ramsaí bar
rendi í gegnum svikarann þar ;
greifinn hlaut af málmi morð;
mælti hann aldri síðan orð.

78
Veittist gildligt vopna skak;
virðar hrukku aptur á bak,
. allir þeir sem lögðu lið
lííi íirtum Syrpu nið.

79

Osár einginn ýta var

sem eptir voru á lífi þar;

fylkirs menn við fleina gráð

frelsuðu *þann veg kóngsins náð. *p- 234-

FIMTA RIMA 95

80
Bæði feingu sviða og sår
seggir kóngs við unda får;
ræsir mun þá rauðu und
rekkum launa alia stund.

81
Meðan að reyndu Rögnis hyr
rekkar kóngs, sem sagt var fyrr,
þrettán stóðu, og það var ort,
þeingils menn við yzta port.

82
Um þær dyr á dýrum sal
dögling gekk með ýta val,
í fyrstu þegar að fylkir lands
falskan hitti stýrir brands.

83

Lukt var þetta lásum port,
lymskur hefur það greifinn ort ;
því nam buðlungs bragna Iið
brjóta þetta sterka hlið.

84
Óðins kvonar lesti lóð
luktar dyr og hamra hnjóð;
gríður spændi gattir smátt;
gall í múrnum furðu hátt.

85

Gáttir voru, og gjörvalt hlið,
gjörðar upp af sterkum við;
varla mátti hin vaska drótt
vinna að brjóta dyrnar skjótt.

96 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

86
Eigi varð brögnum bragða þurð;
brotna náði hin sterka hurð ;
hálfa varði stim um stund,
stillirs komu því seint á fund.

87

Hjer mun eg loks af Ijóða mar
lata renna dverga far ;
brúðir taki brag til sin,
Berlings lag og horna vin.

VI
SJÖTTA RÍMA

Nu skal enn i sjotta sinn
Suðra bátinn reyra,

vilji menn og vííin svinn
viröast til að heyra.

2

MÖrgum lízt að miðla brag
meyjunum lyn dis kátum ;

kann eg sízt að koma í lag
kvintum Suöra bátum.

3

f>ó mun liggja Sónar sag
á Suptungs horna minni,

ef vil þiggja ljóða lag
lindin einu sinni.

SJÖTTA RIMA 97

4

Hárs ber snekkja hægan byr,

hefur hún lítinn Kára ;
þó skal ekki þreytast fyrr

en þrotin er mæröar bára.

5
Enda hnút á orða róm

óvandan skal smíða,
senda út af Golnis góm

glettu gustinn fríða.

6

Oðar sveifin áðan batt

Austra lítinn karfa,
þar sem greiíinn dauður datt

og dreingir voru að starfa.

7
Höldar fundu sjóla sinn,

sigri gjörðu að hreifa,
líka á grundu líta hinn

lííi firtan greifa.
8
Drjúgum prísa drottins ráð

dreingir íirtir pínum ;
skatnar lýsa skaparans náð

skýlt hafi kóngi sínum.

9

Firðar allir falla á hnje

og *fríðum þakka drottni ; *p. 235.

um lönd og hallir lof honum sje,

lífs svo aldri þrotni.

SK R ft

98 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

io

Hefja sínar hendur hátt,
himna kónginn prísa:

'Dygðir þínar og dýran mátt
drjúgum gjörir þú visa.

ii

' Frelsað hefur úr fári oss
faðir í himna ríki ;

ýtum gefur auðnu hnoss;
einginn finnst hans líki.

12

' Hepti gjálfur himna smiður,
helgir lofuðu forðum/

Dögling sjálfur drottinn viður
dýrum talar svo orðum.

'Þakkir segjum þjer fyrir mig,
og þá vjer gjörum að sofa,

aldri þegjum; allir þig
ávalt skulum hjer lofa.

14

'Fjandmenn mína, faðirinn, þú
falla ljezt að velli;

maklig pína mun þeim sú :
morðara íirtir elli.

15

'Hans því kjöri höndin sterk

harðri mig frá snæru,
að eg gjöri góðlig verk
Guði til lofs og æru.

SJÖTTA RÍMA 99

16

' Undirsátum heiður og hægð

herrann vill eg veiti,
lyndis kátum fje sem frægð,

og friðarins öngvum neiti/

17

Að kóngi svinna gæfan gekk;

get eg nu fátt til nauða ;

hitt skal inna að fólkið fjekk

fregn af greifans dauða.

18
Sá nam bragna bófinn fyrr

borgar stjórn að leyfa ;
ýtar magna ærinn styr ;

þeir ætla að hefna greifa.

19

Múgurinn dreif, og stofnar stríð

strax að greifans höllu;
sjóli bleif í sal um hríð,

sviptur angri öllu.

20
Vissu ekki virðar par

víga morðs af galla ;
fregna hrekki flrðar þar,

og frábær undur kalla.

21

Stundir fjórar styrjöld stóð ;

stillir kalla náði
út um ljóra opt á þjóð,

og atburð allan tjáði.
h 2

loo SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

22

Fylkir biður fremstu menn

fyrir sig inn að kalla;
veittist friður, var það senn;

virða gleður hann alia.

23

Kómu síðan kóngs á fund,

kveðju sjóla greiða;
mælti fríðan máls við kund
mýgir sefrins heiða.

24

Svikum barma síðan frá

seggjum rjeð að glósa,
og hvað harma hepti þrá ;

höldar gæfu hrósa.

25
Geyma beiddi borgar bör

bræður er fjellu að hildi,
þar til greiddi þeingill svör

þeim hvað *gjöra skildi. *P- 236.

26
Bað hinn dæli bræðrum á

bragna sína leita,
ef nýmæli nokkur hjá

njótum fyndist sveita.

27
Hirðir sjóða hugði þar

hans að klæða farmi ;

perments skjóða skrifuð var

skjalda Týrs í barmi.

of r

? 1 n n a n/

SJÖTTA RÍMA ioi

28
Rúna letri rituð öll

rekkum sýndist skjóða ;
fáir betri í fleina göll

feingu launin ljóða.

29
Traustið alt af töfra sjóð

tók, þá rómu háði ;
furðu valt þann fleina rjóð

fjandinn styrkja náði.

Sorgir mæddu sveigir brands,

sut með dauða haldi;
aldri blæddu undir hans;

ort er að skjóðan valdi.

31

Garpar tóku galdra sjóð ;

greifans kvikna undir;
síðan jóku sára flóð

sannlega vítt um grundir.

32
Hæðni og dár af halnum jókst

hans þar tengda-mönnum,
nauða fár með þungan þjóst

þegar, og öllum grönnum.

33
Fæðir ylgja fýsir heim

fram til sinnar borgar;

virðar fylgja vísir þeim,

vita nú ei til sorgar.

io2 SKOTLANDS RÍMUR

34
Að kveldi ríður kóngur á burt,

kvintur að sínu ráði;
allur lýður æru og kurt

öðling veita náði.

35
Geingu ut með gleðinnar tón

garpar lands um reita;

spiluðu lút, en fylkir frón

Fofnis gjörði að veita.

36
Lofa náði lýðurinn frjáls

lausnara sinn með sóma;
hringum sáði hreytir stáls

og hrannar dýrum ljóma.

37
Vinir góðir og veglig drótt

visirs fundu náðir;
garpar fróðir glöddust skjótt

geðs um hyggju láðir.

38
Firðar vitja Fálka-lands,

og fara til Edinborgar ;
þar rjeð sitja beitir brands;

ber nu ei til sorgar.

39
Onars meyar öldin hyr

upp nam tendra víða ;
um lönd og eyar lýðurinn spyr

lukku sprangið fríða.

SJÖTTA RIMA 103

40
Ganga bæði gígjur og skot

grams um turna fríða;
út á græði ei var þrot;

efldust leikar víða.
41
Fagnaðar sungu firðar lof

fróns á torgum hallar ;
lýða tungur heims um hof

heiðruðu drottinn allar.

42
Skotta þáttur skjótt og rjett

skýrður varð með orðum ;
sjötti háttur lukti [ljett

lærðum mærðar skorðum].

Source Colophon

Skotlands rímur, all six rímur. From MS AM 146a, 8vo. Edition: W.A. Craigie, Skotlands Rímur: Icelandic Ballads on the Gowrie Conspiracy (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1908). Text with modernised orthography. Public domain.

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