by Sigurdur Breidfjord

Thirteen or more rímur composed by Sigurður Breiðfjörð (1798–1846), published in Copenhagen in 1831. The cycle retells the Tristan and Iseult legend through the lens of the Icelandic rímur tradition, drawing on the thirteenth-century Tristrams saga ok Ísöndar translated by Brother Robert for King Hákon IV of Norway. Breiðfjörð — the most celebrated rímur poet of the nineteenth century — transforms the great love-tragedy into elaborate stanzaic verse with mansöngvar, kennings, and the full apparatus of the tradition.

The 1831 edition was printed in Fraktur (Gothic blackletter) typeface. No subsequent Antiqua reprint appears to exist in digital form. This translation was produced by reading the Fraktur directly from the scanned pages of the original edition, cross-referenced against the garbled OCR text. Some readings remain uncertain due to the systematic character distortions inherent in Fraktur digitization. This is the first known English translation of any part of the cycle. The remaining rímur (IX through at least XIII) await future translators.

Rima I

Ferskeytt.

Mansongr

1.
With dreams I banish trouble and bane,
loving the deed-fair maiden's beauty;
she gilds the open heaths, each one,
brighter than the wondrous sun.

2.
I roam the ground to seek and gain
the bow-tree maiden, lightly fleeting;
while evil spirits scatter hence
to the devil, meanwhile retreating.

3.
Here at home I let resound
the long-song's singing measure;
let sorrows be forgotten now —
the rima-birds bring pleasure.

4.
The gentle one's pure honour shines
where truth and virtue meet;
words that the worthy found most fair,
like gold refined and sweet.

5.
The fiery maiden gathers grace,
cast forth from ancient days;
the best of gifts the needle-woman
bestows with golden rays.

6.
I seek no bitter envy's forge
within the spirit's dwelling;
though poets of the land demand
the raven's dark retelling.

7.
From summons given, bless yourself —
set forth to feasts and table!
I set my art on you alone,
for truth I find, if able.

8.
For I lift up my gaze to you
with eyes that stare amazed,
at splendour bright beyond all reckoning —
a vision rightly praised!

9.
All that the hand might hold or find
before the age can bite;
rise up upon the strand of fortune —
a worthy fortune's might.

10.
No one waits in hunger's hall
when the same reply is given;
the rising forces cross the floor
from distant reaches driven.

11.
Now bear this greeting, fair and whole,
O holy, noble maiden;
I will begin the tale at last
in your name, sweetly laden.

Narrative

12.
The rima's fame sweeps far and wide
like the fire of plunder's river —
the blessed Alfons, fortune-tamed,
ruled all of Spain's dominion.

13.
The storm-lord took his lady fair,
he who served with honour;
he won Tormona of snow-white hand —
she was the land's own blossom.

14.
The king loved purely and loved well
the western mirror's star;
but to their grief, I must relate,
she bore no children there.

15.
The people knew the Christian faith
and crowned their lord in splendour;
they loved their sovereign well, and yet
the realm still lacked an heir.

16.
Though heavy sorrow weighed upon them,
the age yet greater grief would know:
the young queen dwelt in deepest sadness,
and grief embraced the prince below.

17.
The people found this cause for grief —
that nothing mended matters;
for none remained to rule the realm,
no heir to hold the sceptre.

18.
He promised then to friends and lords,
the gold-bestowing chieftain,
that one among his kinsmen's heirs
should have the realm and kingdom.

19.
Alfons' brother, bold and stern,
in Aragon held sway:
rich Reinardur ruled that land
and had a valiant son.

20.
To Spain was Sjoli sent — the son
of Reinardur the great;
what fortune waited him out there,
the saga shall relate.

21.
The lord of Spain possessed a sister —
more fair than sunlight streaming;
a flood of moonlit beauty:
Flippina was her name.

22.
She was bestowed, that golden maid,
upon Burgundy's great earl —
Robert fair, who felt in full
the bittersweet of love.

23.
Of Frankland's noble princely line
stood Dagobert by name;
a gentle lord, yet widely known
to feed the ravens' flame.

24.
Robert had a rose most fair,
a sun among the splendid;
of noble birth and noble bearing —
Tistran was he later named.

25.
He bore both fame and noble beauty,
a treasure to the wave-lord's hall;
the stuff of manhood filled him surely —
that much I know, and more withal.

26.
Eager he was on the spear-path,
in deeds of fame most praiseworthy;
in tournaments and single combat
he won a sure and steady victory.

27.
The young man, rich in golden spirit,
crossed the paths of salt and spray
to find his mother's brother's kingdom,
where fortune held its sway.

28.
Raised by his faithful foster-father,
his fame already spoken far;
now well-equipped he set upon
the road, his finest steed to spur.

29.
Tistran bade farewell to kin
and to the moon-seat's lady fair;
he trod the road from thence and on,
to Spain's great kingdom, distant there.

30.
Madrid is the name of that great city —
he took his station there;
all Alfons' sorrow turned to gladness
when the fortunate one drew near.

31.
With joy he greeted his noble kinsman,
esteemed above the rest;
though many a man at court grew jealous —
for Tistran surpassed the best.

32.
The king declared before the land
that this most worthy guest
should reign, where all the people dwell,
as foremost and the best.

33.
With gifts of love and every grace
the spear-lord showered the youth;
his eyes could scarcely leave the prince —
so dear he held him, truth.

34.
Of Raudvet, the truly wise,
the people of the land would say:
he found no fault in anything
concerning the good kinsman's stay.

35.
Tistran's fame he could not bear —
the people scarcely murmured;
yet cursed hatred, bred with envy,
within his black heart smouldered.

36.
In evil purpose, venom showed —
the poisoned mind devised its schemes;
more mischief joined the villainy,
as the third conspirator deems.

37.
Together these foul schemers bore
their patient venom's blight;
their poisoned brood bred serpent-kin
that crawled through darkened night.

38.
In evil spirit sworn together,
their minds held naught of fair;
the wolf-companions built their trap —
a treacherous, bitter snare.

39.
His faults they searched for night and day —
"Less might the lord be burdened;
he claims this kingdom for his own,
the young man, undeserving."

40.
But let us leave red Raudvet's scheming
within its house of need;
though malice scarcely won the day,
the warriors' trust he'd seek to lead.

41.
Tistran upheld both troth and peace —
of that the tales bear witness;
he never strayed in any way
from what was right and fitting.

42.
With ready hand he bore the struggle
against the hounds that bit and tore;
the prince held fast to love and duty —
a shield to every wretched poor.

43.
The bold one steeled his gentle spirit,
gave answers glad and true;
with swift and generous favour
he served each man he knew.

44.
I need not linger at this hour
nor haste with many a word:
Alfons sat in feast with friends
and nobles at the board.

45.
Into the hall's great feasting floor
a wondrous stranger strode;
he drew toward the monarch's throne
and weapons with him bore.

46.
He greeted not a single youth —
no bow to any lord he made;
an olive-branch upon his breast —
he spoke, and this is what he said:

47.
"Hear my errand without delay,
Alfons, lord of golden rings!
I come here sent from that great king —
from Kuntvein, bearing tidings.

48.
"Your land has harboured what is his,
by more than goods and wares;
two hundred thousand fighting men
stand ready on his warships.

49.
"His meaning is not evil — hear
what I am sent to say:
he wishes but to test his strength
against yours in the fray.

50.
"He has betrothed with solemn vows
the hand-linden, true and fair —
the Emperor's greatest jewel-child:
the maiden Indiana there.

51.
"Around the linden-path she shines,
a violet-river flowing;
Indiana, the enchanting one —
the Sun of India, glowing.

52.
"That he might rest in gentle peace
and fortune not be lost,
he offers you his lady's hand —
but Spain shall be the cost.

53.
"Now there remains no other counsel —
the heirless land is doomed to fall —
but that you go to beg his mercy,
wretched, bareheaded — your final call.

54.
"Or hear Kuntvein's second offer:
a champion put forth to fight —
one man in battle-mail and helmet
to face his host in single might.

55.
"From here a worthy champion rises —
better than the flight of swords;
if fortune should then smile upon him,
the standing kingdom is preserved.

56.
"But if no champion can be found,
then you yourself must go to war;
no need for hand upon the hilt
if you accept your helper's care.

57.
"And though you found another man
with shield both broad and great,
I hold that none alone could stand
against him — none could match his weight."

58.
"Now answer me with proper honour,
whatever course you choose;
so that I may bear your answer
back — with nothing lost to lose."

59.
At this the host fell still with wonder,
the feast-hall's joy grown cold;
"Shall I alone decide this matter?
Shall silence seal our gold?"

60.
The murmuring wind now passes from
the feast-hall's pressing throng;
the rima holds its memory —
no profit here but song.

Ríma II

Ferskeytt.

Mansöngr

1.
The dawn's bright ladies, glittering!
Swift, small, and full of season —
bless what you see beyond all doubt,
and lead me on with reason!

2.
The crowded verse in thunder beats,
these words and honours flowing;
the shield of learning's people speaks —
bring wisdom, harvest-glowing.

3.
Voices blending, hold their own,
the singing troops assemble;
the ancient lore of councils known
makes bright the ages' temple.

4.
All enemies before me fly
where honour finds its station;
the steeled-one's gift has guarded well
against the fiend's temptation.

5.
It was a fortress, bold and strong,
when men sought shelter rightly —

6.
Ere the flood brought down its wrath,
death showed its reasons, many;
as though the ones who rode ahead
had spent their joys, and left not any.

7.
One who held the spirit's gift
beside the ancient tower —
blue his throne, as we attest —
was built to never cower.

8.
They forged a single feat of fame,
the flights of peoples' thunder;
a hero's name he bore through flame —
the reaper's pledge torn asunder.

9.
Men marched in and out again,
for fame was ever striving;
Ísram, fallen, overcome —
yet marvels keep arriving.

10.
There the raging horsemen rode,
the stubborn-hearted, bravest;
the honoured warriors' word held fast
with shield and blood the gravest.

11.
From ancient heroes, fame goes forth,
the prince's name ascending;
where fortune bore its golden fruit,
the seasons grow unending.

12.
The brave one's spirit, tried and true,
in pressure finds his measure;
no prince of old could bear the weight
that crowns this noble treasure.

13.
Then with old and bitter war
and fortune's harsh directing,
each one seize his rightful share —
all equal in correction!

14.
The people paused for half a breath,
with hearts of former making;
I searched, if I might grieve in calm,
the serpent-coils forsaking.

Narrative

15.
Then with all his courage roused —
when I heard the tidings spoken —
Tistran from his stool rose up,
the bold one's stance unbroken:

16.
"Tell our people of this pledge:
see — we have found our champion!
Upon the spear-path he shall stand,
the one we always counted on."

17.
"By morning here I speak the truth —
may Herjan's war-cloth fly undone;
take from me a handshake's bond."
And so the envoy left — the word was won.

18.
When daylight raised its helmet high
and shining timbers caught the morn,
out rode the lord in burnished gear —
in Grímur's likeness, bright and born.

19.
In whale-helms, blood-capped, forth they rode —
the warlord of the people strode;
in Odin's grey wolf-cloak he wrapped,
with golden Audun at his side.

20.
Tistran bore for that far ride
old Fornelf's vessel, rich and bright;
of marble-shining lordly make —
his shield was gleaming white.

21.
At Gnípular the studs shone bright,
through gleaming battle-paths they wove;
in metal, runes were finely carved
with greatest wisdom's trove:

22.
His hand held fortune, there alone,
to guard his noble comrades' name;
the people watched with hope restored —
these words in runes proclaimed:

23.
"From heaven bring the victory forth!"
The flying warrior, bloody-crowned —
manly Tistran there bestrides
and tears across the battle-ground.

24.
He spurred the golden-bridled steed
through Síðhöttur's ring-girt land;
like lightning on a startled deer —
against the driving wind he ran.

25.
The golden eye swept round the field,
beneath the crashing, striking feet;
he thrust the heavy long-sword forth —
it thundered, sang in grinding-heat.

26.
From all his footing driven back —
as cliffs in mountain-heights give way —
forth on the field came frothing forth
the ogre-troll to meet his prey.

27.
Before him strikes great Kuntvín's might,
the gleaming shield is crushed and torn;
they grappled in the wrestling-bout —
the riders' hands were bruised and worn.

28.
Across the land the fire-brand shone,
let loose from custom's careful way;
the fire-sword of brave Audun
swung at his flashing side.

29.
He held the guarded tower-steed
upon the pillar-warrior's road;
an eagle there stood proud and gold,
engraved with skillful code.

30.
"Unconquerable" — so it stood,
the words in cunning runes arrayed;
the stout foe in his battle-mail
crossed the field, and none dismayed.

31.
The angry girths burned red with fire
across the heath of Gnita's hound;
the steed upon the anvil reared —
the rider wheeled around.

32.
No longer did the contest stay:
the sword-gods' fame must be released;
both warriors drew their blades at last —
the spear-play had not ceased.

33.
The horses thundered on the clay,
their hooves on shining pillars meeting;
the spears of both brave warriors shattered —
the crushing blows were fleeting.

34.
Kuntvín thrice struck with his blade
along the darkened weapon's arc;
he raised the whole shield, edge to edge —
it cut through leather dark.

35.
Tistran, spray-bespattered, stood,
a moment in the warrior's play;
he wielded mightily the spear
and cut with honour's swaying blade.

36.
The broad-shouldered captain saw
the seat of helmet-bearers groan;
the mail was cut, the wounds ran deep —
the scythe-spears found the bone.

37.
Kuntvín pierced the helmet-troll
through storms of battle-wrath and thunder;
at Mist's cold anvil of the valkyrie,
the arm-stave tore asunder.

38.
Still the slaughter-river flowed,
the ruler saw the wounds break free;
the young one's rage and battle-blood
ran streaming, harsh, and heavy.

39.
Kuntvín's trials poured their might —
he raised the grim blade, hard and keen;
but by his own horse's neck
he crashed upon the earth, unseen.

40.
The other in his fury saw
a chance to close the deadly bout;
the flesh-smith struck across the shoulders —
the head-blow bit without a doubt.

41.
The end came on the widened field —
no peace was spared, no mercy given;
so Harbarður, the battle-broken,
fell to earth, from life now driven.

42.
The viking-host mourned their defeat
across the double market's floor;
they laid him out in Odin's weather,
before the fortress-door.

43.
Tistran rode forth thither then
across the churning shallows' tide;
skulls shattered from the fountains' spray
where battle reached its farthest side.

44.
And still the blows of battle fell,
increasing war's grim breed;
the stinging wounds like wasps attacked —
torn was Síðhöttur's reed.

45.
By Gendlar's remnants, galloping,
the bolt struck deep in corselet-bone;
the sun sank down behind the charge —
with darkened wings it shone.

46.
Tistran's steady, blinding blow
bore wonders, great and stark;
his strikes on Stöllvaldur fell
and tore the foe apart.

47.
None could stand against the might
of the red and rushing lord;
blood cascaded flat across the land —
the host fell by the sword.

48.
The patient one who won the fight
came back into the hall to stand;
he found the king, and bareheaded
bowed with honour, hat in hand.

49.
The mind grows weary, time presses on,
the wound-tree spreads its roots of pain;
the people honoured Tistran's victory —
the thunder-lord of might and fame.

50.
Through the dark nights counsel sat —
now was the time to ride;
out to the distant, longed-for land,
to guard the riches found inside.

51.
The horses bore their riders forth,
the journey's purpose clear as dawn;
they raised the bride of noble line —
fair India's maiden, bright as morn.

52.
The champions saw the Emperor's word
through Kuntvín's messenger conveyed;
harshly saw they that his daughter
would shortly grieve, dismayed.

53.
So Reinar's rule was firmly set,
need pressing on the troubled brow;
as the last month brings its sorrows,
the dark reward was now.

54.
The strong heart's grief swelled up and grew,
the warm heart's passion burning;
sweet sorrow's harm before the eyes,
the sun behind them turning.

55.
Blood-streaked tears fell from the sky,
across the widened, weeping plain;
a heavy third wave fell upon them —
the silent blood prepared its stain.

56.
They clad her in her garments torn,
the treasures laid to waste;
the judge of rings with shining wounds —
the falling one, in haste.

57.
A fragment, true, fell from her shoulder
as she fought to hold her weeping;
she spoke these words among the men,
the golden thread still keeping:

58.
"Is there no man to stand and fight
against the one who won by blade?
Few agree — the earth lies silent —
no voice comes to my aid."

59.
"He shall not stand free from grief,
that heir of sword-born murder;
Kuntvín has sworn it poisonously —
my shoulders bear this burden."

60.
"I know the one who rules by might,
the weight upon my shoulders pressed;
I speak one truth — and yet no man
stands forth from all the rest."

Pridja Rima — Third Rima

Bragarhattur (three-line stanzas).

Mansongr

1.
Will you, maidens, hear these verses,
And be merry,
And thus be maiden-merry?

2.
Shall I write for you a letter
With humble spirit,
And stand before you?

3.
Though I show no gracious art
To the ladies,
For all may yet proceed well.

4.
Gone is what once was precious —
To quarrel over Rose,
My stiff love-song's release.

5.
For I know that scarcely compose
Verses of their own
Those who live in the other world.

6.
I have kept my promises
In that gracious way,
While she was here alive.

7.
Earlier I recited ring-verse
In silent times —
Love-songs in many rimur.

8.
Shall I set aside — feeding later
On that loss —
Less devotion to the love-songs.

9.
If thereby none should find
Any use in them,
Then shall the sport be ended.

Narrative

10.
In the hall by the seashore —
As I sang before —
Tistran lay, near death's door.

11.
His foster-father tended him,
Good-hearted,
As a mother her best child.

12.
Outside, when one day upon the shore,
At some hour,
A merchant was found along the way.

13.
He speaks of Tistran's need
To the good guardian;
Then one began to speak:

14.
"To Indiana's land, if he will
With an offering go,
His health shall rightly mend."

15.
"Mogul's remarkable daughter
Would heal him —
From him cleanse the poison's harm."

16.
"Every month the maiden
Goes to visit the sea,
Upon the shore, where currents play."

17.
"All manner of human ailments
That treasure-lady
Then heals, with good remedy."

18.
"Your lord shall receive his health
With rare good fortune,
If with a gift he desires to go."

19.
Tistran takes this counsel;
On a stretcher bound,
He is carried to the worthy men.

20.
The sea's rolling wave bore
The bow-serpent onward;
Indiana's land they find at last.

21.
Then they carry Tistran ashore —
The people bear him
Where the sick sit and wait.

22.
After a few days' stay,
By the precious shore,
Young Indiana comes there.

23.
A host of maidens followed her
To the sea-shores —
All covering their faces with violets.

24.
The lady finds Tistran there
Upon the great shore,
And deeply dared to approach him.

25.
She asked — so the affliction heard —
Whence he had received
Those wounds upon his body.

26.
"I am a simple man," answered
The handsome one,
"My wound was dealt in a French battle."

27.
The maiden then anointed with salves
The morning's vessel;
Tistran felt great improvement.

28.
Her own ointment the maiden gave
To those whom affliction plagued;
Then next she turned to go.

29.
Within three days' time,
The thorn-endurer
Was sound of wound and well of health.

30.
Then from there he sets sail,
Eager for honour —
To the Spanish realm Tistran goes.

31.
The prince greets lovingly
The young man;
A feast was held in the fair hall.

32.
Joy filled the spirits
Of all men.
But Raudrekur felt ill about it.

33.
It came to pass that the prince,
With his noble warriors,
Set himself to the great hunt.

34.
From a thicket something flew
With mighty force —
Through Tistran's hat it pierced.

35.
Then next the bird flew forth
To fill the field,
Seeking through the forest its woodland clasp.

36.
No man did they find abroad
About, keeping wolves;
But Raudrekur all found at home.

37.
Tistran now saw that he and the King
Were being deceived;
Raudrekur's treachery was behind it.

38.
To one alone he therefore plans
To bequeath the treasure —
The whole land and the lofty thrones:

39.
In the guest chamber the King had
A bed prepared;
Tistran shall there await his rest.

40.
There for a time the prince
Kept the thane beside him;
Wary were they both about themselves.

41.
One morning thus the lord speaks
To Tistran:
"Castle and kingdom I offer you."

42.
"Because no other man
I love more."
Tistran answered with golden words:

43.
"Your gracious offer I accept
At this time —
Sire, hear my counsel."

44.
"Marry well, with good counsel,
O prince!
Young are you, and well-formed!"

45.
"Indiana is the maiden
All men praise —
Her you should, lord, choose."

46.
The King fell silent; then next
They went to the table;
The prince began to speak:

47.
"Who will make a journey of fame
From among the men,
On a single ship to Indiana's land?"

48.
"Thither a proposal-letter shall go —
I bid the thanes."
Raudrekur responds with flattery:

49.
"No man I know better suited
For this task —
Kinsman Tistran can go."

50.
The King answers: "Ill-mannered
Words for you to hear —
Tistran, therefore I would warn."

51.
Then Kuntvin's champion told
The wise to receive;
One can scarcely rejoice at this.

52.
Tistran then stood from his seat
And bade silence:
"Best it is to follow Raudrekur's counsel."

53.
"Prepare a ship, for soon I shall
Depart on this errand —
To seek the sun's golden seat."

54.
Raudrekur then answered
The mighty prince:
"I am likewise eager to go."

55.
The lord said: "If Tistran goes
To the trusted shore,
I need no greater strength than his."

56.
After this, Tistran stepped aboard
The tented wagons,
With a warship and two hundred warriors.

57.
Then the warrior lets them bind
The sail to the mast,
And holds forth onto the dark sea.

58.
Hraesvelgur in his nest
Begins to stir,
And hurls wind from beneath his wings.

59.
Ran rouses her daughters,
Her fair ones, to attend;
These words spoke Aegir's wife:

60.
"Hasten to bear the prince's
Ship forward —
Seemly shall you be."

61.
"Adorn yourselves now beautifully
With gentle headdress;
Show him your best kindness."

62.
"I forbid you wild-striking
About the flounder's way —
And behaving in unwomanly fashion."

63.
"Let not your raging fury
Take hold,
Often and stubbornly working evil."

64.
"I remember when you once
With fury great
Carried Ulfar the Strong."

65.
"The lord nearly had to
Dwell in Hel's seat
Because of your wailing ways."

66.
"I bid you behave now
Better than before
Toward Tistran in our waters."

67.
"Let me have the report
That the prince's kin
Truly set his love upon you."

68.
We may suppose that Tistran reached,
With noble standing,
A harbour in Indiana's land.

69.
He laid up by a single island
Of eagles fair,
And to the shore let a boat bear him.

70.
He knew no road about the land,
The noble knight;
Alone he walked somewhat forward.

71.
His men waited by the boat,
But the sword-breaker
Went far and wide abroad.

72.
The prince's son hastened far
Through forest paths;
Hardest it is to know no road.

73.
Tistran hears noise and blowing,
Terrible,
Approaching him from far paths.

74.
A monster he saw slithering
With ugly body,
Toward him upon four feet.

75.
It had from the front a mare's form
And a whale's head,
Tapering behind to a smooth tail.

76.
With steel its whole hide seemed
Armoured to be,
Which no blade could cut.

77.
Battle pressed on — trees are broken,
The creature charged;
Oaks would spring from their roots.

78.
Tistran to the fight prepared
His strength —
There was no chance to turn away.

79.
So that I may escape the peril
Of the fierce creature,
I shall rather end the rima.

80.
Poems weary my memory's
Slumber;
The Rhine's rotting groves fade away.

Fjorda Rima — Fourth Rima

Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB).

Mansongr

1.
The keen one soothes himself by custom,
Long deprived of sleep's repose;
The house-flame of the lava maiden —
The branch-river gleams and flows.

2.
Many men would fashion verse
In these, our present days,
For the fair ember of the fjord —
Offering garlands of praise.

3.
Therefore the custom has become
A heavy toil — to compose;
One sees upon the land a stern straw,
The steel-wealth's patience shows.

4.
Yet forth we wish to raise our praise
And win the people's favor;
May the board's plenty please them more —
Many a tree-lord's labor.

5.
The mind desires in every place
That words be counted, weighed —
A single page, recited plainly,
So all may share what's made.

6.
Though verse may bear a heavy burden,
The staves still aim the same;
I step forth from the Edda's hoard —
Though far from lawful fame.

7.
Others strive to set their verses
In a nobler, loftier way —
With resounding meters ringing
Where the helm-bearers hold sway.

8.
In a single plaint of kings
They wish to bind the stave;
Though folly lurks within the lines
From ornament they crave.

9.
An empty, substanceless word-tale
None would choose to praise;
Yet concealment's echo charms the ear
If on the tongue it plays.

10.
Old men wish to sing of peace,
Others choose sorrow's theme;
Some mutter still about old malice,
If any court the gentle dream.

11.
Yet to speak on such affairs
The spirit's gift is needed;
To force one's thought aloft in air —
The people's sages heeded.

12.
Those who wield the patient art
And chant their poems aloud —
Their bows are never drawn quite taut,
Their word-craft half a cloud.

13.
Whoever seeks to buy such praise
Must follow others' whims;
One cannot run — like Odin's men
Cannot outpace their hymns.

14.
For me the path is narrow still,
Though restless be my mind;
Fair learning's thread is slipping fast
Since first my seat I find.

15.
But whom shall I follow further
To the former tented shore?
Before the wave-god's dwelling
Ever more waves pour.

16.
I take the counsel that serves me well:
At times I shall recite
A single straw of the ode alone
And keep my poem slight.

17.
I sometimes, under gentle tales,
Set Thundr's ladle to the stream
And ponder the Edda's newer words —
A poet's waking dream.

18.
Then I fashion forth my poem —
A short tale, simply told —
About what all may share alike:
A little for each soul.

Narrative

19.
Tistran earlier had fled afar
From the fallen, gloomy hall;
The ring-warrior's courage held him fast —
He feared not the beast at all.

20.
The brushwood land is torn by the tail
Of the strong and fearsome mare;
With gaping jaws and claws outstretched
She came where the swordsman dared.

21.
With both hands he drove the stone
Against the fearsome beast;
The feathers sprang asunder clean
As tinder strikes on flint, at least.

22.
The fierce beast bore down upon him,
Drove toward Tistran's breast;
Its front paw struck with fearsome force
Against the warrior's crest.

23.
Tistran dropped his double burden,
Seized the blade and wished to strike;
The creature coiled its tail around him,
Binding him in serpent-like.

24.
The arm-Tyr does not yield —
One stone he hurls within the maw;
The creature rages, shudders fierce,
And blood sprays from its jaw.

25.
With wondrous strength the evil beast —
The wild dragon — raging came,
And pulled the warrior toward itself;
But he would not be tamed.

26.
Beneath the beast the warrior falls —
The shield-tree, spent and worn;
The weary guardian nearly fails
In the foul creature's blood forlorn.

27.
Beneath the paw and to the heart
The guarded sword drove deep;
The mighty beast endured its pain —
Then thundering, fell asleep.

28.
Tistran knew nothing of himself
For a long time after then;
The beast died of exhaustion there
And lay dead on the burning fen.

29.
The weary man begins to wake,
Scarce knowing where he lies;
He cannot stand upon his feet —
His weakened legs like ice.

30.
A stream runs by the resting-place;
From above, water pours down;
The hero crawls and stumbles there
Toward where the stream is found.

31.
Into the stream he laid himself,
Letting the fever cool;
The faintness lifted from his frame —
The sword-destroyer lay in the pool.

32.
Now let the tale turn its eye:
Fair Indiana walks the wood,
Following a small winding path
Through the forest's solitude.

33.
The fallen beast before her lies;
The maiden sees its form —
The bold one finds the shattered wood,
The forest wrecked by storm.

34.
The stream runs by the resting-place;
The lady softly treads;
As one who seems to lie in death
Among the trampled reeds.

35.
The maiden came upon the fallen,
Strength-bereft, upon the bank;
Toward the sheltering elm she dragged him —
Then Indiana spoke, point-blank:

36.
"It seems a hidden life yet stirs
Within this hero's frame;
His battle-wounds need sheltering care —
Home, women! — tend his name."

37.
They bore him homeward to the hall,
The bright one's gentle care;
They left the dragon where it lay
Among the leaves' despair.

38.
She lets him sleep upon her bed
With comfort and with care;
By the ringing fire she watches —
The wise one, waiting there.

39.
The healing now begins in truth,
The wounds begin to mend;
With gentle hands and gleaming balm
The emerald-maiden tends.

40.
The healing swift and skillful was;
The third day came and passed.
Life stirred again within his veins —
The ring-bearer rose at last.

41.
The woman prepared a warm bath then,
A gentle resting-place;
The anguish died within his heart —
The strong one spoke with grace:

42.
"To you I give my greatest thanks;
You lack for nothing, fair —
If the bold lady heals my wounds
And tends my blade with care."

43.
She took the sword to clean and see —
The blade upon her knee;
The maiden stood in pale-blue light,
Examining cautiously.

44.
The colors shifted, brightness flashed
Along the maiden's brow;
With understanding she perceived
The blade's small notch — and how!

45.
The ground beneath her seemed to boil —
Trouble came to hand;
What happened was as one might fear:
Wisdom wavered, unplanned.

46.
"The slayer of Kuntvin's kinsman —
I know it now for true!
Curse-laden all your living years —
A serpent-warrior, you!"

46. (misnumbered in print)
"My breast endures this — for my heart
Was whetted by that grief;
So that our anger might be rent:
Blessed heart, give me relief!"

47.
Her father came upon the scene —
The words broke off in strife;
He entered at that very moment,
The thane prepared for life.

48.
Thrice from the maiden's hand the sword
The bold king's ruler takes;
The maiden can scarcely draw a breath,
So fiercely anger shakes.

49.
Tistran from the bath now comes,
Entering the hall anew;
The prince received him there with gladness —
His joy at once in view.

50.
The letter arrives in finest style
Before the throne-king there;
About the moon-bride's promised hour —
Betrothed to Spain's king fair.

51.
The sworn lord bows his head at this;
The people's ruler spoke:
"Whatever she may say or will —
Alfons shall have the cloak."

52.
He calls the bright rose of the waters —
Indiana comes, in tears;
She walked into the hall in weeping —
The mountain's gem, in fears.

53.
"You are the life, O King, it seems,
Of Spain's great crown and throne;
A queen's counsel — but this I swear:
Your color pales, alone."

54.
Sorrow blew hard upon the mind,
The heart was stung as by a sword;
Her father's harsh command bore down —
The chosen one then gave her word:

55.
"Let me rather, Father, face
The fire and burning flame,
And burn upon the stag-fire's pyre
Than be sent away in shame!"

56.
The king replied: "Prepare yourself —
This childishness will do no good.
You need not try to soften me:
From this realm, depart you should."

57.
The pure-hearted maiden answered then,
The sun-fountain's fair bride:
"Though grief is my companion still,
One wish let me confide:

58.
"Let Tistran stay here, lord — let him
Burn away this anguish clear;
When matters stand arranged like this,
Then I consent to your decree here."

59.
"Not such a famous dragon-slayer
Shall I cast aside, unwise;
His deeds were done with valor quick —
He felled the beast before our eyes."

60.
The grief-path's taste she knew too well,
The fair-clad maiden fine;
Her wisdom wrapped in tears she bore —
Then turned her steps in line.

61.
Yet though the island's heavy grief
Grew greater, sorrow-sown,
The father prepared a fleet of ships
For the wise maiden's journey alone.

62.
Indiana at that time
Held pitifully to her room;
Her mother gently comforted —
Embracing her in the gloom.

63.
One chest the mother bids the maid
To carry with her on the way;
If from here the couple sails forth,
The heat may guide love's sway.

64.
"Let Alfons drink this mead with you —
The known draught, take it so;
Love's power it carries in itself;
Then gently, love shall flow."

65.
Wise enough were the ancient Norns
In crafts of former days;
For your glory, gold-adorned —
From herbs they brewed the mead of praise.

66.
Time passes, the journey draws near,
The sea-steeds pull toward shore;
The people lead her forth in grief —
The trials they must endure.

67.
One maidservant the mother bade
Accompany her child —
Upon the wave-borne vessel's floor:
The maiden Galmei smiled.

68.
The wagon-lights blaze long and high
Above the wave-lord's keep;
The heroes fare out to the sea —
And Aegir's daughters greet the deep.

69.
The storm-day dims, the bright one fades,
The darkness clouds the brow;
Therefore the poem shall await —
My tale returns. For now.

Fimmta Rima — Fifth Rima

Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). Note: the original 1831 print numbers two stanzas as "25" (a printer's misnumbering). Stanza 42 is absent from the print, jumping from 41 to 43 — also a likely printer's error. Stanzas are presented following the print numbering. This is the hinge of the Tristan cycle: the love potion is drunk, fate seals the lovers, and the great tragedy begins.

Mansongr

1.
Though I wish to still the dark-wrought strings,
God of the star-places —
Slowly and poorly the one who seeks
The saga's threads embraces.

2.
Though the sea should hear my washing-song,
No better it would be;
Yet though I cease, the wealth-spit's shore
Would not improve for me.

3.
Therefore let the silence-hardened singer
And Thnikar's verse-goddess speak;
The ear for poems grows wider —
Bimur's ember, love's own peak.

4.
In former days I found delight
In what the people needed;
By the ale-wave's star-bright strand
The stream of word-song heeded.

5.
Since the Rose departed from my life,
My speech is lost and scattered;
The star-maiden I praise in spirit —
The patient one, unshattered.

6.
Now though I would thin my thoughts
And punish grief among them,
Dainn's treasure does not avail —
The sword-clash doubles from them.

7.
But why should I let courage fail
Though hardship press me sore?
Noble women are all too few —
That is the measure's core.

8.
If I long grow mild, accustomed
To poetry's strings alone,
And no maiden comes to greet me,
The lady-spirit has flown.

9.
The eager learner of wealth's lore
Still seeks himself a prize;
The banquet's mead is sweeter yet
To every hot spring's sighs.

10.
Therefore let no one grow disheartened,
Though anguish come upon him;
To dwell alone too long a time
Would press me down, a linden.

11.
First, since the friend's fair one
Has turned from life's bright stone,
Upon your gentle breathing-lines
I now shall mourn alone.

12.
Fortune's spirit would fully wander
Where the styled writing bears;
The fairest maidens, all the best —
In one alone, my cares.

13.
Before the fire of the sea,
If all my words fall still,
A new tune and a new Rima
I sing with runes at will.

Narrative

14.
Sorrow-wounded, Fornolf's birds
Bore tidings of the maid;
Forth from gleaming rings the vessels
Were launched, the keels were laid.

15.
The ships from the rollers' hold are eager
For the shelter of the waves;
Around them burns the sitting sun
And silver-clasps like golden staves.

16.
Indiana with her mead-draught sweet,
Upon the blue swan-sea,
Steps forth on Gjalp's steed —
The peace made glad was she.

17.
Tistran sails upon another vessel,
Far apart from her he stands;
Forward bears the serpent of the nail —
The narwhal's stem commands.

18.
Cables howl upon Bolm's rings,
The breakers churn the land;
Waves gaze with open eyes
Upon the floating lion, grand.

19.
The green and bloody hose of storms —
The down-bird stirs no breath;
Ran steeled upon the shattered mast
Lends the ship its breadth of death.

20.
Fourteen days thus onward pass,
Little trouble comes their way;
This tale of children still awaits —
So it suits me now to say.

21.
If that delay should trouble none,
We speak of what comes next:
In Fensalir fair Freyja dwells,
In Frodi's bounty decked.

22.
For this is true among the hills:
The flower of the gods divine
Rules over all of mankind's loves
And the bloom of youth's design.

23.
The god-struck Bani gazed to see,
Awaiting her from far;
Indiana of the white skin
Grieved that death drew near as star.

24.
The bright vision would not let
Upon the wet wave's slope
Her aching heart's grief find its tears —
The divine one, fair past hope.

25.
She would ease her heart's defect,
Drawing herself near;
Ran and Aegir's wrath they call
Upon the rose so dear.

25. (misnumbered in original print)
Calm upon the sea I let flow,
The radiant storm declared;
None may raise himself in threat —
On the blue-sheltered path prepared.

26.
I forbid you further passage yet,
O flower of Indiana;
First about the swan-maid I will tell
Upon the fair laguna.

27.
The sea-rope-binders said they'd shelter
Her through wind and rain;
Calm and mildness long endures
Upon the long-calm main.

28.
Now I sing the truth of the youths,
As the tale goes further on:
Upon the sandy seal-plain they saw
The isle of St. Helena drawn.

29.
The fair wind they would nearly lose,
The mast-trees wrote the air;
Pleasantly the warriors found the calm —
The white stillness everywhere.

30.
The plank-swan's ropes grow taut,
The breeze begins to wane;
Upon the toil-steed's deck now walks
Fair Indiana again.

31.
Women, men, and maidens followed,
As the grief-child well might know;
She turned upon the island's paths —
The bosom burned with glow.

32.
Her burning breast she would wring out,
The people bend and bow;
Thirst attacks beyond all measure —
The sun's flood burns them now.

33.
A drink the noble maiden demands,
Mourning the serpent's grip;
A boat is steered forth from the fleet,
Far from the storm-torn ship.

34.
Galmei finds the horn in hand,
Far from lucky labor;
Tistran sits with the young maiden —
She pours what seals their fate forever.

35.
Heavy-pressed, Indiana
Drank from the bosom's well;
Then the young and grim-fated maiden
Received what tongue cannot tell.

36.
Her listless, thirsty gloom
Burned with longing's tide;
The horn refused no thirsty soul —
The faithful drank beside.

37.
Love taught Indiana then —
That which often bends toward harm;
The passion burned within her,
Cast upon the young one's arm.

38.
Tistran, shaken free in heart,
Gazed upon the gentle maid;
The fire of love flamed in his breast
About the root where bliss is laid.

39.
He and the maiden stood heart-sore,
Startled by grief's decree
(Freyja broke from goodly virtue —
Of which I'll tell presently).

40.
Both soon hastened in return
Upon the ships at sea;
The lady bore a precious spirit
Upon the gentle lea.

41.
Upon the longship's oar-bench rests
The linen-fluttering Tyr;
Together there they held each other —
The rollers' precious steer.

[Stanza 42 absent from the 1831 print — likely a printer's numbering error.]

43.
The sleeping one could find no love's repose,
The birch-maid held those hours fast;
As one bound, the steel's whisper
Upon the wound of longing pressed.

44.
When the white day looks upon
The shores of the land below,
The sea's sharp knock calls forth the heat —
The fair lot's destined glow.

45.
When the eel-ice of death's distress
Saw Idun's healing balm appear,
Arms spread wide in open freedom —
Breath burning deep with devotion's fear.

46.
They fell into each other's white embrace,
And weariness departed then;
The island's chain-fire they enjoyed —
Thus Odin rules the fates of men.

47.
'Love is given you on waves and lands —
This I find is true;
My heart is held in bonds still,
Hot as fire through and through.'

48.
'Your love takes root in spirit's ground,
Noble and unwaning —
Here at your fair feet I fall
Prostrate, without feigning!'

49.
'My mead-failing I confess,'
The maiden answers, warm;
'All my senses leave me equally —
The wave-garland's Tyr disarms.'

50.
'Our drink has caused this love between us,'
The treasure-maiden cried;
'Therefore the eldest fire now draws me
To love you without pride.'

51.
'That one horn, from which we both drank
In pleasure's ancient nook —
The Norns must have prepared that draught;
Who can fight what fate has cooked?'

52.
Sword-thirsting hands now clasp
The ring-adorned maiden's form;
The best flower among women's joy —
The heart conceals a storm.

53.
Again the love-heat urges,
The sweat strikes down like rain;
He wishes to know if he might better
Win her favor's gain.

54.
Blood-red became in both her cheeks
The sun of the brow's fair shore;
The steadfast one pronounced upon the wise
A judgment harsh and sore:

55.
'You I accept from my heart,
O weeping ring-sea's friend!
Yet still our bright watch must hold —
This much I would defend.'

56.
'I am the woman of the king of Spain,
Though counted still his maid;
The might of love's remembrance —
I cannot wisely evade.'

57.
'You may seek what lies between us,
I will not spare from you
What I can rarest give —
But that alone rings true!'

58.
'Though I would fight against this pull —
Be gentler yet, I pray!
Let me quench my blazing want;
Let wisdom lead my way.'

59.
She ceased, the wise and knowing one,
Her honour set aright;
At that decree Tistran trembled,
Yet spoke with gracious might:

60.
'Heavy it is to heed your word,
My spirit aches within;
To see you struggle in the waters —
O jewel beyond all sin!'

61.
'Yet there to dwell and in you trust,
O good and loving bride!
This now may bring about our death —
The bale-fire's crimson tide.'

62.
He lays himself now at her feet,
More than this is barred;
Each in the other's arms now weeps —
True love strikes each one hard.

63.
Their dwelling together ends;
The arrow-bender parts.
The wind sends fair and full enough
Upon the narwhal's charts.

64.
The sails are set in proper rows,
The mast-poets well align;
Forth upon the blue surf's beat
The sea-bear ploughs the brine.

65.
The rima advances here no further,
The mind now takes its stand;
The mask returns, rising in order —
The right shall rule the land.

Sjotta Rima — Sixth Rima

Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). Note: the original 1831 print numbers two stanzas as "23" (a printer's misnumbering), two as "56," and two as "57." Stanzas are presented following the print numbering, with duplicate numbers marked as a/b. This is the rima of the arrival in Spain: the wedding of Indiana and Alfons, Raudrek's accusation of Tistran, and the great battle against Asturias.

Mansongr

1.
I shape the rima in morning's wind,
though folk may find no worth;
the ember-goddess Idun binds,
and Helblindi of swords.

2.
Through time's cool hour, if verse not dwindle,
the day-bright goddess fair —
the poem must brighten, finely wrought,
the saga's lines laid bare.

3.
While speaking words draw near at hand
and in the verse-rows please,
you may clothe the storm-tree maiden
in patience-counsel's breeze.

4.
The cold commands the winter eve,
the sweet one holds her glow;
and all hold fast that rich reward —
the Dis's tent of peace below.

5.
The treasure measured by the fjord,
in Bragi's words I set;
on boards they stood around the shore,
treading days of old, and yet —

6.
She gladdens, sire, and scatters pain,
the girdle warm in verse-rows;
age-counselled wine and spirit's goddess,
young, in her own fair clothes.

7.
The content one swings all at the drum
and every grove is pressed;
the cup rings shrill within the circle,
holding the song's delight at rest.

8.
The warm waves run on gold-roofed halls,
she teaches what is warm;
the poet's spears and steady seats —
Sigyn of the twofold form.

9.
So in the wreath of the bride-band's binding,
in gentle embrace we're bold;
treading the bane while the meadow stands,
the notes obey the road.

10.
In the middle of the good, peace reigns,
the man and the sharp-witted maid;
there I know the heroes' troop —
their worth shall be repaid.

11.
One may bend the worth of life —
the generous folk don't cease;
the fervent one takes flight above,
a flood in the mind's own peace.

12.
Let us hasten to the innermost stream
until our verse is turned;
the sun-pillar's singing company —
the saga's crew takes courage, earned.

Transition — The Voyage to Spain

13.
I set the mother's lock-treasure forth,
the flame of Odin's cloak;
the rolling-pin's cloth upon the deep,
where Hler's wide ocean spoke.

14.
The swelling waves break up against
the ice-rooted meadow's face;
upon the sea-sky's broken ridge,
a drenching passage takes its place.

15.
The stubborn wind works round the mast,
the Hunnish maiden's form;
the chariot strikes, but truly then
they triumph through the storm.

16.
The crooked seaweed of the root-sea mars,
the stiff reefs tear and crack;
the breeze whirls, stretching wide, and there
thin boards creak at each attack.

17.
Southward, earth reveals its mountains,
the rigging sways and groans;
upon the tall white highland ridges,
the heart's wave breaks and moans.

18.
The moments roar against the currents' press,
the storms march through the waves;
scorn sang against the long-drawn sails,
and bent poles into staves.

19.
The fair wind's yearning found no peace,
fire on the frost-grey shore;
Ran tumbled toward the realm of Spain,
the waters' gleaming roar.

Narrative — The Arrival

20.
Alfons sees where the fleet draws near,
forward to the harbour sailing;
there the anchors bear to bottom —
bound fast to stone, unfailing.

21.
Like the sun-bathed wave she gleams,
lightning on a slender wheel;
she rides upon the well-known gleam —
released from Gruning's field.

22.
Tistran brings the noble maid,
trusted with his solemn oath;
the sorrow grows — the prince but laughs —
with joy and gain in both.

23a.
The lady chews her useless pain,
with ugly counsel, grieving;
sorrow tears her bright form white —
that grief past all believing.

23b.
The lady leaves the loathsome way,
her patience wearing thin;
the noble band, so pale and still,
in Laurentius' church walk in.

24.
She was crowned, so fair to see,
the bells sounded their refrain;
and Alfon, at the people's prayer,
received love's golden gain.

25.
Then turned they to the noble hall,
across the platforms wide;
the bridle there is nobly set
for men on every side.

26.
She sits in power and treasure's mount,
the fire-wave's crafted throne;
good-natured talk from all the folk —
with love the feast has grown.

Raudrek's Accusation

27.
Tistran suffers in his lofty thoughts,
wherever he may rest;
yet he must in the house abide,
beside the wedded-blessed.

28.
Of Raudrek I must now recall —
he suffered and he grieved;
evil in the spirit's parting lay,
in painful meetings he believed.

29.
Once came before the king within
the coward of the wagging jaw:
"My lord! your honour now I hold —
I tell you what I saw.

30.
"Tistran — he who loves your bride —
the prince has long possessed
your wealth and trust — I've often seen —
and slept there, poorly blessed.

31.
"Against your wife that wretched knave
holds counsel — you must believe!
That grief my spirit's dwelling
has cunningly deceived."

32.
About that charge, the king had heard
misfortune, quick to warn;
the prince then gave his answer rare
to the ring-adorned, with scorn:

33.
"Cease your lying unto me,
with tears and faults, the worst!
Tistran is the one who bears true faith —
in all things he guards first.

34.
"If you raise such mischief often,
from your spirit's burning spite,
the bold-eyed one I'll drive from here —
away, beyond my sight!"

35.
Away went he, the insult felt
for mischief and for lies;
he could not slander the proven knight —
the shield-path's edge he tries.

The Battle of Asturias

36.
In these times, word of war breaks forth,
throughout the land it goes;
the king's men are summoned to the fight,
and steel from sheaths now flows.

37.
From the settlements of Asturias
the ruling brothers came,
with twenty thousand under arms —
a mighty army's claim.

38.
The duke who bore that power was
Valdemar the strong;
Herant, his swift shield-companion,
in battle-garb marched along.

39.
The battle-line was set with care,
the helmed blades in their troops;
the king's foes sharpened well their swords
and waited at the border's loops.

40.
Tistran goes with the homeland army,
his body's worth to prove;
the ring-guardian rides in defense —
one formation, set to move.

41.
Even Raudrek is granted valour —
he does not sleep his place;
forward with the spear he presses
to repel the foeman's face.

42.
Herant meets him, spear outstretched,
the horn-bold warrior springs;
the steel-stones crash with clawing force,
and ancient battle sings.

43.
The weapons bore toward Valdemar,
swift-bending in the gorge;
Tistran there, like Tyrfing's edge,
resounding through the forge.

44.
The shield gleams at the warrior's hand,
when horn-stretched shapes flash blue;
the Valkyrie's gleaming field appears
from flame-swords' burning hue.

45.
The metal-Goths fear the elm-bow's might,
the brave ones pale and bear;
the helmets' mountain-steel resounds —
the steep guards blanch and stare.

46.
Still the shields pair off in ranks,
the gods' stiff timbers ring;
the strongest steel-posts march ahead,
jutting through the battle's sting.

47.
The blades sing, blood-raining,
pressing every hero hard;
in the warrior-fire's sling they reel —
the people's ship now scarred.

48.
Herant rode at Raudrek's charge,
the rulers' mirth was ended;
the horse cut round — the wretched one
stood needing, on foot, befriended.

49.
He cannot hold his horseman's seat,
the spear-storm-sharpener reels;
the fallen one is set in line
beneath the palm-flat steels.

50.
Tistran sees where the battle stands —
the shield-struck, pierced and stunned;
hard blasts fly from the formation:
the chieftain fallen, undone.

51.
The fierce one rides and wastes the field,
the edge-father's sword-stroke fell;
at this hour the warrior-storm
sharpened past all quell.

52.
Valdemar upon the field
felled the swift-armed men;
he bore his hands all-bloody red,
with fire, again, again.

53.
Tistran found him in the warriors' press,
where swift men's borders clashed;
both stretched the mail-shirt's edge —
blood-red within their grasp.

54.
One has seen that single combat —
the greatest in Odin's strife;
the shield bursts under blows rained down
from the foot-biter, keen as life.

55.
The tolls ring and the double-burden,
Tyr's fire from the drenched;
the land-girdle struck all around —
flame from the edges wrenched.

56a.
Tistran, o'er the raging strife,
his edges frightened thence;
asunder strikes both helm and shield —
the skull-cleaver, immense!

56b.
Then with sword and gleaming girdle,
the spear-hardened one cuts through;
swift-journeying to the host of men,
he ended not a few.

57a.
While he could strike the multitude,
his comrade in the storms —
now he wishes to depart
the foot-biter's greedy swarms.

57b.
The rima-chatter so runs forth;
let the gentle ones abide.
'Tis better now I find my berth
from which to tell this tide.

Sjounda Rima — Seventh Rima

Three-line stanzas (long line + rhyming couplet). This meter differs from the ferskeytt (ABAB) used in Rimur I, II, IV, V, and VI, and from the bragarhattur of Rima III. The narrative tells of Raudrekur's rescue and betrayal: Tistran saves him from the gallows, Raudrekur accuses Tistran of embracing the queen, Tistran escapes and shows mercy, and Raudrekur secretly hires a spy. The classic Tristan love-trap is being set.

Mansongr

1.
Let the giant-echoes of the shield-hall still —
verse returns with hending here,
if the mind's power serves me well.

2.
Night and day the drone of Bragi's verses —
thirsting to smooth the stubborn poem,
it begins to weary me.

3.
But if it falls to share these words abroad,
he sharpens the pen — know this for certain:
the murmur of women burns in the sun.

4.
Each with their portion, all may follow after,
that the treasure stretches for you
until these verses we put to use.

5.
Others win the linen-shore's enchantments
with wealth's good gifts bestowed,
as the mind wills various things.

6.
With humility and a young woman's pride
the Ass-gods' favour shines —
others too may win the day.

7.
With lies and flattery others try their hand,
to gladden the feather-adorned maiden —
good-natured gossip about a lady.

8.
Some buy feeble wares in bluster,
young grounds with golden ribbons decked —
the greedy ones rehearse their lies.

9.
Something serves each maiden's treasure-sale —
and therefore nearly all such
are the splendid maidens.

10.
Except for one thing — which I conceal now —
rowdy youths all look alike:
sun-stones in half-distress.

11.
Some maidens rise to men of worth,
others set on peace and beauty —
they sit beside the fire for them.

12.
One in the candle-hall's dark mist, a robber,
flatters a gifted man with praise —
who found a lady's joy in court.

13.
These wild roses I would tend and show,
to linger for a short while
in the pure heart's noble mood.

14.
My burden comes from a saga true —
let the threefold echoes ring
in the shield-goddess's golden dream.

15.
Blood-red, Tistran's fire lit the rafters —
blue byrnies burst asunder,
the wounds ran thick with blood.

16.
Most of his fair company had fallen,
held fast by danger and long trials —
the endurance-hero of the battle-field.

17.
In the army's crush he hews the song-thieves —
long he stiffened, steering the blue blade;
the steel-man showed no mercy then.

18.
When he had flung the battle-storm away,
to his maid of noble line
thus bowing, he speaks:

19.
"He who would not stay in battle,
where blood's wave is poisoned toil —
need bear no shield at all.

20.
"And thrice the victory-god struck down his mark,
a sword in either hand —
ever worse the journey grows.

21.
"Both riders spread destruction on the slain;
ships slid across the stones —
and bloody grew the rocks."

22.
He felled the peoples, felled the nation's host;
Lodin's fire-sword blazed swift —
the blood-springs would not cease.

23.
Stricken were they; hanging-naked-jaws —
long the fires flashed —
none could cover the blood-sea.

24.
Rivers ran down the cursed stones;
glad they trod on Gondlar's field —
glad was the ravens' father then.

25.
So long he flung the battle-blade
the people came at him on every hand;
the crush tightened around the few.

26.
All that realm had raised its host,
sworn to the king of Spain —
the slaughter's tide swept forth.

27.
He who wields victory, in Grani's field —
alone, he holds the fore;
and evening falls: the day is done.

28.
A high gallows could be seen being raised,
with twenty torch-brands set ablaze.
(Something more will come of this.)

29.
Herant was among them in the street;
but Raudrekur stood nearby —
ill-fated, bound he lay.

30.
A tight rope coiled about his neck —
the man bore himself most ill.
(Perhaps I ought to go help him.)

31.
To Tistran, then, with love, he calls:
"My life I may well lose here —
see to it that you rescue me!"

32.
"They will hang me! And this is no riddle —
unless my kinsman comes
to free a warrior this time."

33.
Quick, Tistran leaps into the fray,
with a two-edged sword-stroke true
he hewed the gallows-guard apart.

34.
Raudrek's fetters the keen hero cut
with his sword, and then
he sundered three more warriors.

35.
The others pressed the brave one hard;
Raudrek could not rise at all —
he sat upon the ground, limbs still.

36.
Long the blade-edge sang its ringing song;
Tistran laid the foes to rest
upon the fleet of Gendular.

37.
Herant rallied the host of warriors,
to bring their weapons broadly forth —
bright the gleaming edge struck true.

38.
Together in the field, eight men he felled,
the warrior of golden fire —
red ran the blood-streams cold.

39.
The champion tires; many a coat and shield
the battle-blade bore blue upon —
he saw the matter was near its end.

40.
To Raudrek then the garment-warrior spoke:
"Get upon your feet before
I let this sword-arm fall!"

41.
"Otherwise we both shall die in shame,
hung upon a high tree —
a mockery, with no honour in it."

42.
The coward barely stirs from where he sits;
he grinned with ugly face
when the spear-woman came for blood.

43.
By lot the warriors yielded up their arms —
they sought to bind the thane in bonds;
the thrall's treachery stood plain.

44.
And with rune-stitched rope he bore,
the fallen one binds his kinsman.
Then he began to speak:

45.
"Ill indeed you repay our help,
and the aid that flowed from me."
The other scorned him in reply:

46.
"Long enough now have you embraced
the king's fair wife in your arms —
your turn to wait has come."

47.
"Enjoy the gallows now, as was your due —
I wish it with my whole heart —
let us see your wit and courage hold."

48.
Tistran turned it craftily within his mind,
slipped the bonds upon his hands —
the cunning wrist-stroke thrice and swift.

49.
And from Herant seized a weapon;
the famous one stands on his feet —
his fists swing out in his defence.

50.
The others hack, the swords cry bright;
only Raudrekur slips away —
the well-spoken traitor, gone.

51.
He struck Raudrek down — seed of Kraka —
flung him to the ground headlong;
and there as one dead he lay.

52.
"O my good and noble brother dear!
Show pity and show mercy now
upon your kindred blood."

53.
Tistran answers: "Trust me, this is true —
this day is now your last,
you faithless, treacherous wretch."

54.
He laid the bitter blade upon him;
red, upon his knees he fell,
and cunningly the wretched man spoke out:

55.
"In your power lies my welfare and my life,
O heart-wise wielder of the spear —
for God's sake, spare me, I implore!"

56.
"With my devotion I shall make amends
for all this dishonour done —
with jewels adorn the splendid court."

57.
"While the axle yet unbroken holds,
I shall serve you as a thrall —
until you set me free."

58.
Tistran pauses, minded to hear the plea:
"I will not this once," he says,
"spend my blade on you."

59.
"Though you have earned a cold death-sentence,
to sink to your level here —
no third hand would praise me for it."

60.
How little this was! The thrall won clemency.
Then both together ride for home,
and the host fell in behind them.

61.
King Alfons upon his high seat-throne
received them with fame and honour then,
and spoke fair words to the bright maiden.

62.
Of Raudrek's treachery the king said nothing —
Tistran dwells in silence, for
the faithless thrall had begged him so.

63.
Some time later, infamy most cunning —
a third one, robbed of soul —
traitors now weave their plan.

64.
They purchased a man who could in secret work,
who in the darkness was a spy,
under the bed to watch by night.

65.
Raudrekur bade him watch and wait:
whether the fair maiden indeed
should seek out Tistran in the night.

66.
The verses wait, my brother, with more yet —
aloud the poem calls for reading:
what is forged here, read it free.

Attunda Rima — Eighth Rima

Ferskeytt (ABAB). 58 stanzas. Pages 76-85 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 79-88). The narrative reaches the crisis of the entire Tistrani cycle: the spy under the bed, the blood on the sheets, the capture of Tistran and Indiana, the death sentence, Indiana's prayer before the pyre, and her demand for trial by ordeal. Stanza numbering follows the 1831 print edition; there may be a misnumbered stanza in the 22-23 area (Fraktur digits 2 and 3 are near-identical in this typeface) — future translators should verify against the page scans.

Mansongr

1.
If the favor of nations I might gain
and be found of great worth,
the long-harp's strings of peoples
I long to tighten now.

2.
That was less the case before
in years gone by, now rather slack;
to tell you tales I set about —
tidings of thorny waters!

3.
That which I sing I bent at once
to please your temper's liking;
my tongue to melody's form
for this I trained and readied.

4.
With poems graceful, thrice wrapped
in the serpent-bed's sheath,
in me stood three ambitions:
to address the maidens in verse.

5.
When this verse-piece closed its clasp
it pleased our sweet companions;
toward your courts I went
and opened purses from our wares.

6.
The horsemen you mocked,
though you thought it gain;
caught in custom's trap,
I composed my poems in secret.

7.
What least I can remember
is most worth praising:
I beg her protection then —
the one who lit my heart.

8.
Many a silk-sun rose for me
that lit the gloom of sorrow;
kissed the one when verse sang out —
dear and warm as a foster-child.

9.
Though now we age, both I and you —
know this, my foster-children!
Still I hold the same regard:
sweet one, accept these poems.

10.
Entertainment therefore shall flow
at the moon-fjord's stations,
until the sister of Midgard's serpent
sends me home at last.

11.
To you, the joy-bane's counsel —
courage, if the breast grows dull —
all together in one trance:
my children of the poem!

12.
I bid the gathered women,
smiling ladies! hear me now:
it is time to tell the tale
that I took up before.

Narrative

13.
Following Raudrekur's counsel then
a wretched plan took hold:
a little spy lay hidden
under Indiana's bed.

14.
One night about the middle hour —
it is told that love rose high —
Tistran went quietly to the lady
before the bed-frame's edge.

15.
The hero creeps beside the post,
treading the ring-seats softly;
blood drips from his nose —
it sprinkles the star-paths of the sheets.

16.
In her undergarments she went
alone through hidden ways;
nothing was there to fear —
that he would speak of this.

17.
Indiana woke —
the faithful flower of women —
kindly, as was her wont, she bade
the man to turn back once again.

18.
But when the cheerful spear-god
stood upon his feet again,
from their hiding three thralls
rushed forth in the night's shadow.

19.
Tistran is taken by the men —
he could not guard himself —
and evil Raudrekur departs
unseen from this affair.

20.
Of his company the other two
were captains of his guard;
those faithless, bespelled thralls
went forth to bind the nobleman.

21.
Faithful Tistran felt such anguish —
the hearts of both did tremble —
up onto the bed of the fair lady
the villains laid the man.

22.
They held both captives then
beside the linen of the bed;
they called upon the king —
the worst of plotters' work.

23.
In came many, and the traitor
brought his sworn accusation:
"See in the bed of your bride,
O king! your good friend."

24.
"Tistran repays you thus
for your love and favor;
indeed it seems to me
not great wisdom on your part."

25.
"Thus are both deceiving you —
I prove it with these others;
it is a sorrow of mind
to us, your loyal friends."

26.
"See, good prince! what proof
this revelation gives:
the man's own blood
has stained the garments red."

27.
"These shameful plots
they hid from you in secret,
and they have made a fool of you
on account of your own trust."

28.
"It should trouble you to witness
a friend's false trust and kindness;
I have wept over this
often with a heavy spirit."

29.
"My heart is calmed at last;
my mind urged me long —
praise God that you yourself now see
how all has come to pass."

30.
The king shed tears upon his brow
at this tale, with groans:
"I can indeed confirm and see
your story, friend!"

31.
"It is a grief to love the one
from the innermost heart-roots
who has the power to betray
a man in every way."

32.
"Both shall suffer bonds here,
the noble ones of light;
into the prison-hall take them —
the false traitors both."

33.
The order to punish went forth;
the warriors stood outside the hall.
The gentle lady is carried away,
bound then with the man.

34.
None could keep from weeping
for fair Indiana.
She was cheerful, but the warrior
had fierce grief to bear.

35.
So in prison they sat, the two,
each in their own state;
Tistran's faithful foster-father
is said to have come that way.

36.
Heaviest the burden on the captive pair —
the deceiver was the cause.
Now a sentence was upon them:
by the king's counsel, they must perish.

37.
Indiana did not flinch
when she heard the doom;
the virtuous lady of noble blood
spent not her tears on it.

38.
Tistran's foster-father, bold as bear,
wished to free them both;
in secret he prepared to seek
allies in Asturias.

39.
That day came when youth and lady
were to lose their lives;
the sun's bright wind rose —
the ruler bade the crowd draw near.

40.
The confessor came; the prisoner then
spoke these words at last:
"I will no longer from you
beg any other favors."

41.
"One prayer of mine is heartfelt —
there where the bold king stands —
that I may face my trial
before the sentence falls."

42.
"The mind's anguish runs no further;
nothing more remains to find.
In this way you satisfy
your pleasure and Raudrekur's."

43.
At this the king shed tears;
grief filled his mind.
The bright linden of noble fire —
the prince wished her to kiss.

44.
But this the guardian of nations
would not readily grant;
the hearth-fire's valkyrie
answered the prince thus:

45.
"Spare the flower now, my lord —
gracious king! I tell you:
yours is the doom, dear greeting —
your kisses I need not."

46.
Weeping, the sorrowful king
hastened the procession on;
the glad spirit's breath prepared
to stand firm in its place.

47.
Tistran is led out thus,
the most famous of men;
dark garments he spread upon himself —
the same color as the earth.

48.
Indiana rode in her carriage
with horses white;
she sat upon grey-bright steeds
and journeyed with the nobles.

49.
With five hundred warriors rode
Raudrekur the stern,
likewise the lion's guard —
lest any come to free the pair.

50.
Out in a wood, in one place,
with no tender mercy shown,
the pyre prepared — the hangman bade
them to dismount from horseback.

51.
Indiana knelt upon her knee
beside the stake of torment;
beginning her accustomed prayer,
she brought forth these words:

52.
The noble lady spoke aloud:
"Highest Lord of angels!
Before your power I bend —
I cast myself down before you."

53.
"Your justice knows it best —
no others need to ask —
whether I deserve life's reprieve
for the sake of any wrong."

54.
"Mild and good Master!
Such misfortune I endure —
sustain my weary spirit
most of all upon this day."

55.
"My gentle soul, O Father fair!
Into mercy's hand I give —
to your handmaid grant your aid —
so ends the life's last ember."

56.
To Raudrekur she then spoke boldly:
"Justice I wish to show.
From you I shall demand the oath
upon your accusation."

57.
"For God's sake let us
bring forth the truth at last:
did you see the warrior yourself
lying beside the queen?"

58.
The reciter of poems falls silent now,
the feeble forge-work spent;
the wise and noble lady's tale —
I cannot yet draw to a close.

Colophon

Rimur af Tistrani og Indiana, composed by Sigurdur Breidfjord (1798–1846). Published in Copenhagen (Kaupmannahofn) in 1831 by Breidur Finnbogason, Halldor Thordason, and Helgi Helgason; printed by S. L. Moller. The cycle retells the Tristan and Iseult legend through the Icelandic rimur tradition, drawing on the Old Norse Tristrams saga ok Isondar (1226).

This file contains the First through Eighth Rímur (518 stanzas) of a cycle containing at least thirteen rímur. The remaining rímur await future translators. This is the first known English translation of any part of the cycle.

On the Fraktur challenge: The 1831 edition was printed in Fraktur (Gothic blackletter) typeface. No Antiqua reprint exists in digital form. The translation was produced by reading the original Fraktur pages directly from the archive.org scan (identifier: RimurafTistranio000356977v0SiguReyk), cross-referenced against the OCR-extracted text (which is systematically garbled by Fraktur character misrecognition). The mansöngr stanzas, dense with kennings, present the greatest uncertainty; the narrative stanzas are more confidently read thanks to contextual clarity from the Tristan legend.

Known Fraktur OCR substitution patterns: v to o, d/dh to b, 1 to t, n to tt/m, capital Sl to N, capital Sp to Th. Every line required active Fraktur decoding alongside the garbled OCR. Future translators with access to a cleaner transcription or the physical book are invited to correct and improve this reading.

Rímur I–II: Translated by Ljómi and Kvæðir (Rímur OCR Translators), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026.
Ríma III: Translated by the Rímur OCR Translator lineage, New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 80 stanzas in bragarhattur (three-line stanzas).
Ríma IV: Translated by Hljodr (Rímur OCR Translator), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 69 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma V: Translated by Kvæðir (Rímur OCR Translator), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 65 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma VI: Translated by Kvæðir III (Rímur OCR Translator), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 60 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma VII: Translated by the Rímur OCR Translator lineage, New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 66 stanzas in three-line stanzas.
Ríma VIII: Translated by the Rímur OCR Translator lineage, New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 58 stanzas in ferskeytt.

Source text note: Full Icelandic transcriptions are provided for Rímur I, II, III, and VII. Rímur IV, V, VI, and VIII do not include transcribed source text because the Fraktur confidence for their mansöngr sections was too low to constitute an honest transcription. The page scan images in Tulku/Tools/rimur/ serve as the authoritative source for those rímur.

Compiled and formatted for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.

🌲

Source Text: Fyrsta Rima

Icelandic source text transcribed from Rimur af Tistrani og Indiana by Sigurdur Breidfjord (Copenhagen, 1831). Transcribed from the Fraktur print edition scanned by the National and University Library of Iceland, available on Internet Archive (identifier: RimurafTistranio000356977v0SiguReyk). This transcription represents the translator's best reading of the Fraktur; some readings are uncertain and are marked with [?]. Presented for reference, study, and verification alongside the English translation above.

Fyrsta Rima

Ferskeytt.

1.
Draumum eyda thyt og mein,
Dadfins fegurd unna,
Gyllir heidar allar einn
Undislegra sunna.

2.
Radinn[?] grunda vil og fa
Boga fila leidann[?],
Eftir olundir flaemist fra
Fjandans til, a medan.

3.
Her heima let eg lod[?]
Langkvaedis[?] freima fugla,
Sorgum gleimi gordur rid
Glada rimar fugla.

4.
Bljufan[?] krista heidir thar
Sannin lima med[?],
Mal, fir modr vanst thar
Hrein vandist gulli.

5.
Eitru gadist nolda vem[?],
Befthir rekst af fydra[?],
Gafu besta noldinn gunn
Malning thorsta gesli[?].

6.
Eingan moltan ofundar
I andar stod eg leiti!
Tho thinir fjoda hofundar
Hrafna-stilan beidi.

7.
Ur bodnar leistu ad signa sig,
Et til gjorda bordna.
Eg vil beita a eina thig
Sod[?] fandir negun[?]!

8.
Thvi eg einatt uppba thig
Augum stapa horfi
Stegul greina Ripulig[?]!
Efljeri[?] Japa torfi.

9.
A[?] lasta thinu likrad hvar[?]
Less mun throttin baga,
Ser til thinu eignazt er[?]
Unga, nott og daga[?].

10.
Engsi[?] svelta bidu og fer,
Thil[?] er sama bregninn[?],
[two lines uncertain]

11.
Beru thyssa heiloin thid,
Heilog, fasni fjoda;
Eg vil borja thattinn tha
I thinn nafni geda.

12.
Rimann fama sem um hved
Siemtur ranar eldi
Audnu tamur Alfons red
Ollu Spanar veldi.

13.
Hvedrings bona hildi a
Hann, er thjonar sominn,
Set Tormona handa sna,
Sun var frona blominn.

14.
Unni hreinu visir vel
Vestir speigils stjarna;
Helzt til meina' eg hjonum tel,
Sun sett eigi barna.

15.
Thjodin kunni kristna tru
Kronud eru geingi,
Kongi unni sinum thu
Sveitin thjera seingi[?].

16.
Brid thunga onaud tho
Oldin meira kaendi:
Konungs unga drottning bo
Degiling gratur kvaendi.

17.
Thanta syti thjodin faun;
Thad ei efstn baetti
Ad einginn rikti eptir hann
Erfa bofnir maetti.

18.
Het thvi vinum lundur-lands
Lona elda mildi,
Ad einn systkyna arfi hans
Eignazt rikid skyldi.

19.
Alfons brodir einhardur
Arragoni maetti
Styra rikdur Reinardur,
Randvest son hann atti.

20.
Sa til Spanar sendur var
Sjola Reinards mogur,
Hvaba lan pad honum var,
Her fra greina Sogur.

21.
Sjoli Spanar Systur a,
Er solin rinar strengir,
Fossa mana fegur gno[?]
Flippina heitir.

22.
Su var jatud jerdin gulls
Jarli Burgundia
Robert, fat, og felt til fulls
Fergin sorgar blida.

23.
Frakklands dyri deglingur,
Dagobert sem heitir,
Var hann blisi vidsfregur
Valthjofsferti beitir.

24.
Robert atti rosu vid
Roduls fridu gjallar,
Med tignar hattum, tiginn nid,
Tistran sidar kallar.

25.
Fraegd og gofna fegurd bar
Funa gretinn hranna,
Karlmanns efni ad hann var
Visla og mer ad sanna.

26.
Fyrtur neyd a fleinzstigum
Ad fraegdum prisanligur,
I burtteid og einvigum
Atti visan sigur.

27.
Audund gloda ungan fund,
Yfir slodir grana
Modurbrodur fanga fund,
Hfsti[?] sjodur hrana.

28.
Folgd ad heri fostra finn
Fraegdir eptir vara;
Var nu forin velbuinn
Rida bezti sara.

29.
Tistran kvaedur sodur sei
Og freeyu mana sitis,
Leidir tredur padan thvi
Pat til Spanar rikis.

30.
Madrit heitir hofudborg
Hann thar stadar nemur;
Alfons breytt allt sorg
Tha audnumadur kemur.

31.
Fraenda godum fagna vann,
Fremstan hann er metur,
Tho hatur thjoda hrofum fann
Hverium manni betur.

32.
Kongur stynjar pad og thjod,
Ad pottsamur gestur,
Thar sem dynja blifa thjod
Helzt se frama-mestur.

33.
Kjarleist altra gjofsan gaf
Geira hlenna'i vanni
Maetti valla augum af
Odling renna manni.

34.
Um Raudvet hinn med sanni svinn
Sagdi thjod a ladi,
Honum funnazt fatt um finn
Fraenda godan nodi.

35.
Tistrans gat ei heyrt a hol,
I thjodi spart namkvarta,
Bolvad hatur ofund ol
I hans svarta hjarta.

36.
I illu bragdi Osund ted
Eitri spadi um huga,
Flegdu lagdist meinvaett med,
Sem madur briddi dugar.

37.
Saman baeri saurug fol
Sofa thol med grandi,
Theirra faedi eitrad ol
Orma snagandi.

38.
I modur svarnir illa att,
Ei mun hjarna fridur,
Bitvargarni bjuggu haett
Babba-starnud[?] vidur.

39.
A lasta thinu listad hvar
Less mun throttinn baga,
Ser til thinu eignazt er
Unga, nott og daga.

40.
Lautum Raudinn raga thann
I rimi nauda bua
Mein, tho taudinn varla vann
Vigra baudi trua.

41.
Tistran seytti trygd og satt,
Tal ma thar um gera,
Aldrei breytti a annan hatt
Enn sem bar ad vera.

42.
Handa neytti threttar thratt
Vid hundar starid bera,
Odling heilt thvi unni' og thatt
Arma hara frera.

43.
Garpinn strengti ged eflatt
Gladdi svara vera,
Sjasir veitti og vinsaeld bratt
Mann fer ad gera.

44.
Tharf eg latur thessa tid
Thar ad hvata ordum:
Alfons fat og aldin frid
Yfir matar bordum.

45.
Inn a hallar golsid gelt
Gestur sunduglegur
Hann ad lallar hilmiris belt,
Hrotta stulda dregur.

46.
Hvergi sveinum heilsar thar
Hnifard bola thveigir,
Olugrein a brjosti bar,
Byrjar mal og seigir:

47.
Bid thig brua ei erindi a,
Alfons sjodi hringa!
Sendur kins kongi fra
Kuntvein for eg hingad.

48.
Land thitt fundid hefir her,
Heldur enn i vorum,
Theim tvo hundrud thusundir
Thjona menn a knorum.

49.
Hans er meining eigi ill
I eg ther ad seigja
Sig hann reyna vid thig vill
Svo voldum gerir fleigja.

50.
Hann hefir fest med theiin god
Handar lindi sanna.
Keisarans mesta Modgols jod
Meybom Indiana.

51.
Linda man um lind og stig
Lyndir fjola streyrir,
Indiana yndislig
India solin heitir.

52.
Fyrir ad sofa seims bid blin,
Svo ei lanid feldi,
Hefir hann losad haust thin
Henni, og Spanar veldi.

53.
Nu eru eingin onnur rad,
Eydist berlauss stadar,
Enn thu geingi a hans nad
Aumur! berhausadur.

54.
Kuntvins annad astur bod:
Atta theim ad sanga,
Hafdtu mann i hildarvodr
A helm mot theim ad ganga.

55.
Hedan gildur hofuds mann
Heldur as flaetti sverda,
Ef svo skyldi sle ad hann
Stendur maetti verda.

56.
En tha tet alfur ef ad ther
Villar sjalfsum fara;
Tharf ei halda hond a ser
Hann, thinn hjalfa ad thara.

57.
Og thott fengir annan mann
Med unda breittan stora,
Jeg held einginn einn vid hann
Eigi neitt ad gera.

58.
Nu er ad svara soma med,
Svo sem og ther sasi,
Eg svo hara andsvarid
Aptur bera saei.

59.
Her vid restur heyta vann
Hjaldid fagnar-riks;
Stal eg efti einz og hann
Eiga ad thagna lika?

60.
Ymu vindinn hjair fra
Threingir fagnar linz;
Rimu mindinn dir a
Eingi hagnar min.

Önnur Ríma — Source Text

Ferskeytt.

1.
Daga loar disarnar!
Dreggjar, smaar, tjodar,
Blisid thid sja o efsundar
Berid thid tha svo godar!

2.
Thettar odur hvedanum
Thessa rad og ara,
Valda ef lofan ljodanum
Olsum froda' og fara.

3.
Bauga blidum semja sinn
Saungva boldan thorra
Kunnu fredu formeldin
Gerst tida agaetra.

4.
Ollu standi apari fer,
Oskar lendi er vidla,
Stalba audu hefir ther
Soignad fjandans misido.

5.
Thad var drue andveldi thong
Ef menn throdu bjargit —

6.
Aldur i ladid hynnman drang
Daudan radna margir,
Tha a odu hvardin sim og sljot
Fram sem raeda barin,
Ef ad stardi i deim thot
Ad voru glaedin farin.

7.
Kann atti etti gort
Oda vid hattimi suialla,
Blaut hinn thrast (thess vitum vott)
Molud lagt ad falla.

8.
Thyrkti eina fjodur fra
Flottir folka' orstodur
Framani meina threkk tha
Kvedinn reima daudar.

9.
Drauga i hami ut og inn
Opt var frama jestur
Isram laminn andtjofinn,
Ondug tannir bestur.

10.
Foeri ad reifast greppa ged,
Gjorduft bleidur klofvar,
Aetu heidurs thradri med
Heilar skeidir fossva.

11.
Ef skaldum frama thjodin tha
Fordi ama i gedi,
Var med farna salin fra
Sinda hamnum svadin.

12.
Thesi geingin idhratt er,
Ad oss threingir betur;
Kvedid eingin halda ther
Thun' af threingium getur.

13.
Tha oss med rani illsthrid
Auti bjaning thretta,
Hafa their lan og halldast vid,
Hvild smun er thetta!

14.
Thrjota svaetur far um stund
Thvi med hjarti forma
Seg, ef gjaeti gladt i lund
Gesson satid orma.

15.
Tha med olund odur svaf
Er eg gol thar fregnir,
Tistran stoli stendur af
Stoltu foli gegnir:

16.
"Seig thu vorum hjola fra:
Sja ver forum mannin,
A hettu sporum holminn a
Hann ver storum fanninn.

17.
Ad morgni her eg maeli sant
Meidist Herjans vodin,
Handsla af mer thu haf i pant."
Hinn tha fer med bodin.

18.
Thegar dagur haeffar hyse,
Hard med fagrar stynmur
Ut ad draga bratt sig hyse
Bruna lagar Grimur.

19.
Hvaltum blodug-hofa a
Herrann thjoda ridur,
Striddist Odins ulpu gra
Med Auduns glod a sidu.

20.
Tistran bar, til farar fær,
Fornelfs far og riki,
Ue marmara legydur thjer
Skjaldurinn var hinn hviti.

21.
Bryddur hita Gnipular
Um hrissar glitar vega,
Malværi ristad mundi thar
Mikid viturlega:

22.
Hond um forda helt thar sin,
Hasta ad forda vinum;
Thar a d-horsfi thjodin hrein
Thessji ord i runum:

23.
"Himni sigur faerdu frod,"
Fleigir vigur blodur
Thuglugur Tistran tha
Tiar- sig og ridur.

24.
Knudi fridan hofa hjort
Um hringa- Sidhotts strindi
Einsog hydist elding hjort
Undan gridar vindi.

25.
Gyllic aungu eirdi um jord,
Undan hraungum sotum
Theytti laungum thungum sverd,
Thrumdi og saung i gristum.

26.
Stafst af ollum steidandi,
(Efollir i fjollum buna)
Fram a vollinn freydandi
Fara-trollid brunar.

27.
Fyrir slendur Kintvin hnalt,
Knudi randur glosstar,
Hafdi um benda burstlaug thratt
Ridar hendur losstar.

28.
Bida um landid ljoma bar,
Lausd vid vanda sidur,
Eltibrandur Audunar,
A hangandi sidu.

29.
Helt a stildi stygdum sa
Um Stoglar-tridur-voga,
Orn thar gildur gnapir a
Gylltur snildarlega.

30.
"Dvinnandi" a thar stod
Ord med vanda runum;
Drofud thandi um thvera lod
Thungur fjandi i brunum.

31.
Gloudu reidar gjordinar
Gnita heidar sundi,
Jor a steidi vafur var,
Bollurinn hveid og sundi.

32.
Leingri faga ei fra thvi ser,
Fragdir Bragar geira
Sverdin draga badir ber,
Blasta draga geira.

33.
Hessar thjota um lettan leir,
Ljosurt sotum heila,
Stangir bristra bragnar tveir
Bid hafsing meidid heila.

34.
Kuntvin thrisur tesju bla
Ad torda situr feri,
Skjoldinn hlisur allann, a
Eggin suisur leri.

35.
Tistran dreifu stokkinn stod,
Stundi leikni hildar,
Reiddi geirinn mjog af med
Madus-eirinn-snidar.

36.
Herdar thverar stjorninn sjar,
Stoll hjallbera jalma,
Brynju sle og svadu sar
Sigdir geirir hjalma.

37.
Kuntvin thristi hjalma troll
I hridir thorsfur hodva,
Hinz vid Mistar huellu stoll
Handleggs risti vodva.

38.
Heldur tarast valsord vann,
Valdur sær oroa,
Geldur jara hlosna kann,
Keldur sara floa.

39.
Kuntvin raunur rendu vald
Reiddi gram hinn harda,
Enn vid sama hesiur hals
Hrasa nam. til jardar.

40.
Hinn i emu svoddan sa
Sem vill glimu sljota,
Svo hold-msmir herdum sla
Haufinn timir bita.

41.
Endur vard a vidum thar,
Born ei spardi fridinn,
Svo Hardardur hra-nadar
Hneig til jardar lidinn.

42.
Vikings stedur sveitir sut,
Senn a badi torgar
Legdu i vedur Odins ut,
Mid framtredur borgar.

43.
Tistran ridur thangad tha,
Thegar a loa sundi
Hausa sindur fontum fra
Flot visgridur stundi.

44.
Og vidberur oslagar
Auka i gridar bradi,
Benjar hyra basingar,
Bresta Sidhotts klaedi.

45.
Ad Gendlar leifum galopnis
Gell i sjortju hamsi,
Thangad settir, sollin er,
Med svartar breifur, kransfi.

46.
Tistran starid Blindar bar,
Bufa stor med undur,
Skyturnar hans Stollvaldar
Stisa thar i sundur.

47.
Einginn stod vid rika rjod
Rimar gudur fridur,
Fossar blod um flata lod,
Fallur thjodin nidur.

48.
Tholann hann er freittir vann
Fyri i rann ad bera
Finnur hann, og hauslausan
Hrotann kann ad gera.

49.
Mundim lidist itum a,
Undinn spidi dreiru,
Thrundim sidi thjodin tha
Thundim thruda geira.

50.
Stipum nadu nottir sat,
Nu var rad ad fara,
Ut a ladid laungunnar
Vegdu' i gredi vara.

51.
Steidir idur undan bar,
Efludu soda ljonin;
Upp slaut brudi Audunar:
India thrudu soini.

52.
Kappar sa til Keisarans
Kuntvin bodnn baru,
Diruft sa thad dottir hans
Deprudust bradar saru.

53.
Svo vard Reinar regla that
Nod a bruna thosa,
Einsog mena systa sut
Sortan loni stoa.

54.
Sjardar hjarma thrudar thol-
Bolgnadi varma hjarta,
Sigu harma svoetu sly
Sol fyrir hvarma hjarta.

55.
Haddar bloda himni fra
Huglar vidis sana,
Tara thridir thungar tha
Um thagnar blodir buna.

56.
Klodu' um klaeda-trodu sar,
Hyndust gjaedi seidda,
Skodar haedin hringa sar
Valgins klaeda vidar.

57.
Brot eitt sann af herdi senn
Sum hun vann ad grelma;
Talar thannig thvi vid menn
Thulu Glanna seima:

58.
Ver ei feinginn fa a fe
Sa er dreing nam vega?
Jatar meingi, en jordin les
Rapa eingja fagar:

59.
Thann ei verdur harma fri
Heir af soverda mordun,
Kuntvinr svard thvi eitri i
Eg minn herda fordum.

60.
Veit eg rynnir vidja thann
Voda meinn herda,
Thvi seg sann ein, en einginn mann
Annar, svein ad gaeda.

Source Text: Pridja Rima

Icelandic source text transcribed from Rimur af Tistrani og Indiana by Sigurdur Breidfjord (Copenhagen, 1831). Transcribed from the Fraktur print edition scanned by the National and University Library of Iceland, available on Internet Archive (identifier: RimurafTistranio000356977v0SiguReyk). Pages 25-35 of the original print. This transcription represents the translator's best reading of the Fraktur; some readings are uncertain and are marked with [?]. The mansongr stanzas (1-9) present the greatest uncertainty due to dense kennings and compound words in Fraktur.

Mansongr

1.
Viljid thid stulkur visur heyra,
Og vera katar;
En tharabauti-stulkakatar[?].

2.
Skal eg ydur skrifa bref
Med falda anda,
Og fyrir ydur frammi standa.

3.
Tho eg eigi visti drosum
Thyra bragi,
Fyrir thvi allt ma fara i lagi.

4.
Thad er af sem dyrt var,
Ad threfa um Rosu
Mina stirdu Mannfaungsljosu[?].

5.
Thvi eg veit, ad varla steyta
Visum sinum
Their sem lifa i heimi hinum.

6.
Jeg hef haldid heitord min
Thvi thyra visi,
Medan thun var her a lifi.

7.
Thyrri kvad eg hringajord
I thogum timum
Mannfaungga i morgum rimum.

8.
Mun eg leggja — mata sidan
Misti thana —
Minni raekt vid Mannfaunggana.

9.
Ef thvi meina eingin verdi
Af theim notin;
Enda skal nu thesi throtin.

Narrative

10.
I salnum la vid sjoarstrand,
Thad saung eg fyr um,
Tistran, naerri dauda dyrum.

11.
Fostri hans nam hjukrun veita
Hjarta-godur
Einsog besta barni modur.

12.
Uti thegar thann er a kreisti[?]
Einhvorn daginn,
Farmenn enfta fann vid forinn[?].

13.
Talar hann um Tistrans neyd
Vid Thora forda;
Tha nam taka einn til orda:

14.
Ad Indialandi ef hann vill
Med offur fara,
Honum baetist heilsan rara.

15.
Mogolz dottir merkileg
Hann mundi graeda,
Af honum hreinsa eytrid fjaeda.

16.
A manud hverjum maerin
Gjorir marar vitja
I fjorunna, thar fjukir sitja.

17.
Allra handa mannleg mein
Su menja troda
Laeknar tha, med lidsemd goda.

18.
Herra thinn skal heilsu fa
Med heppni rara,
Ef offur med hann fysir fara.

19.
Tistran thetta tekur rad,
A tronu streingja
Borinn er til dyrra dreingja.

20.
Valvan[?] sjoar velta nodi
Boga linna,
India their fronid finna.

21.
Lausa Ti a landid sidan
Lydir bera,
Sjukir menn hvar setu gera.

22.
Eptir farra daga dvol
Ad dyrum vana
Ung thar kemur Indiana.

23.
Henni fylgdi meya mergd
Ad marar bolum,
Andlit huldu allar fjolum.

24.
Fruin Tistran finnur thar a
Fjoru stordi
Og innilega a hann thorddi[?].

25.
Halinn spurdi hadda Losn[?]
Svo heyrdi meingid:
Hvar thau far hann hafi feingid.

26.
Enstur madur er eg, nadi
Ansa hinn fridi,
Og fell min sar i fronsku stridi.

27.
Manninn sidan makar smyrslum
Mornin fata[?]
Tistran kendi bredan bata.

28.
Med ser smyrli maerin gaf
Theim meininn thjaka,
Hernaest vendi hun til baka.

29.
Innan daga thriggja tha
Var thorna tjodur[?]
Sara heill og heilsugodur.

30.
Sidan thadan sigla laetur
Saemda frekur
Spanarveldi Tistran tekur.

31.
Astudlega odlung fagnar
Ungum manni;
Breitfla hofst i vaenum ranni.

32.
Gledin nadi gumna allra
Gedid fylla.
Enn Raudrekur fer umdi illa.

33.
Thad bar til naer theingill var
Med thorna meidum
Ad stemta ser ad stogaveidum.

34.
Flaug ur runni einum er
Med afli megnu,
Hattinn Tistrans gelt i gegnum.

35.
Thvi naest flugur fyrna er
Ad fyllird vanga
Stoginn leita lundar spanga.

36.
Eingan fundu istar mann
Um, ulfa geyma
En Raudrek allir hittu heima.

37.
Sa nu Tistran ser og Kongi
Svikin huin;
Reingd um thad var Raudreks trilin.

38.
Einum ser thvi aetlar hann ad
Erfa sjola,
Landid allt, og linna stola:

39.
I sveisherbergi saeng let Kongur
Sinu smida,
Tistran skal thar blunda bida.

40.
Thar um tima theingill hafdi
Og thegninn nadir;
Barit um sig voru badir.

41.
Morgun einn svo tiggi talar
Tistran vidur:
Borg og rikid byd eg ydur.

42.
Thess eg manni eingum odrum
Unni betur
Tistran svarad gylsa getur

43.
Bodin efli thigg eg thin
Ad thessu sinni,
Raesir! hljd thu raedu minni.

44.
Giptu thig med godu radi
Gylfi aptur!
Ungur baedi og allvel skaptur!

45.
Indiana er su maer, er
Allit hrosa;
Hana skyldir herra! kjosa.

46.
Thagnar Kongur, thvi naest
Ganga their til borda;
Theingill tekur tha til orda:

47.
Hverr vill gjera frama fer
Af flokki manna,
A einum knor til Indianna?

48.
Thongad fara bonords-bref
Eg beidi thegna;
Raudrekur man gylsa gegna:

49.
Eingan mann eg thar til thekki
Thentan betur,
Fraendi Tistran farid getur.

50.
Ansar Kongur: illmannlega
Drd ther fara,
Tistran sed thvi vil eg vara

51.
Sidan Kuntvin Fjolnir[?] feldi
Froda fagna,
Binum mun thar varla fagna.

52.
Tistran tha af stoli ste,
Bid fillit sjadi:
Best er ad fylgja Raudreks radi.

53.
Buid skip, thvi bradum skal
Eg burtu vitja,
Gerdi hitta solar sitja.

54.
Raudrekur tha rikum nadi
Raesir svara:
Eg er lika fus ad fara.

55.
Tiggi kvad: ef Tistran fer
A tronu eyri,
Tharf eg efli thangad fleiri.

56.
Eptir thetta Tistran tred a
Tjalda vagna,
Med herskip tvo og hundrad bragna.

57.
Sidan laetur feggi binda
Segl vid huna,
Og heldur fram a hafid bruna.

58.
Hraesvelgur i hreidri sinu
Hreifast tekur
Og vind a undan vaengjum hrekur.

59.
Bafnar Ran og vaenar
Daetur vann ad finna,
Ord thau maelti Aegirs kvinna:

60.
Skunbid ykur fjoldungssonar
Skip ad bera,
Sitkanlegar skulud vera.

61.
Fallega ykur faldid nu
Med fasi thidu,
Synid honum besta blidu.

62.
Banna eg ykur flangs og flan
Um flydru vega,
Eins ad lata okvennlega.

63.
Ykur latid efli Rara[?]
Aera heldur
Opt og thratt sem illu veldur.

64.
Man eg enn naer dttud[?] thid med
Alud merka
Eittfinn flytja Ulfar Sterka.

65.
Herrann naerti hlaut ad
Byggja heljar faeti
Fyrir ykkar flennulati.

66.
Bid eg ykkur breyta nuna
Betur enn fordum
Tistran vid a vorum stordum.

67.
Latid thid mig fa tha fregn,
Ad filirs nidur
Sanna festi ast a ydur.

68.
Getum hins ad Tistran tok
Med tignar standi
Eina hofn a Indialandi.

69.
Lagdi thar vid eyu eina
Ara hera
Ad froni laetur bat sig bera.

70.
Thekfsti einga leid um landid
Lifta-dreingur
Einn hann nokkud afram geingur.

71.
Bidu hans vid batinn menn,
En brjoti sverda
Spora-drygt nam vida verda.

72.
Stoldungs sonur stundar vida
Um stogar runna;
Tharst[?] er einga leid ad kunna.

73.
Heyrir Tistran hark og blasttra
Hraedilega
Nalgast sig um vida vega.

74.
Skrimsli eitt hann skrida sa
Med skrokki ljotum
Motts vid sig a fjorum fotum.

75.
Hafdi ad framan hryssu mynd
Og hofud hvala
Apturmjott med halum hala.

76.
Steljum thotti strokkur allur
Strykkdur[?] vera,
Sem eingar mattu eggjar skera.

77.
Bod nu fram svo vidir brotna
Baettid brekva[?],
Eykur mattu af stofni stokkva.

78.
Tistran sig til barnar vildi
Basfur bua,
Ei var koftur undan snua.

79.
Svo eg geti fordast far
Af freku vaetti,
Rimunni eg heldur haetti.

80.
Kvaedi dvina maedir mina
Muna blundur,
Fradist Rinar funa lundur.

Source Text: Sjounda Rima

Transcribed from page scans of the 1831 Reykjavik edition. Fraktur typeface transcription is approximate; common substitution ambiguities include: v/u, d/b, p/b, f/long-s, n/m/nn. Uncertain readings are marked with [?]. Page numbers refer to the original book pagination (not PDF page numbers).

Sjounda Rima

[Page 67]

1.
Latum hljodna hlinum doma jotna
Ljoda aptur hending her
Ef hugar kraptur dugir mer.

[Page 68]

2.
Nott og daga noldra bragar thulur,
Thyrst ad greidann fjoda thver,
Fer ad leidast bradum mer.

3.
En ef madist ordum tvardu' ad midla
Beitir peuna, veit og vist
Bingan kvenna i solu svist.

4.
Med sinum thatti serhvor maetti eptir
Ad ser sjodin thanir ther
Thar til ljodin brukum ver.

5.
Adrir vinna vimur linna stranda
Fjadins godu gjofum med
Sem gedid fjodna mjssja [?] red.

6.
Med audmytkinni og ungrar kvinnu throsi
Assar foinnu Asjotin
Adrir vinna' og sigurinn.

7.
Med lygd og smjadri leitast adrir vidur
Gamma fjadra ad gleyja thrund,
Godlynd sladra uppa sprund.

8.
Sumir faupa fjapta raupi medur
Ungar grundir gullreimar
Grodnir stunda lygarnar.

9.
Sitthvad thenar solu menja hverri
Af thvi naesta slikar
Eru glaestar meyarnar

10.
Nema' ad einu (eg sem' leynit nuna)
Ralla sveinar svipadar
Solir steina halneydar [?].

11.
Segginn risa sumar pilur velsa
Fridan=snitsja adrar a
Elda sitsja thr'ad tha.

12.
Einar hosa kertis osa stuldir
Gjaddan hrosi gafumann
Sem gladda drosum stemtan fann.

13.
Thessum vildum risum styldu fyna
Og votu eina stytta stund
Stalkna hreina hjorta lund.

14.
Thol af sogu sannri bogur minar
Lat eg hljoma thripudar
Hlinum droma tjorginar [?].

[Page 69]

15.
Blodrautt Tistrans tundur lysti hrofta
Sundur gnisti brynjur bla,
Blodi snjostu sarin tha.

16.
Hans var fridur flestur ljodur hniginn,
Haettu' og thrautum haldinn var
Throfta gautur valgerdar.

17.
Hers vid thraungann hnisar saungva thjassa
Stisdi laungum styldi bla,
Stalki aungum vaegdi tha.

18.
Fra ser styldi fleigdi hildar vimur,
Sinum, meyi Svidris a
Svona hneigir raedur tha:

[Page 70]

19.
Sa i kifi ser vill blifa eigi
Blods thar oldu eitur starf
Eingan sstjoldin [?] bera tharf.

20.
Og svo thrisur Odinn sifu marddur
Sitt med hverri hendi sverd
Sjinha verri gjorist ferd.

21.
Reidir badir breida lad um vala
Skeidum slodu sleina thar,
Freyda nadu steinurnar.

22.
Feldi thjodir, feldi Thjodans risti
Eldir Lodins elda snar
Eldi' ei blodins keldum thar.

23.
Meingi hrakti, heingi=naktir=kjaptar
Leingi blakta eldar enn,
Eingi thakti blod=sjorinn.

24.
Aedir lodur aeda ur svaedu steinum,
Gladast trodum Gondlar a
Gladur fodurs hrafna tha.

25.
Hann svo leingi holund sleingir meingi,
Thjodin geingur hans a hend,
Hjupar threingur fara vend.

26.
Alt thad riki reisad sitsa ljoma
Kongi Spanar sveitin sver,
Soknin bana viga fer.

[Page 71]

27.
Sa sem veldur sigri, i feldi Grana
Stoginn heldur einn fram a,
Er ad kveldi dagur tha.

28.
Galga haann gat ad sja hvar reisa
Tuttugu branda tyrarner
(Til mun standa eitthvad her).

29.
Herant var med hinum thar a straeti,
Enn Raudrekur stum hja
Illa sekur bundinn la.

30.
Komin snara snuin var um svira,
Illa bar sig maddur mann,
(Masse eg fari ad almkba [?] hann).

31.
Tistran a med elsko tha hann kallar:
Lisid ma eg lata her
Lattu sja thu bjargir mer!

32.
Their mig heingja! thad er eingin gata
Nema ef feingir fraendi minn!
Frelsad dreing i thetta sinn.

33.
Tistran hradur hleypur ad i thessu,
Tvieggjaoan thyrsing bro,
Til hraer=nada gauta slo.

34.
Raudreks sjotur risti otul hetja
Sverdi med, og sidan tha
Sundra redi bragna thrja.

[Page 72]

35.
Hinir soksa hraustan mersa Braga
Raudur mein ei ratad gat,
Rettum beinum latur sat.

36.
Hardnar sma eggja tima longa,
Tistran seldi fanta thar
A flotu veldi Gendular.

37.
Herant eggja hopinn seggja tekur
Ad bera vidu vopnin a
Beitirs idu ljoma tha.

38.
Samt a veldi seggi seldi atta
Gautur elda Audunar,
Udu keldur blodraudar.

39.
Kappinn maedist margir klaedi og vidi
Hrottann baru blaan a;
Buid farid sa hann tha.

40.
Raudrek vidur raeddi Svidrir klaeda:
Satttu' a faetur fyrr enn her
Fallast lat eg sverdid mer.

41.
Annars badir audnu smadir verdum
A vid hoa heingdir tre,
Haedung sma tho eigi se.

42.
Ekki hraerist hrisinn erulaust,
Glotti ljotum gronum vid
Geira=njot tha sotti lid.

[Page 73]

43.
Lots a veldi ljodir seldu kappa,
Ise ad binda thegninn thjod;
Threllsinn synda nu upp stod.

44.
Og med hinum eru=sinur bari
Fallinn bindur fraenda sinn.
For ad mynda raedu hinn:

45.
Illa raunar oss thu launa thykir
Hjalp, og bad sem hlaust af mer.
Hinn forsmadi aptur ter:

46.
Nu hefur threingur nogu leingi ad sinni
Konings blida fadmad fru,
Faer ad bida vinnan thu.

47.
Galgans njota nu, sem hljota atti,
Ann eg ther af heilum hug
Holdum ver svo lisi' og bug.

48.
Tistran vid ser velti sniduglega,
Handabondin stjominn skar
Steinu vondinn thrisur snar.

49.
Og af Herant haussinn slera nadi,
Fraegur stendur faetur a,
Fisti hendur verja tha.

50.
Hinir slisa syrdar gnyinn sverda
Eins Raudrekur undan snyr
Aerid sekur malsmathjr [?].

[Page 74]

51.
Honum nadi Hnikar sada Kraka,
Sleingdi haudur illum a,
Einsog daudur la hann tha.

52.
O minn godi edla brodir kjaeri!
Eyddu modi og aumkun syn
Aettar blodi seku thin.

53.
Tistran gegnir: trua segninn mattu
Nu er daudadagur thinn
Dygda=snaudi svikarinn

54.
Haussinn lagdi lymstu bragdi medur
Raudinn tha i kne a hael,
Kloktur nair velsa tal:

55.
A valdi thinu er velferd min og lifid,
Hugarspaki geira=grer
Guds fyrir satir vaegdu mer!

56.
Med agjaeti minu baeti' eg aptur
Thessa alla dyrdoing
Og orma sjalla glaestum bing.

57.
Medan asi ekki svaesir helid
Stal eg asa thjona ther,
Es thar til gjaesir lepsi mer.

58.
Tistran stansar, tost ad ansa sola:
Ekki nenni eg um sinn
Ad ther spenna brandinn minn.

[Page 75]

59.
Tho att kaudinn kaldan bauda skilinn,
Enn ad nidast a ther her,
Einginn thridi thysi [?] mer.

60.
Thvi var midur! threllinn gridum nadi;
Sidan badir halda heim,
Herinn nadi sylgja theim.

61.
Alsum hjola Alfons stol=konungur
Fagna mundi fraegur tha
Og segur sunda ljoma gna

62.
Raudreks hreifti raesir ekki sagdi
Tistran byggur, thvi um thadr
Thraell otrüggur manninn bad.

63.
Stommu sidar stommin nidunglega
Sviptur thridji salu i
Svika smidar radin nu.

64.
Keypti mann sem klira vann i leyni
Opt i humi aeru spar
Undir rumi brottningar.

65.
Raudinn bad hann blaidur thad ad vakta:
Hvert ei sisti sadma sprund
Fregan Tistran naetur stund.

66.
Ljodin bida, brodur thridi medur
Rljodur vidir eisu als
Dvar smidid lesi frijals.

Source Colophon

Source text from the 1831 first edition of Rimur af Tistrani og Indiana, published in Copenhagen by Breidur Finnbogason, Halldor Thordason, and Helgi Helgason; printed by S. L. Moller. Scanned and digitized by the National and University Library of Iceland. Available on Internet Archive (identifier: RimurafTistranio000356977v0SiguReyk). Transcribed from Fraktur by the translators. Public domain.

Icelandic transcriptions provided for Rímur I, II, III, and VII. Rímur IV, V, VI, and VIII are translated from page scans only; the Fraktur confidence was insufficient for honest transcription. The page images are the authoritative source.

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