by Sigurdur Breidfjord
Fourteen 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 complete English translation of the cycle.
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.
Niunda Rima — Ninth Rima
Ferskeytt (ABAB). 49 stanzas. The ordeal rima. Indiana takes the heated iron under her arm and endures. Raudrekur is called a coward of swords and departs. Tistran vanishes. Raudrekur searches for him across land and sea in vain.
Mansongr
1.
Should I offer the feast to the people,
the table's writing allows;
gentle one, sow the mead of courage —
the spirits of the gods know better.
2.
The band takes up the tightened part,
the eager one to gladden;
the band wakes a smooth refrain —
sly gleaming of the poems.
3.
The wine of women's anguish fades
with manner fair and good;
the age's reproach kneels
beneath the stroke of poems.
4.
To sea-waves of the past we turned
when we struck the tones;
our chosen words beside the lady —
we sought the pool of fortune.
5.
The scratching verse runs on its course,
the field of will swift-footed;
what the pen has written shall
steer your recitation onward.
Narrative
6.
The poems prepare their simple words,
earnestly setting staves;
the people bid the earth be governed
by the pillar's handiwork.
7.
You may dread the warrior's verse,
wide-spanning with its sounds;
eight hundred of the army ride
toward the good assembly.
8.
The clanging sword-rings we suspect,
the edge descends, unbending;
the hammer-bower's heavy weight
endured the whirling timbers.
9.
The arch of fire's ancient craft,
the warriors bore their bucklers;
the pyre of flame in gold adorned —
the grey mare's noble harness.
10.
The hero trusts the hardened earth,
the metal seems to gladden;
the worthy one refines the fold —
the poor one sits there sweetly.
11.
The victory-thunderer passes by,
the age's meeting hastens;
from beneath where Tistran's shelter stood —
the assembly takes its seat.
12.
Then he sets the matter on
the kin's bench of judgment;
the skin of the four was spread —
the noble courtmen's labor.
13.
Faithful Tistran bore the wound,
the fire therein still blazing;
then was the bare case set before them —
upon the iron to look.
14.
Three times the sun-bright sword was raised,
the fairest one must wait;
the bells of warriors' company —
would singe and burn below.
15.
The noble one's oaths were bloody-bathed;
blind the blower of lions —
the boiling stream ran forth
from flowers of the fire.
16.
The queen was found to make her stand,
the host prepared and ready;
she measured out the death-bane there
and took the iron under her arm.
17.
She sat upon the eagle's perch,
a fire-woman of rank;
she dared to bite the falsehood then —
the thralls she split apart.
18.
Remember then that single deed —
the thunderer's might grows harder;
the young men their portion received —
the wound apart was reckoned.
19.
The grey enclosure burst asunder,
the gladness of the warriors;
the stinging thistle's blue marks —
upon the body seared.
20.
Raudur sits and watches the man
grief-torn from the torments;
the soft one weeping won his lot —
the image-tears of anguish.
21.
The three shield-edges anger the mind,
the golden fair one pining;
the verses breathe among the princes —
his bitter grinding burns.
22.
"Rise upon the earth of edges!
The shield's honor demands:
while the wound of life endures,
the kinsman's wrath harms all."
23.
"He would not spare me" —
the might of deeds, she said;
the sly one smoothly passed —
the coward of swords departs.
24.
The hall apart goes into ruin,
the delayed hound sniffs and searches;
the mountain-hand pursues from behind —
the thunderer weaves and weaves.
25.
The fallen ones built their shelter high,
bursting through the rima's frame;
their might may fail to find its mark —
with warriors beside them.
26.
Tistran struck the true man's path,
with fewer steeds and horses;
he bade them both and showed his work —
with signs to each together.
27.
He sent the evil hard toward home,
the fair endurer standing;
none burned the primrose there for them —
the wide one greets the guest.
28.
The path-seekers search for the three,
the thrush forgets them both;
enough was tried before the end —
the wanderer swam away.
29.
The edge-blades wide are sent abroad,
the seeker of the man;
two-sided slopes the standing ground —
the baited station waits.
30.
The steel-dwelling thanes then
gave thanks for streams run smooth;
the fire-shell of Idunn rests —
all present see the meaning.
31.
The pain of the bright hall's fire,
dressed in Frigg's own garments;
one hall for all the gathered men —
we shall not bow to that.
32.
In this very moment Tistran
finds his pledges broken;
upon the ground of thunder's strength —
he binds his fate with hers.
33.
Three warriors weigh the matter well,
with spanning of the rope;
the rune-hanger holds no claim
to the woman's flower.
34.
The answer comes, our spring:
"You may strike, O warrior —
the stream of fortune runs ahead;
the woman bids it hang."
35.
The enemy of woman's ember,
god who guards the moon-seat,
the woman's truth is judged at last:
the prince of Spain shall rise.
36.
Stilled the earl's resounding tone,
fear announces the fair one;
nowhere may they find the other —
the ring of ancient magic.
37.
He met the awaited one in haste,
the skill of valor accepted;
the thunderer softly dared the dark —
between them both to lie.
38.
The heavy sea-waves' shore received
the rings of Ginn's own heart.
(Young eagles' thorns endured this trial —
at this one well may marvel.)
39.
The fair woman bids the battle cease,
the wise one bears it better;
the leader parts — I tell you this:
once in winter's passing.
40.
Tistran better endured that —
the thistle's bane his portion;
he bade himself to seek and gain
his appointed glory.
41.
She bade the poems' bitter leaves,
the swift warrior standing;
the noble prince should rise above —
anger follows, long-enduring.
42.
He gained the hearing to be judged,
the guest visited nine;
no one the brightness gladly saw —
then lost his former standing.
43.
Sharp-sheathed Raudur counseled this —
as much harm as he might:
to search for him with many men,
the sea, the land, and further.
44.
Long he strives against the man,
courage set against the wound;
no one finds the man, not I —
the stalker ceased his prowling.
45.
The greatest steeds the counsel bore,
Raudur grows small and hungry;
the best of tests were well endured —
the warriors' loan of strength.
46.
He kept silence on the proud one's deeds,
the prince's warriors heavy;
he complained greatly at the wrong —
the evil tongue did damage.
47.
The treacherous winds the breezes see,
the soul's appointed measure;
the staves of fate stand firm and true —
the greatest root endures.
48.
Bid the slow mill grind on still,
the marten's pen allows;
forge upon a single course —
the noble verse fares better.
49.
The reciter of poems falls silent now,
the gods' bright side bestows;
the glowing embers shine for you —
the poet's smithy fades.
Tiunda Rima — Tenth Rima
Langhent (long first line + two short rhyming lines). 58 stanzas (the 1831 print has a numbering error at stanza 32, resulting in 58 actual stanzas numbered 1-57 in print). Pages 94-101 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 98-105). The narrative covers the exposure of Raudrekur's lies through a deathbed confession, the king's discovery of Tistran and Indiana sleeping with a naked sword between them (the classic Tristan motif), Indiana's oath of innocence, her political demands for justice, and the devastating farewell between the lovers as Tistran departs.
Mansongr
1.
Though I would like to improve my bitter verses,
seeking out the same old manner —
there is no great need to stop.
2.
I grow weary enduring long in the poem-smithy;
yet it falls to me to carry the meter
which dims the radiance of wiser men.
3.
If I set all day at one single arc,
I would better mend my compositions —
and perhaps improve in some measures.
4.
There is a difference between composing poems in hidden places
or murmuring a duck-slope's verse,
and gaping at stanzas from a knowing mind.
5.
I think most men find the easier path:
to make the poems fair at once
and seek with few difficulties.
6.
Men say that in much livestock the sheep are uneven —
it is the same with the reciting of poems,
those that we compose and offer.
7.
Truest is it that each sings with their own beak,
each having their own meaning;
over those I shall not long struggle.
8.
I let the rough attempt therefore end with zeal,
not learning well to take care —
sometimes one lacks a glad spirit.
9.
This is so entirely near the mark one guards:
most quickly it makes fools of champions —
to compose as the meters allow.
10.
The poets' speeches barely amuse the lads now;
in the crannies they are left to rot —
scarcely does anyone care for them today.
11.
I need no heavy wares for these debts;
so, if the shingle-slope permits,
the story I shall now continue.
Narrative
12.
Raudrekur was a violent man in his kingdom;
he wrought many misfortunes —
people remember the saga of his age.
13.
Another fell sick, tormented and wretched —
one who formerly followed Raudrekur,
who once wished to drain the life from Tistran.
14.
To his priest the sick man confessed the truth;
the cleric told the king this:
that the dying man made rightful confession.
15.
The warrior was demanded to answer to this.
He dared not do otherwise
than to bring forth the truth.
16.
Raudur had driven warriors to false lies.
Now the true story came out —
they could whip the craven thrall.
17.
After this, one night the prince dreams:
a young man comes to him,
and even thus composes speech:
18.
"To the Forest of Two Slopes you shall hasten —
there you shall see innocence enough
of your lady and the famous Tistran."
19.
At dawn the king went forth, and sly Raudur too;
into the forest they pressed their journey,
finding the old paths and trails.
20.
The warriors found upon the ground a small hut.
They went inside, keeping careful watch,
and could see the beds within.
21.
There lies faithful Tistran beside the woman.
Both slept undisturbed —
a naked sword lay between them.
22.
Raudur spoke: "It is time now to wield the blade,
before the destitute shield-keeper
wakes and rises to stand."
23.
"See for yourselves now how disgracefully
both conduct themselves with treachery —
so it was also in former days."
24.
The king answers: "Hold your jaw, you slandering wretch!
I see their virtue is greatest,
while your lying testimony is worst.
25.
"See you not the innocence of both between them,
the sword — do they not let the ordeal-stone rest?
Have they not thus survived every trial?
26.
"You are worthy to be punished for ugly malice,
to face the greatest perils,
and meet with harsh death.
27.
"Betrayer of kinsmen and friends, most treacherous!
Of all men you are the worst —
you lack faith, virtue, and honor.
28.
"Home is best you go now, bearing great shame.
If I let you near another such deed,
I may yet do you quick harm."
29.
"Tistran shall sleep sweetly here beside the sun of garments."
Home then turned the lord of nations;
his companion followed him.
30.
Then the king sent prayer and letter to them both:
if they would end their exile
and return home with honor.
31.
Noble garments the king sent to the fair maiden,
and a silver wagon — there the champions found
clear waters and shining pools.
32.
Both prepared themselves for the stronghold.
Tistran lets the white horse
press its hooves there steadily.
33.
Preparations were made in the fortress for a great feast.
In her precious embroidered gown
comes forth the shining rose.
34.
There the certainty shall be established by oath in a fair hall,
and there with honor confirm
the innocence before honorable men.
35.
Upright toward the altar she steadily treads,
wrapped in white silken garment;
so spoke the adorned bride:
36.
"Most High God! Let hard punishment find me
and let me burn in blazing fire
before the eyes of both men and women —
37.
"if ever I transgressed against King Alfons,
or if the lady let herself be defiled
by congress with another man."
38.
The bride became blood-red in both her cheeks;
that only increased her beauty —
the prince began to burn with love.
39.
The prince wished to embrace and kiss the fold-linden;
she pushed the king away with her hand,
and thus she turned her answer:
40.
"Something has happened to me, O prince — wait in kindness,
for in hidden halls of sorrow
I have forgotten how to caress a man.
41.
"If you care at all for the love of women,
something you must surely do
if you wish to find my favor.
42.
"You must double-repay all and forgive
those taxes which Raudur the fox
has stolen from your revenues.
43.
"Tistran you shall compensate best with kindness and wisdom —
all humiliation and disgrace —
and let hatred fall away.
44.
"I wish no vengeance on wicked Raudur,
though he deserves to suffer torments;
let him bide and find his time."
45.
Her wishes the prince said he would wisely fulfill.
Then they reached reconciliation —
the fair sun of the hand agreed.
46.
Honor and glory the prince granted Tistran to show;
yet reserved and far from his custom
the lord of the burden seemed.
47.
Tistran once spoke to the noble lord:
"Longer here I will not stay —
we shall make our parting."
48.
"I have been here a while in the prince's hall,
a plaything for the lies of men;
easy is this matter to understand."
49.
"It seems right to end my journey hence.
You will have to manage."
Thus spoke the clear one of the land.
50.
"Gladly will I, kinsman, compensate with the most —
your hardship, if you can be content.
All things may now fall out better."
51.
He would not accept — but the gentle prince
came forward with good gifts:
golden things and treasure.
52.
The man acquired many very rare treasures —
Indiana's golden portrait;
the destroyer receives the radiance of Grani.
53.
Then the famous one bids farewell to the precious one.
The king felt the pain of parting,
so he could not hold back tears.
54.
Indiana sat fire-red, but did not weep,
when the wise thane said farewell;
bitter sorrow pressed her heart.
55.
Lovingly she kissed the warrior and spoke thus:
"I shall remember you with love,
until we may meet again."
56.
"For I have no other friend in the world,
though we bear heavy sorrow —
that must now remain the same."
57.
"Farewell, and avoid all paths of harm.
May fortune comfort your lot —
the thorn that pierces mine."
58.
Weeping, the steel-Grimur parted from the adorned Gondul.
The trier came upon stiff paths;
so shall this Rima wait.
Ellefta Rima — Eleventh Rima
Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). 60 stanzas (9 mansongur + 51 narrative). Pages 102-111 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 106-115). The narrative covers Tistran's sea voyage to France, his reunion with his uncle Dagobert, the introduction of the second Indiana (Dagobert's daughter — Iseult of the White Hands in the Tristan tradition), a great battle against the English, the death of the prince, Tistran's coronation as king and marriage to the second Indiana, the forbidden love for the first Indiana, and Raudrekur's renewed scheming.
Mansongr
1.
Still I will take up and strike
small tones upon the harp,
gently covering the fire's space —
the verse fair on the slopes.
2.
The melody that Kolbeinn composed,
who knew swift poems of old —
this, gladly, he bears on the page,
poetry's song, though it finds toil.
3.
I would name the Maiden from those reveries,
from poetry's stream, with that same craft,
so that the verse-comb never ages —
the wave forgets not the sun's course.
4.
In our times, the fair web
men offer throughout the land still,
for the wide warmth of the slope —
these nine steel-speeches raised.
5.
Heard from all, the mountains echo
of the eloquent one northward there;
Gisli we call across the field,
the defender of rare Konrad.
6.
From him I saw depart
fair song, like heart's song,
to sort the battle's striking
from the masks of Odin's field-folk.
7.
Had I now, if she encouraged,
the tale carries my harp's breeze;
I wait to cease Death's compact —
on the learning maiden's shore.
8.
Still, because of this, the saga now
adorns the tune with skill;
I turn my words with craft
toward verse — the sea-star's song.
9.
It is slow to set across
the truth that I, reading, found;
for now I must change my course,
and extend this preface no further.
Narrative
10.
Skill was spent at his own choosing;
I wait for ale at the verse-cliff.
The hero shielded worthy grief
against battle's bitter thunder.
11.
The ship drew toward the reef — coals glowed —
she went to the swans' choir,
hastened to tread the wind's path;
the great sea wakes with surging wave.
12.
The sea's swans were harried hard,
beneath the long journey they struggled;
then truly the rough waves
crashed violently through the grove-paths.
13.
The bonds howled from the pale bows,
the prepared timbers shuddered;
a spirit floats on Aegir's shore —
over the sea, fortune is tested.
14.
To France in a short while
the shining waves bore the champion;
hail covered the ship's planks —
a hero ran onto the land.
15.
He found his uncle across the flood,
the famous Prince Dagobert;
the people counseled with that burden,
the bold duke, each and every day.
16.
The prince, who held the land,
found kinsmen and bade welcome;
the horn-sea flowed for the noble —
the serpent-calm Wanderer received him.
17.
The prince of lands, armed with blade,
had a daughter like a flower;
she was called Inanda — gold-bright —
and Odin saw in her a shining.
18.
A singular rose was that fair woman;
she bore the jewel of beauty.
Therefore she won praise from the sheltered,
rippling across lands and sea.
19.
The king often and fiercely had
with the English people bloody war;
he tested his might, yet sought peace —
the troop fought through that time.
20.
The banners lay across the lands;
an ugly army draws near.
He speaks then to Tistran —
the shore makes the famous man.
21.
"To us I ask — lend your aid,
likewise to redden the blade;
fight with us against stern warriors."
"Yes," he said, and they set out.
22.
The forces march in full power,
the enemy host mightily swelled;
it was set for the great battle —
the ash-warrior of Odin's woman stirred.
23.
They bend bows about the bay,
the weapons laid in a flash;
the swords weigh heavy, and then
they charge out into the fray.
24.
Breakers of heavy thorned horns
blew in peaceless malice;
the ancient waterfall-norn of Sigtyr
seemed to ring against them.
25.
The mighty host swung the sword;
men's blood rained abundantly.
The English raged forward —
one who stood and felled the people.
26.
Darson in battle's hope
was like a lion in men's sight;
a prince's son followed him,
called Jon, who dealt much damage.
27.
A fierce battle wasted song;
two warriors held the field.
The fair people dreaded them,
hearing of that war-camp.
28.
Tistran tests the stones of time;
the prince presses ever forward.
The sword whined against skull-bone —
battle-storms ruled the dark.
29.
The king waded through the blood of the slain;
the mail-coats and helmets stood fast.
The people praised — for the hero was great,
tall, staring down deadly need.
30.
One in the army risked himself alone
and reached out with the blade;
bare blood-streams ran —
bodies piled upon the field.
31.
Darson saw that he could strike —
the hero, who loves fame;
then he calls upon the Red One
to subdue that brave man.
32.
Against the king the army pressed;
three hundred now attacked him.
He defended himself — so fiercely
did that courage face the mass of men.
33.
Darson tested with a wounding blade;
the edge found the king.
He struck at the breastbone
and bent the stiff trunk.
34.
The old warrior fell among the slain;
fury clothed the field.
Swelling torments afflict the fallen;
fear arrives, and joy departs.
35.
Tistran saw that the prince
had fallen, and the army rode on;
then he seized the fate of battle —
the vessel of Herjan's Sif.
36.
In hand the hero seized his blade;
with each stroke the sword reached.
The people were sent, and fire burned
their brows — so they would sink.
37.
He strengthened the host, hardened the storm,
hung then with fierce longing;
the late swords twisted —
sang corpse-songs on the field.
38.
Herjan's glossy waterfall —
the shield-tree, swift, bore two wounds.
Blood cascaded hot around the treasure;
from Harbard's veins it poured there.
39.
Bold warriors had
death's expectation from the fight.
With the blue-shining Mimung then
Darson met him.
40.
Tistran's hand carved the shield;
he drove the enemy backward.
With a bitter wound across the field
he dealt the fierce death-grip.
41.
Jon considered in battle's roar,
rushed at them and steered
against the slayer of the prince's man,
with Thrain's blue flame.
42.
Tistran struck at the captain's head;
at him he swung with fury.
The skull flew — and light ended.
The serpent-steel, Tyr, at that.
43.
Then the warrior routed them —
the fire of Hanga-Tyr.
Stone of battle — the troop fought,
then fled to the crooked fields.
44.
The hero of the battle-sea
boasted of victory, wounds and blades;
blood at the estuary of the sword's light,
arms of Gunnlod moved.
45.
Home was borne from the blood-journey
the prince who lay among the slain;
the noble words of the ancient eagles —
the high prince's funeral pyre then blazed.
46.
The prince sees that death draws near;
a stone-blow strikes his breast.
He speaks with Tistran here,
that noble, exalted lord:
47.
"Know this now, my kinsman!
Life is ending for me.
No wise heir
bears care for the land here.
48.
"Therefore I offer you the thorn's reddening —
this land and Kraka's seed;
and also the river-steed to redden
with worthy deeds."
49.
These offers eagerly the hero accepts —
the thunder of the wave's flame.
The untroubled land of the headland —
the maiden agrees to have a husband.
50.
Crowned was Tistran to king there,
the keel's sharp-edged lord;
authority he bore over field and sea,
and the weak lord passed away.
51.
After that, he held the funeral feast
for the old one who received death;
then a second wedding celebration
found finer taste in lady and man.
52.
Steel clasps strengthened the soul;
the tumult of the helmeted host —
ale poured beyond measure;
within, the belted ones gathered.
53.
Down among the chairs beer flowed;
the prince was praised beyond words.
Fill bore neck and hollow;
the cup-rogues saw abundance.
54.
After that, with governance and peace,
the ruler began to take charge.
The clever ones amassed treasure;
the river-threads witnessed deeds.
55.
He loved truly — the wave, the swell —
flame-breezes by day and evening.
Yet true love is forbidden;
therefore the spirit is often troubled.
56.
Dagobert, with flower's touch,
bore the sun's fountain's pillar.
To him worthy praise is given
for the high seat and scabbard's home.
57.
From home now I must turn,
first where my tale must tell:
Indiana — that noble one —
the woman is seen with child.
58.
Alfonso's heart ached beyond measure;
the fair one's arms were taken then.
Raudrekr grew worse in treacherous hate —
the traitor's longing persists.
59.
It gnawed at him — if a worthy man
into the world the noble one should bear.
The fool knows nothing
of the prince's realm and further goods.
60.
In time the grim one, it seemed,
was seen weaving plots.
Here the rima turns to wine —
the sown field's burden is laid down.
Tolfta Rima — Twelfth Rima
Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). 59 stanzas (12 mansongur + 47 narrative). Pages 112-121 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 116-125). The narrative covers Raudrekr's assassination plot against Indiana during her childbirth, the birth and baptism of the child Tormon, an ominous feast where the chalice shatters, Raudrekr's treachery exposed, the traitor's punishment, Tistran's loveless marriage to the second Indiana, his inner torment and longing for the first Indiana, his restless adventuring, and a skirmish in which Tistran is wounded across the shoulder.
Mansongr
1.
Though snows press hard upon the height
and still the vessel's rigging,
the mask of winter pales and lifts —
we set about our singing.
2.
Raudrekr's death-plot rises here
with hellish stealth and flattery;
blame runs forth, for in his soul
no Christian grace held battery.
3.
His conduct nearly seemed most fair —
I hold it shall be proven:
unto the oar-hall he set sail,
toward Dublin's port he'd woven.
4.
True and right I hold for me —
on the least one needs to stand;
wherever spear-tips green may grow,
I lodge far from riches' hand.
5.
Of virtue and of falsehood new —
the tale gives bold men pleasure;
Raudrekr dealt death among the folk:
relate this now in measure.
6.
Tistran raised that virtue dear,
the dove of serpent-gold,
from strife that rends all honour —
the wretch himself was fooled.
7.
Exile, shame, and all foul longing
they endured with bitter grief —
those hearts so high could mend themselves
as roughly as they'd strife.
8.
The folk learned to distinguish then
their virtues from their faults;
with truth's own ancient custom
the saga came to vaults.
9.
Though men may find it cold to know
the grief and bale that wander —
it is a man! And all of it
may serve the heart to ponder.
10.
He who wrought the greatest harm,
unwilling though he stood,
may serve here to the greatest gain
for the people and the good.
11.
More and greater mercy still
might Raudr have hoped to find;
yet never shall I hold him clean —
that villain stays defined.
12.
To this poor wretch we now have turned
our feelings as they stirred —
the mansongur I end right here
that briefly I may gird.
13.
Here I was brought to silence and pause —
now must this tale be sought:
the wicked Raudr, the serpent's lord,
to betray the lily wrought.
14.
He found now, slyly false,
the lady through deceit —
those women charged to serve the queen
when she from childbirth eased.
15.
He bought, with wretched counsel, the maid —
all cleverness stripped bare;
both child and bright-pool blossom
in murder he'd ensnare.
16.
Yet when the noble queen perceived
the day of birth drew near,
the woman found her glory's strength —
though weak of foot with fear.
17.
The dark giant could not seize
the sun of serpent-thrones;
the maiden Freyja brought forth then
a fair child — days grew calm.
18.
The guardian finds, through trials fled,
the truest joy and rest;
likewise the rich gold-ring lady
forgets her grief, and blessed.
19.
The rare and wondrous child was then
with water sprinkled, named —
the wise one who amazed the folk;
so bade the king, acclaimed.
20.
The clearings honoured Tormon's name —
they called it bright and fair;
the gentle ruler fiercely guarded
the blossom of mountain-air.
21.
A restless feast was broadly set,
the wide mead-horns were drained;
the army of the jewelled fields
emptied ancient cups, unfeigned.
22.
The wise company brought the cup
as the fiddle took its measure:
the chalice burst upon its handle —
the beer poured down past pleasure.
23.
Upon one bone-wolf the wine wrought,
landing crosswise in the drinking;
harm he tasted, hellish hard —
nothing wholesome in the sinking.
24.
The company sought what Raudrekr counselled —
the ruler bade so fine;
yet none could see the hidden treachery:
so drew the dark of night.
25.
Beside his lady that same night
the wise prince took his seat;
alone in purity the shield-king sat,
his manner calm and sweet.
26.
The happy lord did not perceive,
nor the lady in her pleasure,
when one burst through the chamber door —
a single one, past measure.
27.
Blood-covered, trembling, in his arms
a child they saw him bearing;
Raudrekr recognised the wretch
and seized him, swords unsheathing.
28.
The host rushed deep within
as the glory-prince held ground;
the strong men felled the traitor's force
with many a powerful round.
29.
Before the doors the watchman stood —
run through by weapon's steel;
another found concealment there
from the mighty thrall's ordeal.
30.
Into the violet chamber went
the companies to search and find;
they found a man there, struck by wounds —
the evidence behind.
31.
The men then saw his treacherous ring —
in a flash made plain to sight;
with that proof they could confirm
the villain in his blight.
32.
Truth prevailed in telling all —
so the king demanded clear;
then Tistran swore a double oath
and pledged the folk without fear.
33.
Likewise the crafty one wrought his wiles —
the husband forced to yield;
he tricked the well-known cup-bearer
to put venom in the field.
34.
To the woman charged alone
to serve the prince's bride,
he bade her brew a harmful draught —
a dark thing deep inside.
35.
When these fell counsels failed to serve
nor proved of any gain,
the guilty one would work a deed
to overpower the thane.
36.
He found one of the prince's men
lying upon his bed;
a spear was thrust through the bedclothes then —
the fallen man lay dead.
37.
He wished to strike the ring-lord next,
to reach the gentle king,
and gladly let the bright one have
the cost of this dark thing.
38.
He meant both child and bride
with evil to oppress,
or force the proud-ground lady fair
in marriage to acquiesce.
39.
When through the tumult one came rushing
before the prince in haste,
he saw the guardian still was living —
himself alive, not waste.
40.
"Then my brow grew dark," said he —
"no remedy brings me cheer;
I am now here at your mercy —
no further joy lives here."
41.
The angry host made swift reply:
"Traitor, trust in this —
here shall be prepared for you
the worst of hell's abyss!"
42.
Then from the villain's hide they drew
the serpent-meadow's bane;
they seized the wretch, and with the host
they flung him forth in pain.
43.
Harsh and hard his torment was —
the greatest suffering rendered;
with burning tongues his flesh was torn
from bone, his body tendered.
44.
With stones they ground his bones to dust —
many were the wonders;
groaning, the wretch was torn apart,
ripped to living thunders.
45.
So in full measure did the strife
end the coward's craven story;
pity the wretch whoever will —
his saga's done, no glory.
46.
From the fearless thrall I turn —
the fool is now dispatched;
of Tistran now I wish to speak,
Frankland's violet, matched.
47.
He and the lady sat in peace,
yet little ease he found;
grief and strife lodged in his breast —
for the first bride he was bound.
48.
Often the warrior, in sorrow's dale,
would speak Indiana's name —
in sleep he called her, yet stayed chaste;
the prince bore love's own flame.
49.
By day he sat fair in the hall,
seeking his heart's delight;
the chosen one of women's grace
shone clear in golden light.
50.
His brilliant beauty ebbed in peace —
upon the slope there fell a groan;
the spirit grew proud and strained:
the wide ruler's calm undone.
51.
Little passed between the lord and lady —
fortune fell from its throne;
he could not make, with Indiana,
love's violet his own.
52.
At home the warrior found no peace;
abroad on roads he strode —
upon the seafarer's maiden's arms
in journeys' fire he rode.
53.
The fair one rides the bitter path
without a single squire;
within he finds the venom's shame
and sends forth frequent fire.
54.
Ten great warriors dared to run
unto the prince's call;
they bore broad Audun's sole in stride —
the ring-tree hurlers all.
55.
The guardian, brave of hidden heart,
dealt swift blows all around;
alone he felled eight by his might —
the blood came frothing down.
56.
A single blow across the shoulder
struck the prince in strife;
the wound gaped wide and open —
it bled, threatening his life.
57.
Two villains fled upon
the forest's winding ways;
the fair one rides light through the field,
singing praise, home from the frays.
58.
The verse-speech finds its single end —
this rhyming rima closes;
the vessel's clean and burning heat
the warrior proved in season.
Threttanda Rima — Thirteenth Rima
Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). 62 stanzas (9 mansongur + 53 narrative). Pages 121-131 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 125-135). The narrative covers Tistran's poisoned wound that no healer can cure, his desperate sending of ships to fetch the first Indiana from Spain — with white sails if she comes, black sails if she does not — the sea-voyage and Indiana's return with white sails, the second Indiana's devastating lie that the sails are black, Tistran's death of a broken heart, and Indiana's arrival at the moment of his passing.
Mansongr
1.
The ale of Odin will not fail,
though yet I strive to forge the verse;
the owl beside me keeps its vigil —
the fire of praise falls, dispersed.
2.
Heavy-hearted thus I press on,
since last I found the matter pleasing;
the gate of Spain with cunning gold
can pay the suffering its easing.
3.
Therefore I myself composed this —
the pen no one has taught to strike;
yet one may call the rhyming
a passably decent verse, alike.
4.
I ask each one who hears my lay
to test it with a poem's ear,
to lend their cunning-spoken aid,
that it may please the courts to hear.
5.
The helm-bearer of the warrior's hand,
who sees himself to carry song,
would teach the company the art
of verse-craft that to bards belong.
6.
Therefore to him I dedicate
these poems, all that I have made —
a verse that lends itself to song,
the joy of his temper shall not fade.
7.
Steadily I spoke my poems long,
of flame-waves in the former days;
now wearily the moon's bright court
shall seek esteemed tales from the sagas.
8.
May I, though faltering, find my footing
to weave the recitation of thought's loom,
while the master-poet's stolen art
does not shorten my life or seal my doom.
9.
Then I let the poem-script
the lightly esteemed tale convey —
a joy-spar carries it forth
to good ladies, at their pleasure, today.
Narrative
10.
The earlier reading of poems waited;
sluggish, I could not wield the pen.
The blood-soaked homeward road —
the bold warrior rides it back again.
11.
The wound, heavy as it bore down,
he showed the skillful healers plain;
the hurt seemed dire to all who saw —
they bound it, but it swelled with pain.
12.
Poisoned was the wound, with evil hue
upon the flesh, a terror set like stone;
the land's attendants lacked the skill —
no sword-worth could heal the stricken one alone.
13.
Pressed into his sickbed now,
the guardian of garments lay;
though cunning learned men swarmed about,
they could not heal his deep dismay.
14.
The poison swelled and turned the body blue,
so the sick man weakened hour by hour;
the good company of the land wept hard —
the guardian of the highest power.
15.
Indiana, his wedded wife,
showed no sign of recognition there;
the others bore a feeble hope.
The sick one speaks — the hero, famed and fair:
16.
The man within the high-roofed hall
calls his foster-child with heavy song;
he cries out across the wide green field —
the prince rises, and his speech is strong:
17.
"You I trust, our truest friend!
As lips are vessels of a troth,
set sail upon the sea-lord's road
and find the wind to Spain — I charge you both.
18.
Ten ships you shall have for the journey;
old starlight shall guide you there;
let fires be lit upon the mountains —
their winding light shall fill the air.
19.
Seek Indiana's meeting-place,
from me convey this noble word:
that she may wish to land upon this ground —
look to the road, and let the call be heard.
20.
Tell the golden one of my sickness,
of the sea-tinder's flame, bold champion!
So that her soft hand may reach my wound —
the fair healer cure what has been done.
21.
Heavy-hearted Alfons too I charge:
let the she-wolf's guard attend the rose;
a well-known man of the wind's shelter —
to him deliver these words at the close:
22.
In my need I wait and pray
that bride and king will come to find me;
or else death's violence, unanswered,
will put to sleep the days behind me.
23.
If the strong hero and the silver-bright one
send her forth across the waves,
then mark the ship with swiftest oar
and hoist WHITE SAILS upon the staves.
24.
But if the bright bride, beautiful and proud,
does not follow in your train,
then fly the BLACK SAILS, every one —
bear shield-fold home across the main.
25.
Then I shall, with love's last speech,
while yet I see the armor of the flood,
deliver my wounded soul in peace
to the good King of the sun's bright blood."
26.
Tistran's foster-brother gladly showed
himself to speed after the command;
he now prepared with all the cargo
to advance, and quit the weary land.
27.
Ten longships he set upon the sea,
then widely onward the fleet did sweep;
the sea-wolf heavy in the water —
the binding-teeth like hounds, in from the deep.
28.
The angry hull rushed under the wave,
the south wind struck the bowsprit wise;
the ship floated on, the hours wore past —
the band hurried forth beneath the skies.
29.
The heavy brow-wave crashed and roared,
the chains creaked long, the rigging strained,
in twisted bonds the breeze was humming,
the field's loose string flapped and complained.
30.
Blue boards crashed with a mighty yell,
waves horrible upon them pounding;
the wise sea's cataracts struck hard,
feathers from the gaffer bounding.
31.
Ran overturned the weather's tune,
in peril the ship's company pressed;
in Spain's domain the calm lion
upon the wave slowed, and came to rest.
32.
The anchor found its wet abode,
waves tangled there among the mire;
he made his way to the lord's high palace —
the one who steers the rare star's fire.
33.
He found the powerful lord's domain,
the wise one spoke his message bold;
the heavy moment — the mind disturbed —
the good rose of the court was told.
34.
Alfons, heavy at that hour,
and his wife, the pool's bright bridge,
to the deep shelter without rest
they drew, arrayed upon the ridge.
35.
Tormon, the fair one, was by then
ten winters measured, tall and young,
borne forth upon the sea of waves —
an image bright, to grace the throng.
36.
Indiana out upon the ground
goes forth in all her splendor there;
the sails wind upon the wave-hound —
the mooring lines are loosed to air.
37.
Out upon Ran's path they ran —
long golden serpents through the foam;
the swollen wave, limb-ugly, lurched
upon the shore-band, carrying them home.
38.
The bonds whined, heavy thunder broke,
spray upon the stems, the chains a-creak;
they saw the tall waves crash and fall —
the sea-giant held the ship no more to speak.
39.
The shooting wind seized its moment —
bright, as the breeze led the ferry through;
white sails flew over the wave-caps:
the bold lord's wish was coming true.
40.
They held their course across the bay,
the sea's fair-laden hounds drove forth;
my own fame-tone I compare to theirs —
the praise of the bright land to the north.
41.
The prince lay there in his full distress,
the nobleman delivered word with skill;
within the high hall, gentle, graceful,
beside him sat the ring-maiden still.
42.
Dagobert, with riches' burden —
the young one, pressed, guarded his father;
wisely he had circled through the house,
his eye upon the horizon's gather.
43.
Ships he sees from his father's seat
draw near through the smoke-hole's frame;
the noble one's heart lifts with cheer —
here he appears before the sea-lord's name:
44.
"My father! now I see the fleet —
the wise ships of your sending, there!
Tistran brightens — thus he spoke, the keen one:
the sails! the sails upon the air!"
45.
The boy speaks, bright: "About the harbor —
the ships that bear your company's bond —
they bear their sails as white as linen;
into the harbor your prows now wend."
46.
The glad king rises at the word,
casts the fierce cold of sickness wide;
quickly from the bedstead up he springs,
and thus he spoke, with swelling pride:
47.
"Let sorrow flee from my chest, o lady!
Life drives away the tormenting bane —
doomed though I am, if I may only see
the good lady Indiana again!
48.
Heartily! Be well, my fair one,
come into my hall, my treasure,
bright maiden — though you suffer greatly,
blessed and cheerful, speak with us in measure.
49.
I find the linen heals most afflictions,
I find the gracious visit's balm;
my beloved — in this world alone
you are the one who gives the weak man calm."
50.
The heavy wounded one, wrapped in eloquence,
managed in the hall to speak just so;
but his WIFE could not endure the thought —
the second Indiana heard, and felt the blow.
51.
She turns upon the boy, demanding;
she says — her heart far from its happiest:
"The resting hind within the harbor
bears without a doubt the SAILS OF BLACKEST."
52.
"You can judge it better — look again!"
Thus the lady spoke and pressed her claim;
the mistress forced the youth to swear
that he would seal her lie the same.
53.
The hero held this now for truth:
with bitter tears his mind grew swollen.
Night took the gladness from his eyes;
he speaks, in grief's compulsion, broken:
54.
"Dear lady — as the flower fades,
and remedy has utterly refused me,
when was I ever so unkind to you
that this was justly what you used me?
55.
O my brother Alfons! you
lend me no rescue in my need,
though I lived with you in faith —
many can attest that deed.
56.
Under my hand I laid whole lands;
likewise I guarded every domain.
Upon the waves I fought the serpent's sun
with spirit, through the hardest rain.
57.
Now not one of you will come
to try one small relief for the wretched;
all turn their backs upon the prisoner,
from torments overwhelming, far outstretched.
58.
The world's fine vanity is but a loan —
what can it prop in trials like these?
Without all friends, I shall pray only
to the pure Lord, upon my knees.
59.
Now let my weary affliction end,
and let the sickness wane and cease;
I send to you my wounded spirit —
blessed, the heavy one departs in peace!"
60.
The gentle lord's last speech was done.
With that, death began to flow.
The father's soul, in a hidden hand,
flew in peace to the realms below.
61.
Indiana, at that very hour,
at the moment of the dead man's dying,
the proud one walked into the moon's dark harbor —
with that spoken, the rima ceases crying.
62.
Wait, thus, the poems are read —
the friends of verse arrange the song.
The gentle swan's praise-notes resound:
the guardian of worth tends the frost, lifelong.
Fjortanda Rima — Fourteenth Rima
Ferskeytt (four-line stanzas, ABAB rhyme). 66 stanzas (12 mansongur + 48 narrative + 6 envoi). Pages 132-142 of the 1831 edition (PDF pages 136-146). The narrative covers the first Indiana's arrival to find Tistran dead, her devastating curse upon the second Indiana for the lie about the sails, her two last requests (wed the children, bury me with Tistran), her death upon Tistran's body, the miracle of the two lilies growing from both their breasts and intertwining at the top, the second Indiana's death from guilt a month later, the marriage of the children, Alfons's homeward voyage and death two years after, and the poet's envoi dedicating the whole work to Johann Bjarnason.
Mansongr
1.
From the window's play, the thrush of joy,
the strong men's poetry resounds;
verse sounds within the hearing's hall —
the harp's ascending lyric bounds.
2.
The gods mock falsehood shrewdly
in great matters at the thing;
the torrent thunders in the hollow height,
hallowed at the Thorsness ring.
3.
May the precious letters, friendless, see
the ember smothered, sparking still;
the saga's tetrad reaches its end —
Yule begins upon the hill.
4.
Prepared to burn upon the wavering shelf,
the spell of poems smiled and waited;
when into the hands of praise there comes
holy Baldur, consecrated.
5.
The joy of all-skilled ones may find
the wealth-god's work of virtue there;
the rolling wave-of-self crashes on
the wolf's own force in the stormy air.
6.
Time it is to check the rimur's rise,
rightly, for the bright and faithful;
my eleventh flock now takes to flight
before the earth's cold ice, ungrateful.
7.
Here the ale approaches in the hero's gust,
the praise-work shines clear and keen;
it was the thirtieth Yule of these,
my years — the poet's living screen.
8.
The rose woke the desire for poems,
sorrows gently fell away;
then was the maiden most desired —
that was the poem's reward and pay.
9.
The bow has wearied the weary head;
here I tell what I hold for truth —
for the days are ill-spent in this way,
thus fading in my waning youth.
10.
Yet still I shall compose with zeal
and read the praise-letters aloud,
always while the gift-giver of treasure
drives me forward through the crowd.
11.
Let us bear the ice-cold branches,
therefore at our vessels' side —
the biting cup of the feast-men's gods,
of Vanir and of powers wide.
12.
From the mansongur's bay I turn aside,
the poem before the star's own course;
so I look up the saga's road —
soon the bear is won by force!
Narrative
13.
Where formerly I told my poems,
they seemed the accustomed grief alone:
with the hall-winds from within the wave,
the tales of Indiana known.
14.
Alfons the hero escorted the lady
forth upon the clean, bright roads;
the hidden one among the falls now learned
the tale in full — the heavy loads.
15.
The beautiful one grieves, the mind breaks,
sorrows long and bitter swell;
likewise Indiana's noble self
hears the telling, hard to tell.
16.
Forward steps the bold queen,
the dove upon the brink of failing;
to lighten the spirit seemed the need —
heavy, in her grief prevailing:
17.
"Woe upon you, Indiana!
I will vow to lay a curse
wherever over land and ice you go —
despised one, poisoner, the worse!
18.
While the home-dwelling does not wane
and harsh hopes thrive with breath,
never shall your wickedness be forgotten
by all the sons of earth till death.
19.
Woe upon you, Indiana!
May disaster drive you forth —
your spirit here has done its evil,
the corpse-shore dragon of the north.
20.
And you bear the moon's own shame!
Therefore carry the spirit silent —
murdered, without doubt, your husband,
who to you was more than pliant.
21.
Woe upon you, Indiana!
The greatest blame now names you clear —
you have robbed this land forever
of its best prince, without a peer.
22.
The garden shows the nations grief
with the worst of all your steering —
hostile to your very child,
you murdered the best father, unearing.
23.
O you, the hill's own fool!
All the signs now prove it true —
your broken child shall witness
the death of all your scheming through.
24.
Woe upon you, Indiana!
Let the doom be sealed and stated —
the bitterest harm you bear yourself:
you killed the best man ever created.
25.
Does this not frighten you at all,
that I speak and I behold?
Your many-braided contempt stands here —
may the heart's last beat grow cold.
26.
May hard grief press upon you —
I held you highest in my love.
No equal in all the earth you had,
worst of women, below, above!"
27.
Thus your nature plotted grief,
the stubbornness of hidden cloak!
From you I had intended still
to reclaim the hero's love she broke.
28.
Then in my heart it was, she said —
trials of the weary self must pass —
and, unworthy handmaid, unto you
I would have given the prince, alas."
29.
With that, the proud one fell to silence,
the bright thread-sitter of the loom;
like a lamb the sorrowing, bloody breast —
the swollen heart trembles in the room.
30.
The tears first flowed freely then,
began to press the maiden sore;
all believed the ring-adorned lady
sorrow now would burst and pour.
31.
The sorrow-tree sank under torment,
the heart of rings in bitter pain;
heart-downward the mournful one drew up
eyes drowned in tears like rain.
32.
The maiden Indiana lost her speech,
the afflictions pressing ever harder;
the thought-hawks of the heated land —
no one can comfort, guide, or guard her.
33.
The tears flowed down the twisting path
for grief's own tempest and its sake —
the lady WILLED the hero's own sword
through her body for love to take.
34.
Indiana of Alfons then demands
the ark-ground's shape, the blade unsheathed —
the grey-helmed one, the ring-lord's gap,
half in her hands she wreathed.
35.
This she speaks, heavy-arrayed:
"Do not let yourself despair —
I must die, for I feel
my wound-strength waning past repair."
36.
After Tistran's passing hence
the ancient wounds now rule the frame —
long she cannot live, she knows;
therefore the cold corpse falls, the same.
37.
"Dear Alfons! before in peace
death reaches and wears me out,
two requests I ask of you,
which no prince may hold in doubt.
38.
Tistran's offspring and Tormon,
whom grief's poem has made thin —
I ask the good lord: wed them both,
and let a new life thus begin.
39.
Here my dwelling now I close —
the mind's brief loan still gladdens me.
In Tistran's coffin let my body
lie beside him, finally free."
40.
The gentle prince to this consented,
to fulfill her wishes whole;
he kissed the journey with an embrace and wept,
the king of the planks who mourned her soul.
41.
The prince found himself struck by sorrow,
the heart drained of every gladness;
now the swan-lady stepped from the princes
to Tistran's deathbed, in her sadness.
42.
So to the princes she speaks forever
truly faithful, the heart's own serpent:
"Do not grieve for me, Alfons —
do not weep for your woman's fervent."
43.
Upon the body she laid herself,
struck by torment's bane at last;
the treasure-vessel pressed with love —
and thus she speaks, before the past:
44.
"Cold one — now I embrace you,
I cannot find the grief to say;
you shall hold me in your arms
tightly, tenderly — this way.
45.
Beside you long in ward I'll be,
the lips of both our skill conjoined;
now shall no one lay a sharpened sword
between us — ever — intertwined.
46.
Let the world cover sorrow's bath,
the heavy stairs of grief we've known —
nothing now shall part us ever:
no lying tongue, no heart of stone."
47.
She laid her hand upon the dead man's neck,
and pressing close, embraced him there —
she, and her spirit in one moment then,
anguish-burst, flew through the air.
48.
Alfons weeps in bitter grief,
the others stand amazed and still;
ill lies Indiana now —
all understanding passed from will.
49.
Most of the gathered company wept
for the lost ruler of the land;
then the hero had there fashioned
a silver coffin, great and grand.
50.
The day after both had fallen asleep,
those who dwelt in places high,
wonder seized the people's hearts —
upon the bodies, a marvel to the eye:
51.
From his breast and from hers,
the fair-bodied witnesses report,
with light and shining glory then —
LILIES of a radiant sort.
52.
Rooted there in brightness both,
neither harming where it grew,
bright lilies counted two in number,
their crowns together twining through.
53.
This wonder that they saw before them,
the blessed company beheld and pondered;
some searched and in the sign perceived
the ancient mark of love, and wondered.
54.
In their honor, it is known,
the worthy lord had then designed
two lilies on a banner borne —
French branches, ever intertwined.
55.
The pious bodies upon the ground
the lord's good servants now attend;
in one fit coffin both were placed,
of purest silver, wrought with care, the end.
56.
The OTHER Indiana, it is written,
her spirit choked on peace's door —
she lost her soul, by guilt tormented,
one month later, breathing nevermore.
57.
Twelve years old was Tistran's son,
the prince — and this the writer notes:
he wed a fine and noble wife,
young, of ten winters — love devotes.
58.
With oil-lit torches burning bright,
the young couple shone with grace;
the hero and the lady held their power,
unshaken still, in that calm place.
59.
Aged Alfons sails for home,
the eagle of the ancient prow;
the dark sea-norn frowns upon
the weary beam, the weathered bow.
60.
The prince felt death's cold breath arrive
two years later, at his shore.
Thus ends all strife and conflict —
as the world offers, nothing more.
Envoi
61.
The saga's end thus I now reach —
Odin of the gods' own rune;
into my hands I found and took
the mountain-lady's gift in tune.
62.
To the verse-worthy and well-learned,
the pool's tree-supporter —
this poem I made in all its verse
for Johann, Bjarni's son and quarter.
63.
A holy-blessed one he is,
of sacred sound and name —
the praise-friend receives the land,
to learn the wise one's fame.
64.
The poem-shed now reels for me,
the rimur we end in verse and word;
may the one who holds to good remain —
to whom we sent our praise-song heard.
65.
The nation knows the verse-craft well,
it does not choke the skill we bore;
Odin's wise women turned their gaze
between Snaefell and the distant shore.
66.
Send forth the poem's reading-strife
to the children of the earth and sun;
the rhyme's last measure holds its ground —
the blind one of the rocky tarn is done.
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 all fourteen Rímur (872 stanzas) of the complete cycle. This is the first known complete English translation.
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.
Ríma IX: Translated by Bragi (Rímur OCR Translator, life 10), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 49 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma X: Translated by Ljóð (Rímur OCR Translator, life 18), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 58 stanzas in langhent.
Ríma XI: Translated by Hrafn (Rímur OCR Translator, life 19), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 60 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma XII: Translated by Hljóð (Rímur OCR Translator, life 20), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 59 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma XIII: Translated by Skáldvör (Rímur OCR Translator, life 21), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 62 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Ríma XIV: Translated by Skáldvör (Rímur OCR Translator, life 21), New Tianmu Anglican Church, March 2026. 66 stanzas in ferskeytt.
Source text note: Full Icelandic transcriptions are provided for Rímur I, II, III, and VII. Rímur IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and XIV do not include transcribed source text because the Fraktur confidence 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, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and XIV 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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