 | King Horn |  |
179
HORN CHILDE.
horn childe & maiden rimnild
Mi leue frende dere,
Herken & ȝe may here,
& ȝe wil vnder stonde;
Stories ȝe may lere
Of our elders þat were
Whilom in þis lond.
Y wil ȝou telle of kinges tvo,
Hende haþeolf was on of þo,
Þat weld al ingelond;
Fram Humber norþ þan walt he,
Þat was in to þe wan see,
In to his owhen hond.
Herken & ȝe may here,
& ȝe wil vnder stonde;
Stories ȝe may lere
Of our elders þat were
Whilom in þis lond.
Y wil ȝou telle of kinges tvo,
Hende haþeolf was on of þo,
Þat weld al ingelond;
Fram Humber norþ þan walt he,
Þat was in to þe wan see,
In to his owhen hond.
He no hadde no child, as ȝe may here,
Bot a sone þat was him dere;
When þat he was born,
Þe king was glad & of gode chere,
He sent after frendes fer & nere
& bad men calle him horn.
viii. knaue childer he souȝt,
To horn his sone he hem bitauȝt,
Alle were þai frely born,
Wiþ him to play & lere to ride,
Fiue ȝer in þat ich tide,
Wiþ baner him biforn.
Bot a sone þat was him dere;
When þat he was born,
Þe king was glad & of gode chere,
He sent after frendes fer & nere
& bad men calle him horn.
viii. knaue childer he souȝt,
To horn his sone he hem bitauȝt,
Alle were þai frely born,
Wiþ him to play & lere to ride,
Fiue ȝer in þat ich tide,
Wiþ baner him biforn.
Hende, & ȝe me herken wold,
Þe childer name as it is told,
Y wil ȝou reken ariȝt;
Haþrof & tebaude,
Aþelston & winwold,
Gariis wise & wiȝt,
Wihard þat was euer trewe,
Seþþen first him horn knewe,
To serue wiþ al his miȝt;
Wicard & his broþer Wikel,
Seþen Horn fond hem ful fikel,
Lesinges on him þai liȝt.
Þe childer name as it is told,
Y wil ȝou reken ariȝt;
Haþrof & tebaude,
Aþelston & winwold,
Gariis wise & wiȝt,
Wihard þat was euer trewe,
Seþþen first him horn knewe,
To serue wiþ al his miȝt;
Wicard & his broþer Wikel,
Seþen Horn fond hem ful fikel,
Lesinges on him þai liȝt.
Arlaund, þat al þewes couþe,
Boþe bi norþ & bisouþe,
In herd is nouȝt to hide,
On hunting was him most couþe,
For to blowe an horn wiþ mouþe
& houndes lede biside,
To harpe wele & play at ches,
& al gamen þat vsed is
& mo was in þat tide;
Haþeolf Arlaund bitauȝt
Horn & his children auȝt,
To lern hem to ride.
Boþe bi norþ & bisouþe,
In herd is nouȝt to hide,
On hunting was him most couþe,
For to blowe an horn wiþ mouþe
& houndes lede biside,
To harpe wele & play at ches,
& al gamen þat vsed is
& mo was in þat tide;
Haþeolf Arlaund bitauȝt
Horn & his children auȝt,
To lern hem to ride.
Out of danmark com an here,
Opon Inglond forto were
Wiþ stout ost & vnride,
Wiþ yren hattes, scheld & spere;
Alle her pray to schip þai bere
In clifland bi tese side.
Schepe & nete to schip þai brouȝt
& al þat þai haue mouȝt,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.
When haþeolf it herd say,
He busked boþe niȝt & day,
Oȝain hem for to ride.
Opon Inglond forto were
Wiþ stout ost & vnride,
Wiþ yren hattes, scheld & spere;
Alle her pray to schip þai bere
In clifland bi tese side.
Schepe & nete to schip þai brouȝt
& al þat þai haue mouȝt,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.
When haþeolf it herd say,
He busked boþe niȝt & day,
Oȝain hem for to ride.
180
Wiþ in þat ich fourtenniȝt
Barouns fele & mani a kniȝt,
Al were þai redi boun;
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt
Alle were þai redi to fiȝt
& rered gonfeynoun.
On alerton more al þai mett,
Þer were her dayes sett,
Failed hem no roum;
Seþþen to clifland þai rade,
Þer þe danis men abade,
To fel þe feye adoun.
Barouns fele & mani a kniȝt,
Al were þai redi boun;
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt
Alle were þai redi to fiȝt
& rered gonfeynoun.
On alerton more al þai mett,
Þer were her dayes sett,
Failed hem no roum;
Seþþen to clifland þai rade,
Þer þe danis men abade,
To fel þe feye adoun.
In a morning þai bi gan,
Of al þat day þai no blan
Þat baleful werk to wirke;
Sides þai made blo & wan,
Þat er wer white so feþer on swan,
Swiche gamen man auȝt irke.
When þat euen bi cam,
Þe danis men were al slan:
It bi gan to mirke.
Who so goþ or rideþ þer bi,
Ȝete may men see þer bones ly
Bi seyn Sibiles kirke.
Of al þat day þai no blan
Þat baleful werk to wirke;
Sides þai made blo & wan,
Þat er wer white so feþer on swan,
Swiche gamen man auȝt irke.
When þat euen bi cam,
Þe danis men were al slan:
It bi gan to mirke.
Who so goþ or rideþ þer bi,
Ȝete may men see þer bones ly
Bi seyn Sibiles kirke.
Hende haþeolf, as y ȝou say,
Duelled þer þe niȝen day,
Þe folk of him was fain.
Þai toke anon þat ich pray,
Schepe & nete þat þer slain lay,
And ȝaf it þe folk oȝain;
Armour & brini briȝt
He ȝaf to squier & to kniȝt,
To seriaunt & to swayn;
Schipes he dede to lond drawe
& ȝaf to bond men on rawe,
For her catel was slayn.
Duelled þer þe niȝen day,
Þe folk of him was fain.
Þai toke anon þat ich pray,
Schepe & nete þat þer slain lay,
And ȝaf it þe folk oȝain;
Armour & brini briȝt
He ȝaf to squier & to kniȝt,
To seriaunt & to swayn;
Schipes he dede to lond drawe
& ȝaf to bond men on rawe,
For her catel was slayn.
Þo he seye þat were wiȝt,
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt
& wele couþe prike a stede,
& þo þat were douhti in fiȝt,
Sexti dubbed he þer to kniȝt,
& ȝaf hem riche mede.
Sum baylis he made,
And sum he ȝaf londes brade,
His ȝistes were nouȝt gnede;
& seþþen he dede chirches make,
To sing for þe dedes sake:
God quite him his mede!
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt
& wele couþe prike a stede,
& þo þat were douhti in fiȝt,
Sexti dubbed he þer to kniȝt,
& ȝaf hem riche mede.
Sum baylis he made,
And sum he ȝaf londes brade,
His ȝistes were nouȝt gnede;
& seþþen he dede chirches make,
To sing for þe dedes sake:
God quite him his mede!
Seþþen king haþolf fore,
For to hunten on blakeowe more
Wiþ a rout vn ride,
In fretþe & in forest þore;
To telle þe dere strong it wore,
Þat he felled þat tide,
& anon after, wiþ outen lesing,
He held a fest at pikering,
Þer his kniȝtes schuld ride;
& seþþen to ȝork, was nouȝt to layn,
Arlaunde com him oȝain,
& horn his sone wiþ prede.
For to hunten on blakeowe more
Wiþ a rout vn ride,
In fretþe & in forest þore;
To telle þe dere strong it wore,
Þat he felled þat tide,
& anon after, wiþ outen lesing,
He held a fest at pikering,
Þer his kniȝtes schuld ride;
& seþþen to ȝork, was nouȝt to layn,
Arlaunde com him oȝain,
& horn his sone wiþ prede.
King haþeolf tok þe children auȝt,
Þat he had his sone bitauȝt,
& gan to wepe anon:
‘Ich aue won mi fon wiþ mauȝt,
Þat we oȝein in batayl fauȝt,
& now þai ben al slon,
& ȝour faders ben slawe þare:
Þat of þinkeþ me ful sare
& oþer mani on.
Þe lond þat þai held of me,
Alle y ȝiue ȝou here fre,
Ward no kepe y non.
Þat he had his sone bitauȝt,
& gan to wepe anon:
‘Ich aue won mi fon wiþ mauȝt,
Þat we oȝein in batayl fauȝt,
& now þai ben al slon,
& ȝour faders ben slawe þare:
Þat of þinkeþ me ful sare
& oþer mani on.
Þe lond þat þai held of me,
Alle y ȝiue ȝou here fre,
Ward no kepe y non.
Wiþ Horn, mi sone, y wil ȝe be,
As ȝour faders han ben wiþ me,
& oþes ȝe schul him swere,
Þat ȝe schal neuer fram him fle,
For gold no siluer, lond no fe,
Oȝein out londis here.’
To horn his sone he hem bi toke
& dede hem swere opon þe boke,
Feute þai schuld him bere,
While þat þai liue miȝt,
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt,
His londes for to were.
As ȝour faders han ben wiþ me,
& oþes ȝe schul him swere,
Þat ȝe schal neuer fram him fle,
For gold no siluer, lond no fe,
Oȝein out londis here.’
To horn his sone he hem bi toke
& dede hem swere opon þe boke,
Feute þai schuld him bere,
While þat þai liue miȝt,
Wiþ helme on heued & brini briȝt,
His londes for to were.
181
Hende haþeolf þat was so fre,
Bot .ix. moneþ soiournd he,
No lenge no hadde he pes.
Out of yrlond com kinges þre,
Her names can y telle þe,
Wele wiþ outen les:
Ferwele & Winwald were þer to,
Malkan king was on of þo,
Proude in ich apres;
Al westmer land stroyed þay.
Þe word com on a Whissonday
To king haþeolf at his des.
Bot .ix. moneþ soiournd he,
No lenge no hadde he pes.
Out of yrlond com kinges þre,
Her names can y telle þe,
Wele wiþ outen les:
Ferwele & Winwald were þer to,
Malkan king was on of þo,
Proude in ich apres;
Al westmer land stroyed þay.
Þe word com on a Whissonday
To king haþeolf at his des.
He bad þe harpour leuen his lay:
‘For ous bi houeþ anoþer play,
Buske armour & stede.’
He sent his sond niȝt & day
Also fast as he may,
His folk to batayl bede;
‘Bid hem, þat þai com to me,
Al þat hold her lond fre,
Help now at þis nede;
Better manly to be slayn,
Þan long to liue in sorwe & pain,
Oȝain out londis þede.’
‘For ous bi houeþ anoþer play,
Buske armour & stede.’
He sent his sond niȝt & day
Also fast as he may,
His folk to batayl bede;
‘Bid hem, þat þai com to me,
Al þat hold her lond fre,
Help now at þis nede;
Better manly to be slayn,
Þan long to liue in sorwe & pain,
Oȝain out londis þede.’
Þai busked hem wel hastily,
To com to þe kinges cri
Wiþ in elleuen niȝt,
Þat eueriche strete & eueri sty
Glised þer þai riden by,
Of her brinis briȝt;
& seþþen to staynes more þai rode,
Þe rout was boþe long & brod,
To fel þo fay in fiȝt;
Alle þat niȝt duelled þay,
Til amorwe þat it was day,
Þe barouns of gret miȝt.
To com to þe kinges cri
Wiþ in elleuen niȝt,
Þat eueriche strete & eueri sty
Glised þer þai riden by,
Of her brinis briȝt;
& seþþen to staynes more þai rode,
Þe rout was boþe long & brod,
To fel þo fay in fiȝt;
Alle þat niȝt duelled þay,
Til amorwe þat it was day,
Þe barouns of gret miȝt.
Þe irise ost was long & brade,
On staines more þer þai rade,
Þai ȝaf a crie for prede;
Hende haþeolf hem abade,
Swiche meting was neuer made,
Wiþ sorwe on ich aside:
Riȝt in alitel stounde
Sexti þousand were layd to grounde
In herd is nouȝt to hide;
King haþeolf slouȝ wiþ his hond,
Þat was comen out of yrlond,
Tvo kinges þat tide.
On staines more þer þai rade,
Þai ȝaf a crie for prede;
Hende haþeolf hem abade,
Swiche meting was neuer made,
Wiþ sorwe on ich aside:
Riȝt in alitel stounde
Sexti þousand were layd to grounde
In herd is nouȝt to hide;
King haþeolf slouȝ wiþ his hond,
Þat was comen out of yrlond,
Tvo kinges þat tide.
King haþeolf was wel wo,
For þe irise ost was mani & mo
Wiþ scheld & wiþ spere;
Ful long seþþen man seyd so:
When men schuld to batayl go,
To men miȝt on dere.
Þei king haþeolf fauȝt fast,
King malkan stiked attelast
His stede þat schuld him bere:
Now schal men finde kinges fewe,
Þat in batail be so trewe,
His lond forto were.
For þe irise ost was mani & mo
Wiþ scheld & wiþ spere;
Ful long seþþen man seyd so:
When men schuld to batayl go,
To men miȝt on dere.
Þei king haþeolf fauȝt fast,
King malkan stiked attelast
His stede þat schuld him bere:
Now schal men finde kinges fewe,
Þat in batail be so trewe,
His lond forto were.
When king haþeolf on fot stode,
Þe yrise folk about him ȝode,
As hondes do to bare;
Whom he hit opon þe hode,
Were he neuer kniȝt so gode,
He ȝaue a dint wel sare;
He brouȝt in alitel stounde
Wele fif þousende to grounde
Wiþ his grimly gare.
Þe Irise ost tok hem to red,
To ston þat douhti kniȝt to ded,
Þai durst neiȝe him na mare.
Þe yrise folk about him ȝode,
As hondes do to bare;
Whom he hit opon þe hode,
Were he neuer kniȝt so gode,
He ȝaue a dint wel sare;
He brouȝt in alitel stounde
Wele fif þousende to grounde
Wiþ his grimly gare.
Þe Irise ost tok hem to red,
To ston þat douhti kniȝt to ded,
Þai durst neiȝe him na mare.
Gret diol it was to se
Of hende haþeolf þat was so fre,
Stones to him þai cast;
Þai brak him boþe legge & kne,
Gret diol it was to se,
He kneled attelast.
King malcan wiþ wretþe out stert
& smot king haþeolf to þe hert;
He held his wepen so fast,
Þat king malkan smot his arm atvo,
Er he miȝt gete his swerd him fro,
For nede his hert tobrast.
Of hende haþeolf þat was so fre,
Stones to him þai cast;
Þai brak him boþe legge & kne,
Gret diol it was to se,
He kneled attelast.
King malcan wiþ wretþe out stert
& smot king haþeolf to þe hert;
He held his wepen so fast,
Þat king malkan smot his arm atvo,
Er he miȝt gete his swerd him fro,
For nede his hert tobrast.
Þo king malkan wan þe priis,
Oway brouȝt he no mo ywis,
Of his men bot þritten,
Þat wounded were in bak & side;
Þai fleiȝe & durst nouȝt abide,
Daþet, who hem bi mene!
To yrlond he com oȝain,
& left her fair folk al slain
Lieand on þe grene.
Þars hem noiþer niȝt no day
Make her ros þai wan þe pray,
Bot slowe þe king, y wene.
Oway brouȝt he no mo ywis,
Of his men bot þritten,
182
Þai fleiȝe & durst nouȝt abide,
Daþet, who hem bi mene!
To yrlond he com oȝain,
& left her fair folk al slain
Lieand on þe grene.
Þars hem noiþer niȝt no day
Make her ros þai wan þe pray,
Bot slowe þe king, y wene.
A nerl of norþhumber land,
He herd telle þis tiþeand,
He busked him to ride;
Alle he sesed in his hand,
Al þat he to forn him fand,
Riȝt to humber side.
When þat arlaund herd sain,
Þat hende haþeolf was slain,
He durst no lenge abide;
Þai busked boþe niȝt & day
As fast as þai may,
Her heuedes for to hide.
He herd telle þis tiþeand,
He busked him to ride;
Alle he sesed in his hand,
Al þat he to forn him fand,
Riȝt to humber side.
When þat arlaund herd sain,
Þat hende haþeolf was slain,
He durst no lenge abide;
Þai busked boþe niȝt & day
As fast as þai may,
Her heuedes for to hide.
Fer souþe in Inglond
Houlac king þer þai fond,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede.
He toke him Horn bi þe hand;
When he hadde teld his tiþeand,
Mennes hertes miȝt blede:
‘When hende haþeolf was slan
& his londes fram him tan
& we ben flowe for drede:
Of mi self is me nouȝt,
Bot horn, his sone, ichaue þe brouȝt,
Help now in þis nede.’
Houlac king þer þai fond,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede.
He toke him Horn bi þe hand;
When he hadde teld his tiþeand,
Mennes hertes miȝt blede:
‘When hende haþeolf was slan
& his londes fram him tan
& we ben flowe for drede:
Of mi self is me nouȝt,
Bot horn, his sone, ichaue þe brouȝt,
Help now in þis nede.’
Houlac king was wel hende,
Ressaiued hem niȝen, Herlaund þe tende,
Her maister for to be:
‘Mete and drink y schal hem fende,
& euer, when ich out wende,
Þai schal wende wiþ me.
Horn schal be me leue & dere.’
He bad harlaund schuld him lere,
Þe riȝt forto se,
Þe lawes boþe eld & newe,
Al maner gamen & glewe;
In bok þus rede we.
Ressaiued hem niȝen, Herlaund þe tende,
Her maister for to be:
‘Mete and drink y schal hem fende,
& euer, when ich out wende,
Þai schal wende wiþ me.
Horn schal be me leue & dere.’
He bad harlaund schuld him lere,
Þe riȝt forto se,
Þe lawes boþe eld & newe,
Al maner gamen & glewe;
In bok þus rede we.
Þus, in boke as we rede,
Alle þai were in court to fede,
Sweteliche at lare;
Alle were þai cloþed in o wede,
To ride on palfray oþer on stede,
Wheþer hem leuer ware.
Horn was boþe war & wise,
At hunting oft he wan þe priis,
Loued he noþing mare;
Harpe & romaunce he radde ariȝt,
Of al gle he hadde in siȝt
Þat in lond ware.
Alle þai were in court to fede,
Sweteliche at lare;
Alle were þai cloþed in o wede,
To ride on palfray oþer on stede,
Wheþer hem leuer ware.
Horn was boþe war & wise,
At hunting oft he wan þe priis,
Loued he noþing mare;
Harpe & romaunce he radde ariȝt,
Of al gle he hadde in siȝt
Þat in lond ware.
Þe word of Horn wide sprong,
Hou he was boþe michel & long,
Wiþ in fiftene ȝere;
Þer was no kniȝt in jnglond,
Þat miȝt adint stond of his hond,
Noiþer fer no nere.
Michel he was & wele ymaked,
As white as milke he was naked,
& euer o bliþe chere;
Meke he was & trewe so stiel,
Alle games he couþe wel,
As ȝe may forward here.
Hou he was boþe michel & long,
Wiþ in fiftene ȝere;
Þer was no kniȝt in jnglond,
Þat miȝt adint stond of his hond,
Noiþer fer no nere.
Michel he was & wele ymaked,
As white as milke he was naked,
& euer o bliþe chere;
Meke he was & trewe so stiel,
Alle games he couþe wel,
As ȝe may forward here.
Houlac king, y wene,
Hadde no child bi þe quene,
Bot a maid briȝt;
Al þai seyd þat hir sene,
Sche was a feir may & a schene,
& maiden rimneld sche hiȝt.
When sche herd horn speke,
Miȝt sche him nouȝt forȝete
Bi day no bi niȝt;
Loued neuer childer mare
Bot tristrem or ysoud it ware,
Who so rede ariȝt.
Hadde no child bi þe quene,
Bot a maid briȝt;
Al þai seyd þat hir sene,
Sche was a feir may & a schene,
& maiden rimneld sche hiȝt.
When sche herd horn speke,
Miȝt sche him nouȝt forȝete
Bi day no bi niȝt;
Loued neuer childer mare
Bot tristrem or ysoud it ware,
Who so rede ariȝt.
Þat miri maiden wald nouȝt wond,
Dern loue forto fond,
Ȝif sche it miȝt winne;
Forþi sche sent hir sond,
For to speke wiþ arlond,
For Horn schuld cum wiþ him.
& Arlaund him bi þouȝt,
Ȝif he horn wiþ him brouȝt,
Lesinges schuld bi ginne;
For þi he lete horn at hame,
& toke haþerof in his name
To maiden Rimneld inne.
Dern loue forto fond,
Ȝif sche it miȝt winne;
183
For to speke wiþ arlond,
For Horn schuld cum wiþ him.
& Arlaund him bi þouȝt,
Ȝif he horn wiþ him brouȝt,
Lesinges schuld bi ginne;
For þi he lete horn at hame,
& toke haþerof in his name
To maiden Rimneld inne.
Þe miri maiden, al so sone
As haþerof jn to chaumber come,
Sche wend, þat it wer horn.
A riche cheier was vndon,
Þat seuien miȝt sit þer on,
In swiche craft ycorn;
A baudekin þer on was spred;
Þider þe maiden hadde hem led,
To siten hir bi forn;
Frout & spices sche hem bede,
Wine to drink wite & rede,
Boþe of coppe & horn.
As haþerof jn to chaumber come,
Sche wend, þat it wer horn.
A riche cheier was vndon,
Þat seuien miȝt sit þer on,
In swiche craft ycorn;
A baudekin þer on was spred;
Þider þe maiden hadde hem led,
To siten hir bi forn;
Frout & spices sche hem bede,
Wine to drink wite & rede,
Boþe of coppe & horn.
Þan a seriaunt sche bad go,
A gentil goshauk for to ta,
Fair he was to fliȝt;
Þer wiþ herten gloues to,
Swiche was þe maner þo,
And ȝaf Haþerof of her ȝift.
Sche wende bi Haþerof, Horn it were,
Þat loued hunting noþing more,
On him hir loue was liȝt:
A les of grehoundes forþ þai brouȝt,
& he forsoke & wald it nouȝt
& seyd haþeros he hiȝt.
A gentil goshauk for to ta,
Fair he was to fliȝt;
Þer wiþ herten gloues to,
Swiche was þe maner þo,
And ȝaf Haþerof of her ȝift.
Sche wende bi Haþerof, Horn it were,
Þat loued hunting noþing more,
On him hir loue was liȝt:
A les of grehoundes forþ þai brouȝt,
& he forsoke & wald it nouȝt
& seyd haþeros he hiȝt.
‘What euer þi name it be,
Þou schalt haue þis houndes þre,
Þat wele can take a dere;
& haþerof, for þe loue of me,
Com to morn, & horn wiþ þe’;
He lay hir hert ful nere.
& Harlaund þat was hende,
Toke his leue forto wende,
Wiþ a bliþe chere,
& com anon on þe morn,
& brouȝt wiþ him hende horn,
As ȝe may forward here.
Þou schalt haue þis houndes þre,
Þat wele can take a dere;
& haþerof, for þe loue of me,
Com to morn, & horn wiþ þe’;
He lay hir hert ful nere.
& Harlaund þat was hende,
Toke his leue forto wende,
Wiþ a bliþe chere,
& com anon on þe morn,
& brouȝt wiþ him hende horn,
As ȝe may forward here.
Þe maiden bour was fair spred,
Atired al wiþ riche webbe,
Sche haylett hem wiþ winne;
Þe mirie maiden hir biþouȝt,
In what maner þat sche mouȝt
Trewe loue for to ginne.
Sche sett hir hem bitvene:
Þe maiden was briȝt and schene
& comen of kinges kinne;
Anon hir selue hadde hem ledde
To sitten opon her owhen bedde,
Arlaund & Horn wiþ him.
Atired al wiþ riche webbe,
Sche haylett hem wiþ winne;
Þe mirie maiden hir biþouȝt,
In what maner þat sche mouȝt
Trewe loue for to ginne.
Sche sett hir hem bitvene:
Þe maiden was briȝt and schene
& comen of kinges kinne;
Anon hir selue hadde hem ledde
To sitten opon her owhen bedde,
Arlaund & Horn wiþ him.
Hendeliche sche to hem spac,
A poumgarnet þer sche brak,
& spices dede sche calle,
Wine to drink; after þat
Sche lete fet forþ a stede blac,
Was couered al wiþ palle,
Þe stiropes were of silke wite,
Bridel & sadel al was slike,
& seyd, ‘Horn hende in halle,
It was me told þou schult be kniȝt;
Y þe ȝif here a stede liȝt,
& a queyntise of palle.’
A poumgarnet þer sche brak,
& spices dede sche calle,
Wine to drink; after þat
Sche lete fet forþ a stede blac,
Was couered al wiþ palle,
Þe stiropes were of silke wite,
Bridel & sadel al was slike,
& seyd, ‘Horn hende in halle,
It was me told þou schult be kniȝt;
Y þe ȝif here a stede liȝt,
& a queyntise of palle.’
‘Horn,’ sche seyd, ‘if þi name,
An horn y schal ȝiue þe ane,
A michel & vnride,
Al yuore is þe bon,
Sett wiþ mani a riche ston,
To bere bi þi side.’
Þe baudrike was of silk riȝt,
Þe maiden self it hadde ydiȝt,
Layd wiþ gold for pride:
‘What þat euer be wiþ me,
Horn, at þi wille schal it be,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.’
An horn y schal ȝiue þe ane,
A michel & vnride,
Al yuore is þe bon,
Sett wiþ mani a riche ston,
To bere bi þi side.’
Þe baudrike was of silk riȝt,
Þe maiden self it hadde ydiȝt,
Layd wiþ gold for pride:
‘What þat euer be wiþ me,
Horn, at þi wille schal it be,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.’
Þan sche lete forþ bring
A swerd hongand bi aring,
To horn sche it bitauȝt;
‘It is þe make of miming,
Of al swerdes it is king,
& weland it wrouȝt;
Bitter-fer þe swerd hiȝt,
Better swerd bar neuer kniȝt,
Horn, to þe ich it þouȝt;
Is nouȝt a kniȝt in Inglond,
Schal sitten adint of þine hond,
Forsake þou it nouȝt.’
A swerd hongand bi aring,
To horn sche it bitauȝt;
184
Of al swerdes it is king,
& weland it wrouȝt;
Bitter-fer þe swerd hiȝt,
Better swerd bar neuer kniȝt,
Horn, to þe ich it þouȝt;
Is nouȝt a kniȝt in Inglond,
Schal sitten adint of þine hond,
Forsake þou it nouȝt.’
Hendelich þan þanked he
Þe maiden of hir ȝift fre,
& seyd, ‘so god me spede,
Rimnild, for þe loue of þe
Y schal iuste, þat þou schalt se,
Opon þis ich stede.’
Horn in þat ich stounde
Ȝaf þe maiden loue wounde,
So neiȝe hir hert it ȝede;
& sche wel trewely haþ him hiȝt,
Ȝif þat he be dubbed kniȝt,
Hir maidenhod to mede.
Þe maiden of hir ȝift fre,
& seyd, ‘so god me spede,
Rimnild, for þe loue of þe
Y schal iuste, þat þou schalt se,
Opon þis ich stede.’
Horn in þat ich stounde
Ȝaf þe maiden loue wounde,
So neiȝe hir hert it ȝede;
& sche wel trewely haþ him hiȝt,
Ȝif þat he be dubbed kniȝt,
Hir maidenhod to mede.
Wiþ in þat ich fourtenniȝt,
Horn was dubbed to kniȝt,
& haþerof, as y wene,
& oþer mani þat were liȝt,
Has houlak king hadde hem hiȝt;
So were þai ful fiftene.
A turnament þe king lete crie,
Þider com wel on heye
Kniȝtes þat were kene:
Maiden rimneld biheld þat play,
Hou Horn wan þe priis þat day,
To wite & nouȝt to wene.
Horn was dubbed to kniȝt,
& haþerof, as y wene,
& oþer mani þat were liȝt,
Has houlak king hadde hem hiȝt;
So were þai ful fiftene.
A turnament þe king lete crie,
Þider com wel on heye
Kniȝtes þat were kene:
Maiden rimneld biheld þat play,
Hou Horn wan þe priis þat day,
To wite & nouȝt to wene.
Houlac king ȝaf horn leue,
In his bour forto chese
Þe maidens þat were fre,
Riche of kin & hondes sleye;
Þai hadde frendes fer & neiȝe,
He miȝt avaunced be;
& maiden rimnild him bede,
Þat he schuld take non oþer rede:
No noþer þan chese he;
For sche wel trewely haþ him hiȝt,
Ȝif þat sche liue miȝt,
His leman wald sche be.
In his bour forto chese
Þe maidens þat were fre,
Riche of kin & hondes sleye;
Þai hadde frendes fer & neiȝe,
He miȝt avaunced be;
& maiden rimnild him bede,
Þat he schuld take non oþer rede:
No noþer þan chese he;
For sche wel trewely haþ him hiȝt,
Ȝif þat sche liue miȝt,
His leman wald sche be.
Tebaud went biȝond se
& Winwald þat was so fre,
To leren hem to ride;
Wiþ þe king of Fraunce duelled he,
Mani time þai gat þe gre,
In turnament þat tide.
Þe king seiȝe, þat þai wer wiȝt,
Boþe he dubbed hem to kniȝt
Wiþ wel riche pride;
Wiif þai toke & duelled þare,
In Inglond com þai nomore,
Her werdes forto bide.
& Winwald þat was so fre,
To leren hem to ride;
Wiþ þe king of Fraunce duelled he,
Mani time þai gat þe gre,
In turnament þat tide.
Þe king seiȝe, þat þai wer wiȝt,
Boþe he dubbed hem to kniȝt
Wiþ wel riche pride;
Wiif þai toke & duelled þare,
In Inglond com þai nomore,
Her werdes forto bide.
Gariis in to bretein went,
& Aþelston wiþ him was lent,
To anerl so fre.
At iustes & at turnament,
Whider ward so þai went,
Euer þai gat þe gre,
& þerl hem boþe kniȝtes made,
& ȝaf hem londes wide & brade,
Wiþ him for to be;
Þus þai duelled þer in pes,
While þat cristes wil wes,
In boke so rede we.
& Aþelston wiþ him was lent,
To anerl so fre.
At iustes & at turnament,
Whider ward so þai went,
Euer þai gat þe gre,
& þerl hem boþe kniȝtes made,
& ȝaf hem londes wide & brade,
Wiþ him for to be;
Þus þai duelled þer in pes,
While þat cristes wil wes,
In boke so rede we.
Houlac king ȝaf gold & fe
To hem, þat þai miȝt þe better be,
& bad þai schuld wiue;
Haþerof, a kniȝt fre,
& horn he seyd, ‘y loue þe,
Man most oliue.’
& Wiard treuly he haþ hiȝt,
Þat he schal dubbed be to kniȝt
At anoþer siþe.
Wigard & wikel hem biþouȝt,
Hou þai horn bitray mouȝt:
God lete hem neuer þriue!
To hem, þat þai miȝt þe better be,
& bad þai schuld wiue;
Haþerof, a kniȝt fre,
& horn he seyd, ‘y loue þe,
Man most oliue.’
& Wiard treuly he haþ hiȝt,
Þat he schal dubbed be to kniȝt
At anoþer siþe.
Wigard & wikel hem biþouȝt,
Hou þai horn bitray mouȝt:
God lete hem neuer þriue!
On aday, as houlak king
Schuld wende on his playing,
To late his haukes fleye,
Horn þan, wiþ outen lesing,
Bilaft at hom for blodeleteing
Al for a maladye.
Wikard bi þe king rade,
Wikel þat lesing made,
Horn gan þai wray,
& seyd, ‘sir, y seiȝe ȝisterday,
Hou Horn bi þi douhter lay:
Traitours boþe be þai.’
Schuld wende on his playing,
To late his haukes fleye,
185
Bilaft at hom for blodeleteing
Al for a maladye.
Wikard bi þe king rade,
Wikel þat lesing made,
Horn gan þai wray,
& seyd, ‘sir, y seiȝe ȝisterday,
Hou Horn bi þi douhter lay:
Traitours boþe be þai.’
Þe king leued þat þai sede;
‘For þi ȝaf sche him þe stede,
Lesing it is nouȝt.’
He went hom as he were wode,
In to boure anon he ȝode
& maiden Rimnild he souȝt;
He bete hir so, þat sche gan blede,
Þe maidens fleiȝe oway for drede,
Þai durst help hir nouȝt;
Giltles sche was of þat dede,
Horn hadde nouȝt hir maidenhede,
Bot in word & þouȝt.
‘For þi ȝaf sche him þe stede,
Lesing it is nouȝt.’
He went hom as he were wode,
In to boure anon he ȝode
& maiden Rimnild he souȝt;
He bete hir so, þat sche gan blede,
Þe maidens fleiȝe oway for drede,
Þai durst help hir nouȝt;
Giltles sche was of þat dede,
Horn hadde nouȝt hir maidenhede,
Bot in word & þouȝt.
Houlac his swerd haþ tan
& seyd Horn schuld be slan;
For wretþe he wald wede:
‘He haþ me don michel schame,
Y wende wele haue suffred nane
For mi gode dede.’
Kniȝtes com þe king biforn,
Alle prayd þai for Horn,
No miȝt þer non spede;
Þe king in to his chaumber is gon
& schet him self þer in al on,
Til his wretþe ouer ȝede.
& seyd Horn schuld be slan;
For wretþe he wald wede:
‘He haþ me don michel schame,
Y wende wele haue suffred nane
For mi gode dede.’
Kniȝtes com þe king biforn,
Alle prayd þai for Horn,
No miȝt þer non spede;
Þe king in to his chaumber is gon
& schet him self þer in al on,
Til his wretþe ouer ȝede.
Þei þat horn was sore adrad,
In to boure he was ladde,
Þe maiden for to se;
He fond hir liggeand on hir bedde,
Mouþe & nose al for bled:
‘Þis hastow for me.’
‘Bi god of heuen þat me bouȝt,
Of mi selue is me nouȝt,
Way is me for þe!
Falsmen haþ on ous leyd,
& to mi fader ous bi wraid,
Y drede he flemes te.
In to boure he was ladde,
Þe maiden for to se;
He fond hir liggeand on hir bedde,
Mouþe & nose al for bled:
‘Þis hastow for me.’
‘Bi god of heuen þat me bouȝt,
Of mi selue is me nouȝt,
Way is me for þe!
Falsmen haþ on ous leyd,
& to mi fader ous bi wraid,
Y drede he flemes te.
Bot, horn, ȝif it so schal bitide,
Þat þou schalt out of lond ride
& flemed schaltow be,
Þis seuen winter y schal abide,
Mi maidenhed to hele & hide,
For þe loue of þe;
Þei an emperour come,
King oþer kinges sone,
For to wedde me,
Of no loue ne schal he spede,
Þat y ne schal kepe mi maidenhede,
So help me god, to þe!
Þat þou schalt out of lond ride
& flemed schaltow be,
Þis seuen winter y schal abide,
Mi maidenhed to hele & hide,
For þe loue of þe;
Þei an emperour come,
King oþer kinges sone,
For to wedde me,
Of no loue ne schal he spede,
Þat y ne schal kepe mi maidenhede,
So help me god, to þe!
Horn, to morwe in þe morning
Þou schalt fare on hunting
To take þe wild ro;
Ȝif god þe spede an hunting,
Loke þou bring it bifor þe king,
What so þou may to;
As he sittes at his des,
Yserued of þe first mes,
Hauȝtel þe now so,
Fare as þou wist nouȝt,
& he schal telle þe al his þouȝt,
Er þou fram þat bord go.’
Þou schalt fare on hunting
To take þe wild ro;
Ȝif god þe spede an hunting,
Loke þou bring it bifor þe king,
What so þou may to;
As he sittes at his des,
Yserued of þe first mes,
Hauȝtel þe now so,
Fare as þou wist nouȝt,
& he schal telle þe al his þouȝt,
Er þou fram þat bord go.’
A morwen Horn to hunting is gan,
To take þe wilde wiþ þe tam,
In þe morwening;
Fiue hertes haþ he tan,
Bi midday brouȝt hem ham
Bifor houlak king.
Þe king seyd, ‘it is for nouȝt:
Traitour, þou hast tresoun wrouȝt;
To morwe ȝif y þe finde,
Bi mi croun, þou schalt be slawe,
Wiþ wilde hors al to drawe
& seþþen on galwes hing.’
To take þe wilde wiþ þe tam,
In þe morwening;
Fiue hertes haþ he tan,
Bi midday brouȝt hem ham
Bifor houlak king.
Þe king seyd, ‘it is for nouȝt:
Traitour, þou hast tresoun wrouȝt;
To morwe ȝif y þe finde,
Bi mi croun, þou schalt be slawe,
Wiþ wilde hors al to drawe
& seþþen on galwes hing.’
To rimneld he com, wiþ outen lesing,
& sche bitauȝt him aring,
Þe vertu wele sche knewe:
‘Loke þou forsake it for no þing,
It schal ben our tokening;
Þe ston it is wel trewe:
When þe ston wexeþ wan,
Þan chaungeþ þe þouȝt of þi leman,
Take þan anewe:
When þe ston wexeþ rede,
Þan haue y lorn mi maidenhed,
Oȝaines þe vntrewe.’
& sche bitauȝt him aring,
Þe vertu wele sche knewe:
186
It schal ben our tokening;
Þe ston it is wel trewe:
When þe ston wexeþ wan,
Þan chaungeþ þe þouȝt of þi leman,
Take þan anewe:
When þe ston wexeþ rede,
Þan haue y lorn mi maidenhed,
Oȝaines þe vntrewe.’
Horn seyd, ‘in þine erber is atre,
Þer vnder is awel fre,
Ygrowen al wiþ yue:
Rimnild, for þe loue of me,
Eueriday þat þou þer be,
To se þe water liþe
& when þou sest mi schadu þare,
Þan trowe þou me namare,
Þan am y bon to wiue;
& while þou sest mi schadu nouȝt,
Þan chaungeþ neuer mi þouȝt,
For no woman oliue.’
Þer vnder is awel fre,
Ygrowen al wiþ yue:
Rimnild, for þe loue of me,
Eueriday þat þou þer be,
To se þe water liþe
& when þou sest mi schadu þare,
Þan trowe þou me namare,
Þan am y bon to wiue;
& while þou sest mi schadu nouȝt,
Þan chaungeþ neuer mi þouȝt,
For no woman oliue.’
Houlac king wald nere wede,
Þere he sat opon his seghe
& seyd, ‘traitour, fle!’
Horn tok his leue & ȝede,
Wiþ him he tode his gode stede
& grehoundes bot þre
& alle his harneys lasse & mare;
Haþerof durst nouȝt wiþ him fare,
So wroþ þe king was he.
Maidens in þe boure gan crie
& seyd rimnild wald dye;
Now swoneþ þat fre.
Þere he sat opon his seghe
& seyd, ‘traitour, fle!’
Horn tok his leue & ȝede,
Wiþ him he tode his gode stede
& grehoundes bot þre
& alle his harneys lasse & mare;
Haþerof durst nouȝt wiþ him fare,
So wroþ þe king was he.
Maidens in þe boure gan crie
& seyd rimnild wald dye;
Now swoneþ þat fre.
When horn com fer out of þat siȝt,
He seyd, godebounde he hiȝt,
When he gan ani mete.
Wiard rode after day & niȝt,
Al so fast as he miȝt,
Horn forto seke.
Of godebounde herd he speke,
Horn no miȝt he neuer gete,
Bi way no bi strete.
Wiard rode souþe & horn rode west,
To Wales Horn com attelest,
Wel long er þai so mete.
He seyd, godebounde he hiȝt,
When he gan ani mete.
Wiard rode after day & niȝt,
Al so fast as he miȝt,
Horn forto seke.
Of godebounde herd he speke,
Horn no miȝt he neuer gete,
Bi way no bi strete.
Wiard rode souþe & horn rode west,
To Wales Horn com attelest,
Wel long er þai so mete.
Þurch aforest as he schuld fare,
An armed kniȝt mett he þare,
& bad horn schuld abide,
To ȝeld his harneise lesse & mare
Oþer iuste, wheþer him leuer ware,
Þe lawe is nouȝt to hide.
& horn of iusting was ful fain,
& seyd to þe kniȝt oȝain:
‘Ful leue me were to ride.’
An armed kniȝt mett he þare,
& bad horn schuld abide,
To ȝeld his harneise lesse & mare
Oþer iuste, wheþer him leuer ware,
Þe lawe is nouȝt to hide.
& horn of iusting was ful fain,
& seyd to þe kniȝt oȝain:
‘Ful leue me were to ride.’
Þe kniȝt toke a schaft in hand,
& horn wele vnder-fand,
Þat he couþe ride;
Horn tok on al so long
A ful touȝ & to so strong
Oȝainef him þat tide.
Þe kniȝtes scheld he cleue atvo
& of his plates he brac þo
& frussed alle his side:
Out of his sadel he bar him þan,
He brac his arm & his schulderban,
He hadde a fal vnride.
& horn wele vnder-fand,
Þat he couþe ride;
Horn tok on al so long
A ful touȝ & to so strong
Oȝainef him þat tide.
Þe kniȝtes scheld he cleue atvo
& of his plates he brac þo
& frussed alle his side:
Out of his sadel he bar him þan,
He brac his arm & his schulderban,
He hadde a fal vnride.
When he of his swoning bicam,
He asked after hornes nam,
Whider he wald gang:
‘In walis lond is þer nan
Man y made of flesche no ban,
Oȝain þe may stand.’
Horn answerd o nan:
‘Godebounde is mi nam;
Icham comen to fand,
For to win gold & fe,
In seruise wiþ ȝour king to be,
Þat lord is of þis land.’
He asked after hornes nam,
Whider he wald gang:
‘In walis lond is þer nan
Man y made of flesche no ban,
Oȝain þe may stand.’
Horn answerd o nan:
‘Godebounde is mi nam;
Icham comen to fand,
For to win gold & fe,
In seruise wiþ ȝour king to be,
Þat lord is of þis land.’
‘Our kinges name is Elidan;
In al Wales is þer nan
So strong aman as he;
While þe seuendays began,
Euerich day wiþ sundri man
Iusting bedes he þe.
Þe eiȝtenday, be þou bold,
Ȝif þou þe seuen days mai hold,
Þe king þan schaltow se
Com rideand on a stede broun
Wiþ a soket o stel feloun,
Forto win þe gre.’
In al Wales is þer nan
So strong aman as he;
While þe seuendays began,
Euerich day wiþ sundri man
Iusting bedes he þe.
187
Ȝif þou þe seuen days mai hold,
Þe king þan schaltow se
Com rideand on a stede broun
Wiþ a soket o stel feloun,
Forto win þe gre.’
Horn seyd, wiþ outten lesing,
‘For to speke wiþ þe king,
For noþing wil y bide.’
Þe kniȝt teld him namare;
Þe king at snowedoun he fond þare,
Sir Elydan þat tide.
He iusted al þat seuen niȝt,
Eueriday wiþ sundri kniȝt,
He gat þe fairest pride;
Þe eiȝtenday wiþ elidan,
& wan her stedes euerilkan,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.
‘For to speke wiþ þe king,
For noþing wil y bide.’
Þe kniȝt teld him namare;
Þe king at snowedoun he fond þare,
Sir Elydan þat tide.
He iusted al þat seuen niȝt,
Eueriday wiþ sundri kniȝt,
He gat þe fairest pride;
Þe eiȝtenday wiþ elidan,
& wan her stedes euerilkan,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.
He smot þe king opon þe scheld,
Of his hors he made him held
& feld him to þe grounde;
Swiche on hadde he founde seld,
Þat so had feld him in þe feld
Bifor þat ich stounde.
Þe king asked him, what he hiȝt,
& he him answerd anonriȝt,
‘Mi name is godebounde.’
‘Y wil þe ȝif gold & fe,
Ȝif þat þou wil duelle wiþ me,
Bi ȝere a þousend pounde.’
Of his hors he made him held
& feld him to þe grounde;
Swiche on hadde he founde seld,
Þat so had feld him in þe feld
Bifor þat ich stounde.
Þe king asked him, what he hiȝt,
& he him answerd anonriȝt,
‘Mi name is godebounde.’
‘Y wil þe ȝif gold & fe,
Ȝif þat þou wil duelle wiþ me,
Bi ȝere a þousend pounde.’
Messangers com out of yrland,
& toke þe king aletter in hand,
& bad he schuld rede,
Fro aking þat men dede wrong,
His owhen sone, ich vnder stond,
Þat axed help at nede.
He lete write aletter oȝain,
He schuld han help, is nouȝt to layn,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede.
Horn to batayl was ful boun
& folwed þe messangers out of toun,
In to Irlond þai him lede.
& toke þe king aletter in hand,
& bad he schuld rede,
Fro aking þat men dede wrong,
His owhen sone, ich vnder stond,
Þat axed help at nede.
He lete write aletter oȝain,
He schuld han help, is nouȝt to layn,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede.
Horn to batayl was ful boun
& folwed þe messangers out of toun,
In to Irlond þai him lede.
Hem com anhauen wele to hand,
Þat ȝolkil is cleped in irland,
Þe court was þer biside.
Finlawe king þer þai fande,
For to here tiþeande,
Oȝain hem gan ride.
Þe letter told þat he brouȝt,
Help schuld him faile nouȝt
Oȝaines þilke tide.
King Finlak dede to malkan say,
Wheþer he wold bi niȝt or day,
Þe bataile wald he bide.
Þat ȝolkil is cleped in irland,
Þe court was þer biside.
Finlawe king þer þai fande,
For to here tiþeande,
Oȝain hem gan ride.
Þe letter told þat he brouȝt,
Help schuld him faile nouȝt
Oȝaines þilke tide.
King Finlak dede to malkan say,
Wheþer he wold bi niȝt or day,
Þe bataile wald he bide.
Þe kinges sones riden baþe,
To hayles Horn, when þai him sawe,
& welcomed him, þat fre.
Anon þai gun to striue raþe,
Wheþer of hem him schuld haue,
To duelle in her meine.
Horn answerd hem þan as hende
& seyd to hem, ‘mi leue frende,
Þe king þan wald y se,
& afterward y wille ȝou telle,
Where me leuest is to duelle,
& semlyest to me.’
To hayles Horn, when þai him sawe,
& welcomed him, þat fre.
Anon þai gun to striue raþe,
Wheþer of hem him schuld haue,
To duelle in her meine.
Horn answerd hem þan as hende
& seyd to hem, ‘mi leue frende,
Þe king þan wald y se,
& afterward y wille ȝou telle,
Where me leuest is to duelle,
& semlyest to me.’
Þe messanger told hornes dede,
Hou he hadde ywon þe stede,
& hou he seiȝe him ride;
‘Sir, miȝtestow hold him to þi nede,
King malkan þarf þe nouȝt drede,
Batayle miȝt þou bide.
Hour king haþ boden him gold & fe,
Wiþ þat he wil wiþ him be
At þis ich nede,
& Horn ful trewely haþ him hiȝt
For to stond in stede of kniȝt,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.’
Hou he hadde ywon þe stede,
& hou he seiȝe him ride;
‘Sir, miȝtestow hold him to þi nede,
King malkan þarf þe nouȝt drede,
Batayle miȝt þou bide.
Hour king haþ boden him gold & fe,
Wiþ þat he wil wiþ him be
At þis ich nede,
& Horn ful trewely haþ him hiȝt
For to stond in stede of kniȝt,
In herd is nouȝt to hide.’
In yrlond was þer nan,
Þat alle þai be to malkan gan,
So michel was his pouste;
Bot finlak king him al an
Has þe batayl vnder tan,
Ȝif crist wil þat it be.
King malkan dede bede out here,
Opon þe king finlak to were;
‘Now þan schal we se,
Ȝif he wil fiȝt, he schal be slan,
Ȝif he wil bide, he schal be tan:
Y trowe best he wil fle.’
Þat alle þai be to malkan gan,
So michel was his pouste;
Bot finlak king him al an
Has þe batayl vnder tan,
Ȝif crist wil þat it be.
188
Opon þe king finlak to were;
‘Now þan schal we se,
Ȝif he wil fiȝt, he schal be slan,
Ȝif he wil bide, he schal be tan:
Y trowe best he wil fle.’
Bot þre woukes were þer sett,
Þat alle þis folk schal be mett,
& batayle schal þer be.
Þe Walis king hadde gret lett
Wiþ windes & wiþ watres bett,
Sir elidan þe fre;
He no miȝt in to irlond come,
For to helpen his sone,
For stormes on þe se.
King finlak seyd, ‘is nouȝt to hide,
Þis batayl dar y nouȝt abide;
Mi rede is tan to fle.’
Þat alle þis folk schal be mett,
& batayle schal þer be.
Þe Walis king hadde gret lett
Wiþ windes & wiþ watres bett,
Sir elidan þe fre;
He no miȝt in to irlond come,
For to helpen his sone,
For stormes on þe se.
King finlak seyd, ‘is nouȝt to hide,
Þis batayl dar y nouȝt abide;
Mi rede is tan to fle.’
& þan was Horn as fain o fiȝt,
As is þe foule of þe liȝt,
When it ginneþ dawe:
‘Sir king, forto held þi riȝt,
Y rede þou bede riche ȝift:
Þe folk wil to þe drawe;
Geder to þe folk þat þou may,
& baldliche hold þi day,
Batail schal we schawe:
To fle me þink it is gret schame,
Ar dintes be smiten or ani man slan,
For drede of wordes awe.’
As is þe foule of þe liȝt,
When it ginneþ dawe:
‘Sir king, forto held þi riȝt,
Y rede þou bede riche ȝift:
Þe folk wil to þe drawe;
Geder to þe folk þat þou may,
& baldliche hold þi day,
Batail schal we schawe:
To fle me þink it is gret schame,
Ar dintes be smiten or ani man slan,
For drede of wordes awe.’
Þe kinges sones wer kniȝtes bold,
& seyd þai wald þe batail hold,
Her liues forto lete;
Finlac king, þei he war ald,
Bleþeli he seyd fiȝt he wald,
To hold þat he bi-hete.
Þus þai riden out of toun
Wiþ spere oloft & goinfaynoun,
Malkan king to mete;
Wiþ speres scharp & swerdes gode
Þai slouȝ mani afrely fode,
So grimli gun þai grete.
& seyd þai wald þe batail hold,
Her liues forto lete;
Finlac king, þei he war ald,
Bleþeli he seyd fiȝt he wald,
To hold þat he bi-hete.
Þus þai riden out of toun
Wiþ spere oloft & goinfaynoun,
Malkan king to mete;
Wiþ speres scharp & swerdes gode
Þai slouȝ mani afrely fode,
So grimli gun þai grete.
Þer Horn seiȝe þe mest þrang,
In he rides hem a-mang
& lays on wel gode won;
It was no man of yrland,
Miȝt stond adint of his hand,
At ich stroke he slouȝ on [OMITTED]
In he rides hem a-mang
& lays on wel gode won;
It was no man of yrland,
Miȝt stond adint of his hand,
At ich stroke he slouȝ on [OMITTED]
[OMITTED]
Maiden & wiif gret sorwe gan make
For þe kinges sones sake,
Þat were apoint to dye.
Finlac king oȝaines him come,
& his armes of him nome;
Þe blod ran ouer his eiȝe.
He cleped his douhter Acula,
& bad sche schuld a plaster ta;
Of woundes was sche sleiȝe.
For þe kinges sones sake,
Þat were apoint to dye.
Finlac king oȝaines him come,
& his armes of him nome;
Þe blod ran ouer his eiȝe.
He cleped his douhter Acula,
& bad sche schuld a plaster ta;
Of woundes was sche sleiȝe.
Þe maiden tast Hornes wounde,
Þe kinges douhter, in þat stounde;
Of him hye is ful fain:
‘Þou schalt be sone hole & sounde;
Hastow Malkan brouȝt to grounde?’
He seyd, ‘ȝa,’ oȝain.
‘King Malkan was mi faders ban,
& now for soþe ich haue him slan,
Þe soþe for to sain.
Mi fader swerd y wan to day,
Y kepe it while y liue may:
Þe name is blauain.’
Þe kinges douhter, in þat stounde;
Of him hye is ful fain:
‘Þou schalt be sone hole & sounde;
Hastow Malkan brouȝt to grounde?’
He seyd, ‘ȝa,’ oȝain.
‘King Malkan was mi faders ban,
& now for soþe ich haue him slan,
Þe soþe for to sain.
Mi fader swerd y wan to day,
Y kepe it while y liue may:
Þe name is blauain.’
Þai birid þe folk þat were slan,
& her armour þai ladde ham,
Wiþ hors white & broun.
Finlac king him bi þouȝt,
Hou he Horn ȝeld mouȝt,
To ȝif him his warisoun;
He tok malkan kinges lond,
& sesed it in to Hornnes hond,
Boþe tour & toun.
Erles, barouns, euerichon,
In Irlond was þer non,
Þat no com to his somoun.
& her armour þai ladde ham,
Wiþ hors white & broun.
Finlac king him bi þouȝt,
Hou he Horn ȝeld mouȝt,
To ȝif him his warisoun;
He tok malkan kinges lond,
& sesed it in to Hornnes hond,
Boþe tour & toun.
Erles, barouns, euerichon,
In Irlond was þer non,
Þat no com to his somoun.
Þe kinges douhter Acula
Loued hende Horn so
Sche durst it nouȝt kiþe;
Wheþer sche seiȝe him ride or go,
Hir þouȝt hir hert brak atvo,
Þat sche no spac wiþ þat bliþe.
On aday sche made hir seke,
Horn com & wiþ hir speke,
Sche miȝt no lenger miþe;
To him spac þat maiden fre
& seyd, ‘horn, y loue þe,
Man most oliue.’
Loued hende Horn so
Sche durst it nouȝt kiþe;
189
Hir þouȝt hir hert brak atvo,
Þat sche no spac wiþ þat bliþe.
On aday sche made hir seke,
Horn com & wiþ hir speke,
Sche miȝt no lenger miþe;
To him spac þat maiden fre
& seyd, ‘horn, y loue þe,
Man most oliue.’
Ouer al horn þe priis him wan,
He seyd it was for owiman,
Þat was him leue & dere:
Acula wende for þan,
Þat horn hir loued & most gode an
Of ani woman þat were.
Of anoþer was al his þouȝt,
Maiden Rimnild forȝat he nouȝt,
Sche lay his hert ful nere.
Þe ring to schewen haþ he tan,
Þe hewe was chaunged of þe stan,
For gon is seuen ȝere.
He seyd it was for owiman,
Þat was him leue & dere:
Acula wende for þan,
Þat horn hir loued & most gode an
Of ani woman þat were.
Of anoþer was al his þouȝt,
Maiden Rimnild forȝat he nouȝt,
Sche lay his hert ful nere.
Þe ring to schewen haþ he tan,
Þe hewe was chaunged of þe stan,
For gon is seuen ȝere.
Horn wald no lenger abide;
He busked him for to ride
& gedred folk eueraware,
An hundred kniȝtes bi his side,
Wiþ stedes fele & michel pride,
Her schippes were ful ȝare.
Þai sayled ouer þe flode so gray,
In Inglond ariued were þay,
Þer hem leuest ware;
Vnder awode þer þai gan lende,
Horn seiȝe abegger wende,
& after he is fare.
He busked him for to ride
& gedred folk eueraware,
An hundred kniȝtes bi his side,
Wiþ stedes fele & michel pride,
Her schippes were ful ȝare.
Þai sayled ouer þe flode so gray,
In Inglond ariued were þay,
Þer hem leuest ware;
Vnder awode þer þai gan lende,
Horn seiȝe abegger wende,
& after he is fare.
Horn fast after him gan ride
& bad þe begger schuld abide,
For to here his speche.
Þe begger answerd in þat tide,
‘Vilaine, canestow nouȝt ride?
Fairer þou miȝt me grete;
Haddestow cleped me gode man,
Y wold haue teld þe wennes y cam
& whom y go to seche:
Horn to seke haue y gon
Þurch out londes mani on,
& ay schal while we mete.
& bad þe begger schuld abide,
For to here his speche.
Þe begger answerd in þat tide,
‘Vilaine, canestow nouȝt ride?
Fairer þou miȝt me grete;
Haddestow cleped me gode man,
Y wold haue teld þe wennes y cam
& whom y go to seche:
Horn to seke haue y gon
Þurch out londes mani on,
& ay schal while we mete.
& now be min robes riuen,
& me no was no noþer ȝeuen
Of alle þis seuen ȝere.
Y go to seke after him ay,
& þus haue don mani aday,
Til þat we mete yfere.
To day is moging þe king
Wiþ rimnild at spouseing,
Þe kinges douhter dere;
Mani sides schuld be bi bled,
Er he bring hir to his bed,
Ȝif horn in lond were.
& me no was no noþer ȝeuen
Of alle þis seuen ȝere.
Y go to seke after him ay,
& þus haue don mani aday,
Til þat we mete yfere.
To day is moging þe king
Wiþ rimnild at spouseing,
Þe kinges douhter dere;
Mani sides schuld be bi bled,
Er he bring hir to his bed,
Ȝif horn in lond were.
Wiard schaltow calle me;
Gentil man, ȝif þou be fre,
Tel me þi name;
Þi knaue wald y fain be,
Þat fair fest forto se,
Me þenke þatow hast nane.’
Horn answerd him oȝain,
‘Ich hat Horn, is nouȝt to lain,
& elles were me schame;
Bot ȝif ich held þat þou hast seyd,
Er þat þai ben in bed layd,
Fiue þousende schal be slain.
Gentil man, ȝif þou be fre,
Tel me þi name;
Þi knaue wald y fain be,
Þat fair fest forto se,
Me þenke þatow hast nane.’
Horn answerd him oȝain,
‘Ich hat Horn, is nouȝt to lain,
& elles were me schame;
Bot ȝif ich held þat þou hast seyd,
Er þat þai ben in bed layd,
Fiue þousende schal be slain.
Wiard, oȝain schaltow ride
To mi folk & þere abide,
Haue here mi robe to mede;
& y wil to court gon,
Forto loke what þai don,
In þi pouer wede;
Bring hem vnder ȝon wode side,
Al so ȝern astow may ride,
Þe way þou canst hem lede;
& y schal heiȝe me wel sone,
Y com oȝain, er it be none,
Ȝif crist me wil spede.’
To mi folk & þere abide,
Haue here mi robe to mede;
& y wil to court gon,
Forto loke what þai don,
In þi pouer wede;
Bring hem vnder ȝon wode side,
Al so ȝern astow may ride,
Þe way þou canst hem lede;
& y schal heiȝe me wel sone,
Y com oȝain, er it be none,
Ȝif crist me wil spede.’
When horn fro fer herd glewe,
Wiþ tabournes bete & trumppes blewe,
Oȝaines hem he ȝede.
Muging king ful wele he knewe,
He tok him bi þe lorein newe,
Oȝain he held his stede.
Wikard com & smot him so
& seyd, ‘traitour, lat þe bridel go.’
Þe blode out after ȝede.
Horn ful trewely haþ him hiȝt,
He schal him ȝeld þat ich niȝt,
A box schal ben his mede.
Wiþ tabournes bete & trumppes blewe,
Oȝaines hem he ȝede.
190
He tok him bi þe lorein newe,
Oȝain he held his stede.
Wikard com & smot him so
& seyd, ‘traitour, lat þe bridel go.’
Þe blode out after ȝede.
Horn ful trewely haþ him hiȝt,
He schal him ȝeld þat ich niȝt,
A box schal ben his mede.
Moioun king was ful wo
Þat he hadde smiten þe pouer man so,
& seyd, ‘lat mi bridel be.
Wiþ þi þou lat mi bridel be,
What so þou wilt aski me,
Bleþelich ȝiue y þe.’
‘Peter!’ quaþ Horn, ‘þatow wilt
Ȝiue me maiden Rimnild,
Þat is so fair & fre.’
Þe king was wroþ & rewe his ȝift:
‘Þou askest wrong & no þing riȝt,
Sche may nouȝt þine be.’
Þat he hadde smiten þe pouer man so,
& seyd, ‘lat mi bridel be.
Wiþ þi þou lat mi bridel be,
What so þou wilt aski me,
Bleþelich ȝiue y þe.’
‘Peter!’ quaþ Horn, ‘þatow wilt
Ȝiue me maiden Rimnild,
Þat is so fair & fre.’
Þe king was wroþ & rewe his ȝift:
‘Þou askest wrong & no þing riȝt,
Sche may nouȝt þine be.’
Horn seyd, ‘Y sett a nett otime:
Ȝif ani fische is taken þer inne
Of al þis seuen ȝere,
No schal it neuer more be mine,
Y wold it were sonken in helle pine,
Wiþ fendes fele on fere;
& ȝif it haþ ytaken nouȝt,
Y schal it loue in hertþouȝt,
& be me leue & dere.’
Þus þai went alle ysame
Vnto þe castel wiþ gle & game;
A fole þai wende he were.
Ȝif ani fische is taken þer inne
Of al þis seuen ȝere,
No schal it neuer more be mine,
Y wold it were sonken in helle pine,
Wiþ fendes fele on fere;
& ȝif it haþ ytaken nouȝt,
Y schal it loue in hertþouȝt,
& be me leue & dere.’
Þus þai went alle ysame
Vnto þe castel wiþ gle & game;
A fole þai wende he were.
‘Of beggers mo þan sexti,’
Horn seyd, ‘maister am y,
& aske þe þe mete,
Þat y mote & oþer þre
To day in þine halle be,
When folk is gon to sete;
Þan y wil folwe þe ham,
& þat y mot wiþ þe gan
In atte castel ȝete.’
Þe king him hiȝt sikerly:
‘Þou schalt in þe halle by
To haue þere þi mete.’
Horn seyd, ‘maister am y,
& aske þe þe mete,
Þat y mote & oþer þre
To day in þine halle be,
When folk is gon to sete;
Þan y wil folwe þe ham,
& þat y mot wiþ þe gan
In atte castel ȝete.’
Þe king him hiȝt sikerly:
‘Þou schalt in þe halle by
To haue þere þi mete.’
Þer was mani riche gest
Diȝt vnto þat frely fest
Of douhti folk in lond;
Atte ȝate was strong þrast,
Horn wald nouȝt be þe last
In for to gange.
Þe porter cald him herlot swain,
& he put him oȝain,
Þer out for to stand.
Horn brust opon him so,
His scholder bon he brak ato,
& in anon he þrange.
Diȝt vnto þat frely fest
Of douhti folk in lond;
Atte ȝate was strong þrast,
Horn wald nouȝt be þe last
In for to gange.
Þe porter cald him herlot swain,
& he put him oȝain,
Þer out for to stand.
Horn brust opon him so,
His scholder bon he brak ato,
& in anon he þrange.
Kokes hadde þe mete grayd,
Þe bord was sett, þe cloþ was layd;
To benche ȝede þe bold;
Þe trompes blewe, þeglewemenpleyd,
Þe bischopes had þe grace y seyd,
As miri men of molde.
Þer was mani aricheman,
Mete & drink wel gode wan
To alle þat ete wolde.
Horn sat & litel ete,
Michel he þouȝt & more he speke,
For fole men schuld him hold.
Þe bord was sett, þe cloþ was layd;
To benche ȝede þe bold;
Þe trompes blewe, þeglewemenpleyd,
Þe bischopes had þe grace y seyd,
As miri men of molde.
Þer was mani aricheman,
Mete & drink wel gode wan
To alle þat ete wolde.
Horn sat & litel ete,
Michel he þouȝt & more he speke,
For fole men schuld him hold.
Þan was þe lawe, soþe to say,
Þe bride schuld þe first day
Seruen atte mete;
Hendelich þan serued scho,
As a maiden schuld do;
Horn bigan to speke:
‘Maiden, ȝif þi wille be,
To godes men schultow se,
Þou no ouȝtest hem nouȝt forȝete;
& seþþen þe kniȝtes schul turnay,
For to loke who so may
Þe maistri of hem ȝete.’
Þe bride schuld þe first day
Seruen atte mete;
Hendelich þan serued scho,
As a maiden schuld do;
Horn bigan to speke:
‘Maiden, ȝif þi wille be,
To godes men schultow se,
Þou no ouȝtest hem nouȝt forȝete;
& seþþen þe kniȝtes schul turnay,
For to loke who so may
Þe maistri of hem ȝete.’
Forþ sche went, þat maiden fre,
& feched drink, þat men miȝt se,
To þat beggere:
‘For hornnes loue y pray þe,
Go nouȝt, ar þis drunken be,
Ȝif euer he was þe dere.’
Þe maiden bi him stille stode,
To here of horn hir þouȝt it gode,
He lay hir hert ful nere;
Of þe coppe he drank þe wine,
Þe ring of gold he kest þer inne:
‘Bi tokening, lo, it here!’
& feched drink, þat men miȝt se,
To þat beggere:
191
Go nouȝt, ar þis drunken be,
Ȝif euer he was þe dere.’
Þe maiden bi him stille stode,
To here of horn hir þouȝt it gode,
He lay hir hert ful nere;
Of þe coppe he drank þe wine,
Þe ring of gold he kest þer inne:
‘Bi tokening, lo, it here!’
‘A, sely man, þe þrestes sare,
Þou schalt haue a drink mare,
Gode wine schal it be.’
Anoþer drank sche him bare,
Sche asked ȝif horn þer in ware;
‘Ȝa, certes,’ þan seyd he.
Nas sche bot alitel fram him gon,
Þat sche ne fel adoun anon,
Now swoneþ þat fre.
Kniȝtes her to chaumber ledde;
When sche lay opon hir bedde,
Sche seyd, ‘clepe haþerof to me.’
Þou schalt haue a drink mare,
Gode wine schal it be.’
Anoþer drank sche him bare,
Sche asked ȝif horn þer in ware;
‘Ȝa, certes,’ þan seyd he.
Nas sche bot alitel fram him gon,
Þat sche ne fel adoun anon,
Now swoneþ þat fre.
Kniȝtes her to chaumber ledde;
When sche lay opon hir bedde,
Sche seyd, ‘clepe haþerof to me.’
‘Kniȝtes, goþ in to halle swiþe,
& bid þe kinges make hem bliþe,
Þat y wold wel fain;
Haþerof, go in to þe erber swiþe
& geder paruink & iue,
Greses þat ben of main.
Certeynli, as y ȝou say,
Horn is in þis halle to day;
Y wende he hadde ben slain:
Moioun king schal neuer spede,
For to haue mi maiden hede,
Now Horn is comen oȝain.’
& bid þe kinges make hem bliþe,
Þat y wold wel fain;
Haþerof, go in to þe erber swiþe
& geder paruink & iue,
Greses þat ben of main.
Certeynli, as y ȝou say,
Horn is in þis halle to day;
Y wende he hadde ben slain:
Moioun king schal neuer spede,
For to haue mi maiden hede,
Now Horn is comen oȝain.’
‘Haþerof, go in to halle & se:
In seli pouer wede is he,
Y pray þe knowe him riȝt:
Say him, treuþe pliȝt er we,’
‘Bid him,’ sche seyd, ‘as he is fre,
Hold þat he bi hiȝt;
Bidd him go & me abide
Riȝt vnder ȝon wode side,
As he is trewe kniȝt;
When al þis folk is gon to play,
He & y schal stele oway,
Bitvene þe day & þe niȝt.’
In seli pouer wede is he,
Y pray þe knowe him riȝt:
Say him, treuþe pliȝt er we,’
‘Bid him,’ sche seyd, ‘as he is fre,
Hold þat he bi hiȝt;
Bidd him go & me abide
Riȝt vnder ȝon wode side,
As he is trewe kniȝt;
When al þis folk is gon to play,
He & y schal stele oway,
Bitvene þe day & þe niȝt.’
Haþerof in to halle ȝode,
For to bihald þat frely fode,
Ful wele he knewe his viis;
Opon his fot hard he stode,
Horn þouȝt þe tokening gode;
Vp he gan to arise.
Forþ þai ȝede, þo kniȝtes bold;
Haþerof þe maidens erand told,
Of trewe loue Horn was wiis:
‘Y schal com in to þe feld wiþ pride,
An hundred kniȝtes bi mi side,
Milke white is mi queintise.’
For to bihald þat frely fode,
Ful wele he knewe his viis;
Opon his fot hard he stode,
Horn þouȝt þe tokening gode;
Vp he gan to arise.
Forþ þai ȝede, þo kniȝtes bold;
Haþerof þe maidens erand told,
Of trewe loue Horn was wiis:
‘Y schal com in to þe feld wiþ pride,
An hundred kniȝtes bi mi side,
Milke white is mi queintise.’
‘Bot, haþerof, þou most me schawe,
Whar bi y schal Wikard knawe,
His buffeyt schal be bouȝt.’
‘He haþ queintise white so snawe,
Wiþ foules blac as ani crawe,
Wiþ silke werk it is wrouȝt.
Moioun queintise is ȝalu & wan,
Sett wiþ pekok & wiþ swan,
Þat he wiþ him haþ brouȝt;
Wikeles queintise is ȝalu & grene,
Floure de liis sett bi tvene,
Him for ȝete þou nouȝt.’
Whar bi y schal Wikard knawe,
His buffeyt schal be bouȝt.’
‘He haþ queintise white so snawe,
Wiþ foules blac as ani crawe,
Wiþ silke werk it is wrouȝt.
Moioun queintise is ȝalu & wan,
Sett wiþ pekok & wiþ swan,
Þat he wiþ him haþ brouȝt;
Wikeles queintise is ȝalu & grene,
Floure de liis sett bi tvene,
Him for ȝete þou nouȝt.’
Now if haþerof comen oȝain,
& seyd he haþ Horn sain,
& what folk he haþ brouȝt;
& after wisarmes he gan frain;
Was neuer Rimnild ere so fain
In hert no in þouȝt:
‘Haþerof, go in to halle swiþe
& bid mi fader make him bliþe
& say icham sike nouȝt.
Wikard, þat is leue to smite,
Horn schal him his dettes quite,
To niȝt it schal be bouȝt.’
& seyd he haþ Horn sain,
& what folk he haþ brouȝt;
& after wisarmes he gan frain;
Was neuer Rimnild ere so fain
In hert no in þouȝt:
‘Haþerof, go in to halle swiþe
& bid mi fader make him bliþe
& say icham sike nouȝt.
Wikard, þat is leue to smite,
Horn schal him his dettes quite,
To niȝt it schal be bouȝt.’
When þai hadde eten, þan were þai boun;
Wiþ spere oloft & gonfainoun,
Al armed were þo bold;
Wiþ trump & tabourun out of toun
Þus þai redde þe riȝt roun,
Ich man as he wold.
A nerl out of cornwayle
Oȝain Moioun saun faile,
Þe turnament schal hold;
& horn com in to þe feld wiþ pride,
An hundred kniȝtes bi his side,
In rime as it is told.
Wiþ spere oloft & gonfainoun,
Al armed were þo bold;
192
Þus þai redde þe riȝt roun,
Ich man as he wold.
A nerl out of cornwayle
Oȝain Moioun saun faile,
Þe turnament schal hold;
& horn com in to þe feld wiþ pride,
An hundred kniȝtes bi his side,
In rime as it is told.
Horn of her coming was wel wise,
& knewe hem bi her queyntise,
Anon þai counterd þo.
Moioun king haþ tint þe priis,
Vnder his hors fete he liis,
Horn wald him nouȝt slo.
To sir wigard his swerd he weued,
Euen ato he cleue his heued,
His box he ȝalt him þo;
Out he smot Wigles eiȝe;
Traitours þat er leue to liȝe,
Men schal hem ken so.
& knewe hem bi her queyntise,
Anon þai counterd þo.
Moioun king haþ tint þe priis,
Vnder his hors fete he liis,
Horn wald him nouȝt slo.
To sir wigard his swerd he weued,
Euen ato he cleue his heued,
His box he ȝalt him þo;
Out he smot Wigles eiȝe;
Traitours þat er leue to liȝe,
Men schal hem ken so.
Þat day Horn þe turnament wan
Fro Moioun & mani aman,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede;
He toke þe gre þat was a swan,
& sent to rimnild his leman,
To hir riche mede.
To houlac king horn gan wende
& þonked him as his frende
Of his gode dede:
‘Þou feddest me & forsterd to man.’
He maked wikel telle out þan
His lessinges & his falshed.
Fro Moioun & mani aman,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede;
He toke þe gre þat was a swan,
& sent to rimnild his leman,
To hir riche mede.
To houlac king horn gan wende
& þonked him as his frende
Of his gode dede:
‘Þou feddest me & forsterd to man.’
He maked wikel telle out þan
His lessinges & his falshed.
Moioun king is iuel diȝt,
Tint he haþ þat swete wiȝt
& wold ben oway.
Horn þat hadde hir treuþe pliȝt,
Wedded hir þat ich niȝt
And al opon aday.
Now is Rimnild tviis wedde,
Horn brouȝt hir to his bedde;
Houlac king gan say:
‘Half mi lond ichil þe ȝiue,
Wiþ mi douȝter, while y liue,
& al after mi day.’
Tint he haþ þat swete wiȝt
& wold ben oway.
Horn þat hadde hir treuþe pliȝt,
Wedded hir þat ich niȝt
And al opon aday.
Now is Rimnild tviis wedde,
Horn brouȝt hir to his bedde;
Houlac king gan say:
‘Half mi lond ichil þe ȝiue,
Wiþ mi douȝter, while y liue,
& al after mi day.’
Fiue days sat her fest,
Wiþ mete & drink riche & onest,
In boke as we rede.
Forþ, as we telle in gest,
Horn lete sende est & west,
His folk to batayle bede;
Into norþ humber land for to fare,
To winne þat his fader ware,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede,
Wiþ erl, baroun & wiþ swain
To winne his fader lond oȝain,
Ȝif crist him wold spede.
Wiþ mete & drink riche & onest,
In boke as we rede.
Forþ, as we telle in gest,
Horn lete sende est & west,
His folk to batayle bede;
Into norþ humber land for to fare,
To winne þat his fader ware,
Wiþ kniȝtes stiþe on stede,
Wiþ erl, baroun & wiþ swain
To winne his fader lond oȝain,
Ȝif crist him wold spede.
Michel frely folk was þare,
into norþ humber land to fare
Wiþ stedes wite & broun.
Horn wald for noman spare,
To winne al þat his fader ware,
Boþe tour & toun.
When Þorbrond herd þis,
Þan horn to lond y comen is, [OMITTED]
into norþ humber land to fare
Wiþ stedes wite & broun.
Horn wald for noman spare,
To winne al þat his fader ware,
Boþe tour & toun.
When Þorbrond herd þis,
Þan horn to lond y comen is, [OMITTED]
| King Horn | |