Classic Poem

1.

Sir Helmer Blaa with hawk and hound
Was riding through the forest ground.
So well he sits in saddle.

2.

He saw just under a mountain side
His lady-fair's seven brothers ride.

3.

Sir Helmer ask'd his squire so true,
" What thinkest thou were best to do? "

4.

" 'Twere best, the truth if I may say,
To spur our steeds and ride away. "

5.

" That to my bride shall ne'er be said,
That I before her brothers fled. "

6.

No coward he, Sir Helmer Blaa,
He boldly rode and met his foe.

7.

" Sir Helmer, meet we thee again?
Our honourd uncle thou hast slain:

8.

" Thou, thou, it was, our uncle slew,
And never paid what fine was due.

9.

" And now thou hast made our sister thine,
Our leave unask'd, unpaid the fine. "

10.

" Safe in my treasure chest I hold,
To pay the death, ten marks of gold. "

11.

" We'll take of thee but one amend,
Thy left foot and thy dexter hand. "

12.

" Ere ye shall get my hands or feet,
Some other fate yourselves may meet. "

13.

Sir Helmer Blaa his sabre drew,
And at a stroke Sir Ebbe slew.

14.

When Lang and Ove slaughter'd lay,
His sword had just come into play.

15.

He then kill'd Wolf and Edgar White,
And so were four in equal plight.

16.

Torkild and Thor the next he sped,
So lay in all six brothers dead.

17.

Then rose as red as blood Sir Paul,
A courteous man belov'd by all.

18.

" Sir Helmer, lay this feud aside,
My sister I'll give thee for bride. "

19.

His terms with joy Sir Helmer heard,
And in the greensward stuck his sword.

20.

" Thanks, good Sir Paul! and I agree;
Henceforth a brother see in me. "

21.

Like loving brethren home they rode,
Such courtesy each the other show'd;

22.

And when Sir Helmer reach'd his hall,
His sister too he gave Sir Paul.

23.

Gaily they drank their wedding feast,
Nor has their friendship ever ceas'd.