those counts of power;
And they together took their way
To good Queen Malfred's lofty bower.

First Malfred Queen saluted they,
In manner as became them duteous;
And then they greeted Valborg may,
Of all the maiden band most beauteous.

"Success attend thee through thy life,
Thou child of her we loved so tender;
Prince Hogen thee doth woo for wife,
And we to him will thee surrender."

"And have ye promised me for wife?
Now my three gentle uncles mind me,
I love Sir Axel dear as life,
And faithless he shall never find me."

Then answered her those counts so bold,
Her uncles three, with fury glaring:
"Ah ne'er shalt thou the promise hold
Which thou to make hast had the daring."

It was Hogen the King's son then
So many letters broad endighted;
With seven times ten of priestly men
The Archbishop he to him invited.

'Twas Master Erland the good and wise
So carefully the brief read over:
"Now shame on him who this device
Did hatch, Canute I here discover."

The Archbishop placed him by the board,
Bowed to the prince his reverend figure:
"Thou'st sent for me, my gracious lord,
To learn thy high commands I'm eager."

"O long have I a maiden woo'd,
And I to wife would gladly take her;
But most for Axel stands her mood,
Abandon him we now must make her."

They've writ and caused upon the Ting
Be read so solemn a citation,
Which should the hapless couple bring
Before the priestly congregation.

The matin singing was at end,
The sun its rays so freshly darted:
To church Sir Axel now must wend
With Valborg fair the loving hearted.

Upsprang the knight on steed of height,
With sighs his anguish deep declaring;
In chariot rode the damsel bright,
In bosom locked her sorrow bearing.

First rode the knight on steed of height,
His thoughts so wide and wild were flying;
Next him in coach the damsel bright
Did ride, to veil her sorrow trying.

Then out and spoke proud Valborg fair,
As they the bridge were passing over:
"A glad heart seldom sighs with care,
Though smiles do oft a sad heart cover."

They stopped Maria's Church before,
And from their steeds they have descended,
In stepped they through the lofty door,
By knights and noble friends attended.

Midst of the Church's aisle they stay'd,
Their steps the advancing Chapter facing;
All saw they were at heart afraid
Who on that luckless two were gazing.