And none can break its links asunder."

Then Axel turned to yonder Lord,
His manly cheek with rage was ruddy:
"To-morrow I'll rebut thy word
Although it cost me life and body."

Then forward on the flagstone wide
The prince advanced, inflamed with passion:
"To-morrow thou an oath," he cried,
"Shalt swear without equivocation.

"Thou on thy sword an oath to me
Shalt swear, and on the brevier holy,
Whether Valborg is a maid for thee
Or whether ye have committed folly."

"Proud prince, if I must take that oath
I it can do with heart approving;
To fight thee ne'er shalt find me loth
Whilst I this hand have power of moving."

That night Dame Eskelin in her bed
Was by her lord Sir Hagen sleeping:
"What have I dream'd?" she, starting, said,
"Saint Bridget take me 'neath thy keeping.

"Methought that Julli fair and mild
Beneath the earth who long has rested,
That I would help her hapless child
So mournfully with tears requested.

"I have full seven sons, my lord,
And each has thirty swains so steady,
They to their loins shall bind the sword
And up and help the beauteous lady.

"And thou shalt saddle ten steeds so free
And ride away like gallant noble,
Heading our house's chivalry
To stand by Valborg in her trouble.

"Full seven sons, my lord, have we,
They all are counts so bold and sprightly;
It is our joy and pride to see
They bear themselves so well and knightly.

"Two cousins I and Julli were--
The peace of God attend upon her!
If I forsake in this affair
Her child 'twill be to our dishonor."

'Twas early in the morning tide,
Rose o'er the wold the sun in lustre;
Within the Castle's halls of pride
The knights to swear the oath now muster.

Then up Sir Axel Thordson rose,
And lifted up his arm of power:
"Come, swear with me, of Gildish house
Ye counts of chivalry the flower."

Then in their sable and mard array
Stepped forward stately knights eleven:
"We'll with Sir Axel swear to-day,
Betide whatever pleases heaven."

Down Valborg's cheek ran tears as fleet
As winter rain when fastest pouring:
"Ah where shall I with friends now meet?
Destruction's voice for me is roaring."

Answered her uncles all with speed,
Their voice it made her ears to tingle:
"As thou wast single in the rede,
So in the oath be also single."

Then up and spake Archdeacon Erland,
That speech has broken all his patience: