Brother Avenged, and Other Ballads — Dagmar

DAGMAR

Sick in Ribe Dagmar’s lying, Soon she’ll be in Ringsted’s wall;

All the Dames in Denmark dwelling Unto her she bids them call.

“Fetch me four, fetch five, I pray ye, Fetch me those for wisdom famed;

Fetch Sir Carl of Haves’ sister, Little Kirstine is she named.

“Fetch the old, and fetch the youthful, Fetch the learned unto me;

Fetch the lovely little Kirstine, Worthy all respect is she.

“Canst thou read and write, my darling?

Canst thou ease the pains I bear?

Thou shalt ride upon my coursers, And the ruddy scarlet wear.

” “Could I read and write, my lady, Blythely I would do the same;

Thy pains are than iron harder, ’Tis with grief I that proclaim.

” ’Twas the lovely little Kirstine, Took the book and read a space— “Ah, thy pains than steel are harder, God Almighty help thy case!

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