A collection of English ballads edited by Thomas James Wise. These ballads offer readers a glimpse into the world of English literature and storytelling. A rich compilation for those who enjoy English poetry and ballad narratives.
From Bern rode forth King Diderik, A stately warrior form; Engaged in fray he found in the way A lion and laidly worm. They fought for a day, they fought for two, But ere the third was flown, The worm outfought the beast, and brought To earth the lion down. Then cried the lion in his need When he the warrior saw: “O aid me quick, King Diderik, To ’scape the Dragon’s claw. “O aid me quick, King Diderik, For the mighty God thou fearest; A lion save for the lion brave, Which on thy shield thou bearest. “Come to my rescue, thou noble King, Help, help me for thy name; Upon thy targe I stand at large, Glittering like a flame.” Long, long stood he, King Diderik, Deep musing thereupon; At length he cried: “Whate’er betide I’ll help thee, noble one.” It was Sir King Diderik, His good sword bare he made: With courage fraught, the worm he fought, Till blood tinged all the blade.
This is a historical romance set in Denmark. As this novel is set in 13th-century Denmark by a Danish writer, the translator has added some explanatory passages to explain references in the story that the average non-Danish reader could not be expected to understand. The story opens on a stormy night when a group of porpoise hunters and ferrymen are watching a large skiff struggling in the storm. They are all in a hurry to get to the castle nearby.