‘The dawn in the
East is breaking.
Light everywhere
is found;
Oh how
my love knows little
Of where I must be
bound.’
‘Oh, could they
but be friends those
Who now as foes
appear,
From this land I
would take you,
My love, my
darling dear!’
‘And where then
would you take me,
You knight so bold
of face?
In my love’s arms
I lie in
More virtuous
embrace.’
‘In your love’s
arms you’re lying?
In faith! No truth
you tell.
Seek out the
green-leafed linden,
He lies there
where he fell.’
The maiden put her
cloak on
And to the linden
sped,
Where lying on the
ground she
Did find her true
love dead.
‘And is it here
you’re fallen,
All covered with
your blood!
That comes from
reckless boasting
And pride that
bodes no good.
And is it here
you’re fallen,
Who solace brought
alway!
Now all that you
have left me
Is many a mournful
day.’
The maiden put her
cloak on
And hastened o’er
the ground
To where her
father’s door stood
That she wide open
found.
‘Oh, is there any
squire here
Or some man nobly
bred
Who’s willing to
help bury
my love that now
is dead?’
The gentlemen
stayed silent,
Of speech they
were bereft;
The maiden turned
around then,
And shedding tears
she left.
Within her arms
she held him
And on his mouth
did shower
More kisses in a
short while
Than in so many an
hour.
With his bare
sword full-gleaming
The earth she dug
away,
With snow-white
arms she bore him
And in his grave
did lay.
‘To some small
far-off convent
I now my way will
wend,
Henceforth black
veils be wearing
And as a nun life
end.’
With voice both
clear and ready
The holy mass she
sang
With show-white
hands so steady
The little bell
she rang.
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