The Tale of Brynild, and King Valdemar and his Sister

to the foot-swain who stood at his side:
" Fetch hither five horse-whips," King Valdemar cried.

Little Kirsten she fell down upon her bare knee:
"Now mighty Lord God! look with mercy on me."

"For four whips or five whips thou needest not send,
One will be quite enough to bring me to my end."

The King in his hand the horse-scourges has ta'en,
His bosom with sorrow was filled, and with pain.

" Rise, rise Queen Sophia! and beg for me now,
For brought me to this have thy brother and thou."

"Little worthy were I of the title of Queen,
Were I to essay such a harlot to screen."

"I'll punish her so, though I love her full dear,
That all shall thereof with astonishment hear."

He lashed her so long, and he lashed her so sore,
That grovelling she lay in a stream of red gore.

She crept for defence 'neath Sophia's array,
With her foot she with vehemence spurned her away.

"O 'neath your red scarlet my poor body hide,
For