King Horn

This is something of a rough and literal translation, and may contain errors; let me know if you find any! Please read this together with the original, the Middle English has resonances and rhythms which are important, and which the translation cannot reproduce.

The text from which I have worked is Middle English Verse Romances, ed. Donald Sands, New York: Holt, Rinehard and Winston, 1966. Another version, with a slightly more detailed gloss, can be found at http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams/hornfrm.htm.

All blithe be they
that listen to my song!
I shall sing you a song
of Murry the King.
King he was in the West,
for as long as he lived.
His queen was called Godhild;
none might be fairer.
He had a son that was named Horn;
No fairer might be born, (10)
nor rain fall upon him,
nor sun shine upon him.
None is fairer than he was;
he was bright as the glass,
he was white as the flower,
rose-red was his colour.
He was fair and also bold,
and fifteen winters' old.
In no kingdom
was any his equal. (20)
Twelve comrades he had
that he always led with him,
all the sons of rich men,
and all of them were fair youths
to play with him.
And most he loved two:
the one was named Athulf
and the other Fikenhild. (30)
Athuld was the best,
and Fikenhild the worst. 		It was upon a summer's day
as I may tell you,
Murry, the good king,
rode for his pleasure
by the sea side,
as he was accustomed to.
With him rode only two -
all too few were they!
He found by the beach
arrived in his lands (40)
fifteen ships
with bold Saracens.
He asked what they sought,
or what brought them to this land.
A pagan heard him
and soon answered him:
"We will slay the folk of your land
and all that love Christ
and yourself immediately.
You shall not leave here today." (50)
The king dismounted from his horse
even though he had need of it,
and his two good knights.
All too few had he!
They gripped their swords
and together smote.
They smote under shields
so that some felt it.
The King had all too few
against so many rogues. (60)
So easily might they
bring the three to death.
The pagans came to land
and took it in their possession.
The folk they began to kill,
and to destroy churches.
Nor might any live there
either strangers or kin (no manner of men)
unless they forsake their own laws
and take to theirs (the pagans'). (70)
Of all women,
then was Godhild the worst off.
For Murry she wept bitterly,
and for Horn even more.
She went out of the hall,
and away from all her maidens.
Under a rock of stone,
there she lived alone.
There she served God,
against the pagans' interdict. (80)
There she served Christ
so that no pagan knew of it.
Ever she prayed for Childe Horn,
that Jesus Christ be merciful to him.
Horn was in the hands of the pagans,
with his comrades of that country.
Great was his fairness,
for Jesu Christ made him.
The pagans would slay him,
or else flay him alive. (90)
if not for his fairness,
the youths would all have been slain.
Then spoke an amir
(of words he was bold)
"Horn, you are daring,
and that is well seen.
You are large and strong,
fair and quite tall.
You shall grow bigger
by a full seven years (100)
If you were to go on living,
and your friends also -
if that happened,
you would kill us all.
Therefore you must to ship,
you and your brothers,
to ship you shall hasten
and sink to the bottom. 		the sea shall drown you
and we shall not be sorry for it. (110)
For if you were alive,
with sword or else with knife
We should all die
to atone for your father's death.
They brought the youths to the shore,
wringing their hands,
and on board ship,
at the first command.
Often had Horn been distressed,
but never worse than this! (120)
The sea began to rise,
and Horn began to regret.
The sea that drove the ship so fast,
the youths were afraid of it.
They expected for sure
to lose their lives.
All day and all night,
until daylight dawned -
until Horn saw on the shore
men going about the land. (130)
"Go well," he said, "young people,
I bring you news:
I hear birds sing
and here the grass grows.
Happy we are to be alive;
our ship is on the shore."
Off the ship they began to hasten,
and to set foot to ground.
By the sea's edge
He let the ship float. (140)
Then said Childe Horne
(who was born in Suddene),
"Ship on the sea's tide,
for days you have travelled.
On the edge of the sea,
you have taken in no water
If you come to Suddene,
greet my kin well.
Greet well my mother,
Godhild, the good queen, (150)
and tell the pagan king,
Jesu Christ's adversary,
that I am whole and sound,
and arrived here at this land.
And say that he shall find
the blow of my hand."
The young men went their way
by dale and by hill.
They met with King Almair -
Christ give him his blessing! - (160)
King of Westernesse -
Christ give him much bliss!
He spoke to Childe Horn,
words that were gentle:
"Whence came you, fair youths,
that you come here to land,
all thirteen,
so bold of body?
By God who made me,
Such a fair fellowship (170)
I never saw at any time
in western lands!
Tell me what you seek."
Horn here spoke a speech,
he spoke for them all,
for so it best happened:
he was the fairest
and of wit the best.

"We are from Suddenne,
and come of good kin, (180)
of Christian blood,
and exceedingly good king.
Pagans began to arrive there,
and put them to death.
They slew and tore apart
enough Christian men.
As Christ may be my guide,
They conducted us
into a galley
to play with the sea. (190)
A day passed, and another,
without sail and rudder.
Our ship began to swim
to this land's edge.
Now you might slay and bind
our hands behind us.
But if it is your will,
help us so that we do not perish.
Then the good king spoke
(since indeed he was no villain), (200)

"Tell me, Childe, what is your name?
You shall have no sport but good."
The Childe answered him,
as soon as he heard him,
"Horn am I called,
who comes out of the boat
at the sea's edge."
Then the good king spoke to him:
"Well do you bear your name! (210)
Horn, you shall do well,
by valleys and hills!
Horn, you shall sound loudly
by valleys and by dunes!
So shall your name travel
from king to king,
and your fairness
about Westernesse,
the strength of your hand
into every land. (220)
Horn, you are so dear,
I may not abandon you."
Home rode King Aylmar
and Horn with him, his foundling,
and all his brethren
that were so dear to him.

The king came into his hall
among all his knights.
He called forth Athelbrus,
who was steward of his house. (230)
"Steward, now take here
my foundling, to instruct him
about your occupation,
and wood and river,
and teach him to harp
with his fingernails,
to carve before me,
and to serve the cup.
Teach him all the knowledge
that you ever knew, (240)
and instruct his brethren
in other service.
Take charge of Horn
and teach him of harp and song."
Athelbrus began to teach
Horn and his companions.

Horn understood in his heart
all that he taught to him.
In and out of the court,
and all around elsewhere, (250)
men loved Childe Horn,
and most of all he was loved by Rymenhild,
the king's own daughter.
He was foremost in her thoughts;
She loved Childe Horn so greatly
that she nearly went mad.
For she could not, at table,
speak any word with him,
Nor in the hall
among all the knights, (260)
nor in any other place.
She was afraid of people,
by day or by night,
with him she could not speak.
Her sorrow and pain
might never find an end.
In her heart she had sorrow,
and thus she decided
she would send her messenger
for Athelbrus (270)
to come to her,
and so should Horn,
into her bedchamber,
for she began to look melancholy;
and the message said
that the maiden lay ill,
and asked him to come swiftly
for she was not well.
The steward was unhappy in his heart
for he did not know what to do. (280)
What Rymenhild was thinking
he thought very strange,
about the young Horn
being brought to her bedchamber.
He thought in his mind
it was not for a good purpose;
he went to another,
Athulf, Horn's comrade.
"Athulf," he said, "right now
you shall come with me to the bedchamber (290) 		to speak privately with Rymenhilde
and learn what she desires.
In Horn's likeness
you shall deceive her,
Sorely do I fear
she will persuade him to ill."
Athelbrus began to lead Athulf
and went into the bedchamber with him.
Now to Childe Athulf
Rymenhild began to be passionate. (300)
She believed that it was Horn
who she had there.
She seated him on the bed,
and showed Childe Athulf her desire;
with her two arms
she began to embrace Athulf.
"Horn," she said, "for a long time
I have loved you powerfully.
You shall plight your troth to me
by my hand right here (310)
to take me to wife
and I to hold you as lord."

Athulf said into her ear
as softly as he could,
"You must finish this tale,
for I am not Horn.
Nor are we equal:
Horn is fairer, and rich,
fairer by one rib
than any man that lives. (320)
Even if Horn were under the earth
or anywhere else he could be
or a thousand miles hence,
I would not deceive you or him."

Rymenhild turned,
and foully reviled Athelbrus.
"Go hence, you foul thief,
and never more be dear to me.
Go out of my room,
and ill fortune go with you! (330)
Shame grip you,
and hang you high on the gallows!
I did not speak with Horn,
nor is he so ugly!

Horn is fairer than he is!
With much shame must you die!"

Athelbrus at once
fell immediately to the ground.
"My own lady,
listen to me for a moment!
Hear why I hesitated
to bring Horn to you.
For Horn is fair and rich,
there is nowhere his equal.
Aylmar, the good king,
placed him in my care.
If Horn were here,
Sorely I would suspect
that with him you would take pleasure,
between your two selves. (350)
Then without a doubt would
the king make us sorry.
Rymenhild, forgive me your anger,
lady, my Queen,
and I shall fetch you Horn
whoever heeds it."

Rymenhild, as well as she was able,
stopped her mouth.
She made herself happy -
it was well with her, now. (360)
"Go now," she said, "at once,
and send him after noon,
dressed as a squire.
When the king arises
to hunt in the woods,
there is no-one that shall betray him.
He shall remain with me
until it is nearly evening,
to have my will of him.
After that I do not care what people say to me." (370)

Athelbrus went from her.
He found Horn in the hall,
in front of the king at table,
in order to pour wine.
"Horn," he said, "so gracious,
to the bedchamber you must go
quietly after the meal,
to tarry with Rymenhilde.

Such bold words
you must hold in your heart. (380)
Horn, by my truth
you will never regret it."
Horn kept in his heart
all that he said to him.
He went immediately
to Rymenhild the bright.
On his knees he placed himself
and sweetly greeted her.
From his fair looks,
all the room was lighted. (390)
He spoke fair words -
no man needed to teach him.
"Well may you sit, and comfortably,
Rymenhild the bright,
with your six maidens
that sit beside you.
Our king's steward
sent me into your room;
with you I should speak.
Tell me what you want; (400)
Say, and I will hear
what your will is.

Rymenhild stood up
and took him by the hand.
She seated him on the fur coverlet;
with wine to drink his fill
She made him good cheer,
adn took him about the neck,
and kissed him often,
as much as she desired. (410)
"Horn," she said, "without argument
You shall have me as your wife.
Horn, have pity on me
and plight me your troth."

Horn thought
about what he might say.
"Christ guide you," he said,
"and give you heaven's bliss
with your husband
wherever he might be in the world. (420)
I am too lowly born
to know such a woman.
I have come from thralldom
and have become a foundling.

nor would it be kind
to bind you to me as a spouse;
it is no fair wedding
between a slave and a king.

Then Rymenhild began to be displeased,
and to sigh sorely. (430)
She threw up her arms
and fell down in a swoon.

Horn's heart was full of sorrow,
and he took her in his two arms
and began to kiss her
well and often, indeed.
"Beloved, dear," he said,
"you must control your heart.
Help me to knighthood
with all your power (440)
with my lord the king
so that he dubs me knight;
then my thralldom
will be turned to knighthood,
and I shall grow greater
and do as you say, beloved."
Rymenhild, that sweet thing,
awakened from her swoon.
"Quickly, Horn," she said
"it shall be done (450)
You shall be made knight
before seven days have passed.
Take this cup
and also this ring
to Athelbrus the steward,
and make sure he keeps his agreement.
Say I beseech him
with the most passionate words
that he humble himself
before the king in his hall (460)
and ask the king immediately
to make you a knight.
With silver and gold
he will be well rewarded.
Christ lend him him success
in urging your business."
Horn took his leave,
for it was nearly evening.
He sought Athelbrus

and gave him what he brought with him, (470)
and quickly told him in full
how he had fared,
and told him what he needed,
and promised him his reward.

Athelbrus, as soon as possible,
went quickly to the hall.
"King," he said, "listen
to the best story.
You will bear the crown
tomorrow in this town; (480)
tomorrow is your festival-
where it behoves you to celebrate.
It would lose you nothing
to knight Childe Horn,
to bear arms for you;
he will prove a good knight."

The king said at once,
"That is well done.
Horn pleases me well,
He seems to be a good knight. (490)
He shall have my dubbing,
and after, become my favourite.
And his twelve comrades
he shall knight himself;
he shall make them all knights
before me this night."
Until the light of day rose,
Aylmar thought long to himself.
The day began to dawn;
Horn came before the King (500)
with his twelve fellows
(some of them were wicked).
He dubbed Horn as a knight
with bright sword and spurs,
he placed him on a white steed -
there was no other knight like him.
He struck him a gentle blow
and bade him be a good knight.

Athulf fell on his knees there
before King Aylmar. (510)
"King," he said, "so bold,
grant me a boon!

Now Sir Horn is a knight,
he who was born in Suddene,
he is the lord of lands
and over us, who stand by him;
Your arms he bears, and shield
to fight with on the field;
let him knight us all
for that is our right." (520)

Aylmar quickly said
"do now as you wish to."
Horn dismounted from his horse
and made them all knights.
Merry was the feast,
and with fair entertainments -
but Rymenhild was not there,
and it seemed like seven years to her.
Afterwards, she sent for Horn
and he went to her bedchamber. (530)
He did not wish to go alone;
Athulf was his companion.
Rymenhild stood on the floor
(she was glad of Horn's arrival)
and said, "Welcome, Sir Horn,
and Athulf, previously made knight.
Knight, now is your time
to sit next to me.
Do that which you spoke of before,
take me as your wife. (540)
If you are true in deed,
do as you have said you will.
Now you have your own will,
release me from my pain."

"Rymenild," he said, "Be silent!"
I will do all you desire,
when the time is right.
With spear I shll first ride
and prove my knighthood
before I begin to woo you. (550)
We are young knights,
all arisen on one day,
and of our mastery,
this is the manner:
with some other knight
will he fight for his lady-love,
before he can take any wife
for you I stand in more need of hurry.

Today, if Christ so blesses me
I will do deeds of prowess (560)
for your love in the field
with spear and with shield.
If I return alive,
I will take you to wife."

"Knight," said she, "truly
I think I may believe you.
Now take this gold ring
(the ornament is goodly);
Upon the ring
is engraved 'Rymenild the young'. (570)
There is none better under the sun
than any man can tell of.
For my love, wear it
and bear it on your finger.
The stones are of such power
that you shall in no place
and of no blows be afraid,
or be crazed in battle,
if you look upon it
and think of your lady love. (580)

And Sir Athulf, your brother,
he shall have another.
Horn, I beseech you,
with the most ardent words,
Christ give you good success
and bring you back again."
The knight began to kiss her
and she to bless him.
He took his leave of her
and came into the hall. (590)
The knights went to table,
and Horn went to the stable.
There he took his good horse
as black as any coal.
The horse shook its armour
so that all the court resounded.
The horse began to leap
and Horn to sing merrily.
Horn rode on for a while
more than a mile. (600)
He found a ship riding at anchor
with heathen dogs (i.e. Saracens).
He asked what they sought
or what brought them to this land.

One of the heathens looked at him
and spoke arrogant words:
"This land we will win
and slay those who live there."
Horn gripped his sword
and sent his weapons flying. (610)
He smote the Saracens
who his blood hated.
At every stroke
the head went off.
Then the dogs began to rush
around Horn all alone.
He looked at the ring,
and thought of Rymenhilde.
He slew therein haste
One hundred at least. (620)
Nor can any man count
the folk that he slew.
Of all that used to be alive
there was none that survived.
Horn took the leader's head
that he had cut off himself
and set hit on his sword
on top, at the point.
He went into the hall
among all the knights. (630)
"King," he said, "well might you sit
and all your knights with you.
Today, after my knighting
as I rode out at my pleasure
I found a ship floating
surrounded by water
all with Saracen's kin
and no native men,
in order to torment today
you and all that is yours. (640)
They began to attack me.
My sword would not fail me:
I struck them all to the ground
or else gave them dire wounds.
The head I have brought you
of the king and leader.
Now is your trouble repaid,
King, for making me a knight."
In the morning, when the day began to rise,
the King rode out hunting. (650) 		At home he left Fikenhild,
who was the most evil mother's child.
Horn went into the bedchamber
to seek adventure.
He saw Rymenhilde sitting
as if she were out of her wits.
She sat in the sun
all flowing with tears.
Horn said, "Love, your mercy,
why do you weep so sorely?" (660)
She said, "I do not weep for nothing,
but while I lay asleep
I cast my net into the sea
and it would not endure.
A great fish immediately
began to burst my net.
I know that I shall lose
the fish I would choose to keep."
"Christ and Saint Stephen," said Horn,
change your dream!
I shall neither deceive you
nor do anything you do not desire.
I shall make myself your own
to hold and to know
above all other creatures
and to this I pledge my word."
Great was the sorrow
there was at their troth,
for Rymenhild wept bitterly
and Horn stilled her tears. (680)
"Beloved," he said, "dearest,
you shall hear more.
your dream will turn
or else some man shall harm us.
The fish that breaks the line -
truly he shall pain us.
That which shall cause us anguish
shall soon be seen."
Aylmar rode by the River Sture
and Horn lay in the bedchamber. (690)
Fikenhild was full of envy
and spoke this folly:
"Aylmer, I warn you
Horn will destroy you!
I heard what he said,
and bared his sword,
to take your life
and take Rymenhild to wife.

He lies in the bedchamber
under the bedcovers (700)
with Rymenhild your daughter -
and thus he often does.
Go thither immediately
and you might find him there
then send him out of these lands
or else he will harm you!"

Aylmar began to turn again
fully angry and sorrowful.
He found Horn embraced
in Rymenhild's bosom. (710)
"Out, away," he said, "foul thief,
you will nevermore be loved by me!
Go out of my bedchamber
and ill fortune go with you.
Unless you flee at once
I shall strike you with my sword.
Go out of my lands
or else you will be injured!"

Horn saddled his steed
and laid out his armour. (720)
He laced his mail tunic
as if he was going into battle.
He grasped his sword
Nor did he tarry too long.
He went forth immediately
to Rymenhild his betrothed.
He said, "Dearest beloved,
Now you have your dream!
The fish that broke your net
has sent me away from you. (730)
Rymenhild, have a good day.
I may no longer abide with you.
Into unknown lands
will I further seek
I shall dwell there
for fully seven years.
At the end of seven years
if I have not come or sent a message,
take yourself a husband;
do not wait further for me.
Clasp me in your arms
and kiss me well and long."
She kissed him well for a space
and Rymenhild fell to the ground.

Horn took his leave:
he could no longer stay.
He took Athulf, his brother
around the neck
and said, "Knight so true,
Keep well my new love. (750)
You have never forsaken me;
keep and guard Rymenhilde."
He mounted his horse
and rode forth.
To the harbour he went,
and hired a good ship
that would bring him
to the western lands.
Athulf's eyes were weeping
as he saw all this. (760)
The sea-breeze rose up
and drove him to Ireland.
He set himself on the land
and placed a foot in the stirrup.
He found by the wayside
two kings' sons -
of whom one called himself Harold
and the other Berild.
Berild began to request him
that he should tell him (770)
what his name was
and what he wanted there.
"Cutberd I am called," he said
"and have disembarked from the boat
from far away in the west
to seek my fortune."
Berild rode near him
and took him by the bridle.
"I hope I find you well, knight,
Come and stay with me for a space. (780)
Also, might I starve
if you don't serve the King.
I never saw in my life
so fair a knight arrive!"
He led Cutberd into the hall
and fell to one knee;
he made him kneel
and greet the good King well.
Then said Berild at once,
"Sire King, you have to deal with him; (790)

Entrust him your land to defend
and no man shall harm it,
for he is the fairest man
who ever came to your lands."
Then said the dear King,
"Be you welcome here!
Go now, Berild, swiftly,
and make him fully comfortable.
And when you go wooing,
give him your glove: (800)
If you mean to have a wife,
he shall drive you away;
For Cuthbert's fair head
will never allow you to prosper."

It was at Christmas,
no more or less,
there came in at noon
a giant, swiftly and suddenly
armed like a Saracen
and said these words: (810)
"Sit still, Sir King,
and listen to this news:
Here pagans have arrived,
well more than five of them,
they are on the shore,
King, in your lands;
one of them will fight
against three knights.
If your three slay our one,
all this land is yours; (820)
if our one overcomes your three,
all this land shall be ours.
The fighting will be tomorrow,
when the light of day dawns."
Then King Thurston said,
"Cutbert shall be one of them,
Berild shall be the other,
the third Harald, his brother;
for they are the strongest
and the most skilled at arms. (830)
But what counsel shall we take?
I think we will all die."
Cutberd sat at table,
and said these words:
"Sir King, it is not right
for one to fight against three -

against one pagan dog,
three Christian men to strive.
Sire, I shall alone
without more companions, (840)
with my sword easily
bring three of them to death."

The king arose in the morning
and he was greatly sorrowful:
and Cutberd arose from his bed
and arrayed himself with his arms.
He began to put on his corselet
and laced it well and tightly
and came to the King
as he was arising. (850)
"King," he said, "come to the field
in order to behold
how we shall fight
and we will go together."
Right at the time of Prime
he began to ride out
and found, on a green,
a giant so bold,
his companions beside him
to await their death. (860)
The same battle
Cutberd began to engage.
He struck enough blows;
the knights fell in a swoon.
He began to withdraw his blows.
for they were nearly slain;
and said, "Knights, rest now
a while, if you wish to."
He said he had never had
such hard blows from a knight (870)
except from King Murry,
who was so strong.
He was of Horn's kin,
born in Suddene.
Horn began to tremble,
and his blood rose.
Before him he saw standing
he who had driven him from the land,
and who slew his father.
He drew his sword against him (880)
and looked upon his ring,
and thought of Rymenhilde.

He struck him through the heart
and sorely hurt him.
The pagans, that before were so bold,
began to run away from him.
Horn and his company
swiftly hastened after them
and slew all the pagans
before they found their ships. (890)
He brought them all to death:
His father's death they bought dearly.
Of all the King's knights
not a man was harmed,
but his two sons
he saw die before him.
The king began to lament
and let fall tears.
Men laid them on a bier
and buried them quickly. (900)
The King came into his hall
among all his knights.
"Horn," he said, "I say to you,
Do as I shall advise you.
My heirs are both slain,
and you are a knight of great price
and of great strength
and tall, and fair of body.
My kingdom you shall rule,
and take to wife (910)
my daughter Reynild,
who sits in the upper room."
"Oh, sir king, wrongly
should I accept this -
your daughter, who you offer me,
in order to govern your realm.
I shall serve you better,
Sir King, before you die.
Your sorrow will turn
before seven years end. (920)
When it has departed,
Sir King, give me my reward.
When I desire your daughter,
you shall not refuse me her."
Cutberd lived there
fully seven years,
and did not send messages to Rymenhild
nor go to her himself. 		Rymenhild was in Westernesse
with much sorrow. (930)
A king arrived there
who would have her to wife;
he was agreed with the King
about that wedding.
The days were few,
and Rymenhild dared not
hesitate in any way.
A letter she devised
and Athulf wrote it,
he who Horn loved not a little. (940)
She sent her messenger
to every land
to seek Horn the knight,
where men might find him.
Horn heard nothing of this
until one day he went
to the woods to shoot.
A knave he met there.
Horn said, "Dear friend
what do you seek here?" (950)
"Knight, if it is your will,
I can soon tell you.
I seek, from the West,
Horn of Westernesse,
on behalf of a maiden, Rymenhilde
who is going mad for him.
A king will wed her
and bring her to his bed,
King Mody of Reynes,
one of Horn's enemies. (960)
I have walked far
by the sea shore;
nor is he anywhere to be found.
Alas the hour!
Alas the time!
Now it will happen that Rymenhild shall be led astray."
Horn heard this with his ears
and spoke, with bitter tears,
"Knave, good fortune befall you!
Horn is standing beside you. (970)
Turn back to her again
and say that she should not sorrow
for I shall be there quickly
on Sunday by Prime."

The knave was greatly happy
and hastened back again.
The knave there did drown -
Rymenhild might well regret it!
The sea threw him, dead,
under her chamber wall. (980)
Rymenhild undid the bolt
of the house where she lived,
to look with her eye
if she could see anything of Horn.
She found the knave, drowned
who she had sent to find Horn
and should have brought him.
she wrung her hands.
Horn came to Thursdon the King
and told him these tidings. (990)
He made known to him
that Rymenhild was his own;
of his good family -
the King of Suddene -
and how he slew in the field
the one who killed his father;
and said, "Wise king,
repay me my service!
Help me win Rymenhild!
do not fail me! (1000)
And I shall work to marry
your daughter to a good family.
She shall have as husband
Athulf, my good comrade,
a good knight among the best,
and the truest.
The king said quietly,
"Horn, have now what you desire."
He sent writs
into Ireland, (1010)
asking for agile knights,
Irish men to fight.
Enough came to Horn
that he proceeded to the ships.
Horn set out on his way
in a good galley.
The wind began to blow
in a short time.
The sea began to drive
right into Westernesse. (1020)
He struck sail and mast
and cast anchor 		before day had dawned
or any bells had rung.
The word began to spread
of Rymenhild's wedding.
Horn was in the water -
he could have come no later.
He let his ship ride
and went ashore. (1030)
His folk he made wait
by the side of a wood.
Horn went alone,
as if he had sprung from a stone.
He met a palmer
and gave him a greeting:
"Palmer, you shall tell me
all of your story."
He said during his tale,
"I come from a bridal party; (1040)
I was at the wedding
of a maid Rymenhild.
Nor could she prevent herself
from weeping with her eyes.
She said that she would not
be married with gold.
She had a husband
even if he were out of the land.
And in a strong hall
within castle walls (1050)
I was there at the gate
they let me in late.
Mody had commanded
that men led her to her bedchamber.
I stole away;
that sorrow I could not abide.
The bride weeps sorely,
and that is much sorrow!"
Said Horn, "As Christ commands me,
We shall change clothes. (1060)
Have my clothes here,
and give me your robe,
today I shall drink there
so that some shall regret it."
He laid down his robe
and took onto his back
Horne's clothes -
that were not unpleasing to him.
Horn took staff and wallet
and twisted his lip. (1070)

He gave himself a foul face
and dirtied his neck.
He made himself unbecoming,
as he had never before been like.

He came to the gatewarden
who answered him roughly.
Horn asked him gently to open it,
many times and often;
nor might he succeed
in coming inside. (1080)
Horn turned to the gate
and kicked that wicket.
The rogue should pay for it.
Horn threw him over the bridge
so that his ribs cracked
and then came in the gate.
He sat down in a low position
in beggar's row.
He looked about him
with his dirty nose. (1090)
He saw Rymenhild sitting
as though she were out of her mind,
weeping sorely and deeply;
nor might any man stop her.
He looked in every corner
but nowhere did he see walking
Athulf his comrade,
as far as he knew.
Athulf was in the tower,
in order to peer about, (1100)
for his arrival
if ship would bring him.
He saw the sea flow,
and Horn sailing nowhere.
And this was his lament:
"Horn, now you have been too long.
You trusted Rymenhild to me,
to look after her.
I have kept her constantly;
come now, or never -
I can no longer keep her.
I weep now for sorrow."

Rymenhild rose from the table
in order to pour wine,
after meat in the hall,
both wine and ale.

One horn she carried in her hand,
as the custom was in that land.
Knights and squires
all drank of the beer; (1120)
but Horn alone
had no share of it.
Horn sat upon the ground;
his thoughts bound up.
He said, "Gracious queen,
turn towards me;
give to us among the first;
the beggars are athirst."
Her horn she laid down,
and filled, from a brown bowl, (1130)
his bowl a gallon full;
for she thought he was a glutton.
She said, "Have this cup
and this other thing with it.
I never saw, so I believe,
a beggar who was so bold."
Horn gave it to his companion
and said, "Queen so dear,
wine is not my desire
except out of a white cup. (1140)
You think I am a beggar,
and I am a fisherman
come very far to the east
to fish at your feast.
My net lies here, at hand
at a fair shore.
It has lain there
fully seven years.
I have come to see
if it has taken any fish. (1150)
I have come here to fish;
I will drink nothing from any dish -
I will drink to Horn from a horn.
From far have I travelled."
Rymenhilde looked at him;
her heart began to chill.
She did knew nothing of his fishing
nor anything of Horn himself.
For wonder she thought
why he bade her drink to Horn. (1160)
She filled her horn with wine
and drank to the pilgrim.
She said, "Drink your fill

and then tell me truthfully
if ever you saw
Horne in the woods."
Horn drank a while from the horn
and threw the ring into the bottom.
He said, "Queen, now seek
what is in your drink." (1170)
The Queen went to her bedchamber
with her four maidens.
There she found what he wanted,
A ring made of gold
which Horn had had of her:
Sorely she feared
that Horn were dead,
because the ring was there.
She sent a damsel
after the palmer. (1180)
"Truly, Palmer," she said,
"The ring that you threw,
say where you had it from
and why you have come here."
He said, "By Saint Giles
I have gone many miles
far beyond the west,
to seek my fortune.
I found Childe Horn standing
about to go aboard ship. (1190)
He said he would try
to arrive in Westernesse.
The ship took to the tide
with me and Horn the good.
Horn was ill, and died,
and fairly he prayed me,
'Go with the ring
to Rymenhild the young.'"
Often he has kissed it -
God give his soul rest! (1200)

Rymenhild said at once
"Heart, now you can burst,
for Horn has you no longer,
who you have pined for so sorely."
She fell on her bed
where she had hid her knife,
to slay the loathed king
and herself as well
in that same night
in case Horn could not come.(1210)

She set knife to heart
and Horn quickly caught her.
He wiped the dirt from his throat
and said, "Queen so sweet and dear,
I am your own Horn.
Do you not know me?
I am Horn of Westernesse.
Kiss me in your arms!"
They kissed each other truly
and were blissful. (1220)
"Rymenhilde", he said, "I will go
down to the end of the wood;
there my knights are
ready to fight;
armed under their clothes,
they shall anger
the King and his guests
who come to the feast.
Today I shall teach them
and sorely strike them." (1230)

Horn sprang out of the hall
and let his cloak fall.
The queen went to the chamber
and found Athulf in the tower.
"Athulf," she said, "be happy
and go swiftly to Horn.
He is under the boughs of the wood
and with him enough knights."
Athulf began to leap
because of the tidings. (1240)
He ran as quickly after Horn
as his horse would go.
He overtook him indeed
and was very happy.
Horn took his company
and showed them the way.
He came in quickly
(the gates were unlocked)]
heavily armed
from foot to neck. (1250)
All who were inside
except his twelve friends
and King Aylmar,
he made them all sorry
they were at the feast;
they left their lives there.

Horn did no vengeance
on Fikenhilde's false tongue.
He made the others swear
that they should never (1260)
betray Horn
even if he lay near death.
He ran the bell
to carry out the wedding.
Horn went with his men
to the king's palace;
there was a bridal feast
for rich men to eat there.
No tongue can tell
the joy that was sung there. (1270)

Horn sat enthroned
and bade them all listen.
"King," he said, "you shall listen to
a tale among the best.
I do not tell it to blame you:
my name is Horn.
You have raised me to knighthood
and I have proved my knighthood.
Men said to you, king,
that I betrayed you; (1280)
you made me a fugitive
and to leave your land.
You thought that I acted
as if I had no thought
but to lie with Rymenhild,
and that I deny.
Nor shall I undertake it
until I win Suddene.
Keep her for a time
while I find my way (1290)
into my heritage
and to my realm.
The land I shall obtain
and do vengeance for my father.
I shall be king of the town
and wear the king's crown.
Then Rymenhilde
shall lie with the king."
Horn went to the ship
with his Irish fellows - (1300)
Athulf with him, his brother;
he wanted no other.

The ship began to make its way;
the wind blew them loudly.
Within five days
the ship arrived
at about midnight.
Horn went immediately;
he took Athulf by the hand
and went up to the shore. (1310)
He found, bearing a shield
a knight skilled in the field.
On the shield was drawn
a cross of Jesus Christ's faith.
The knight lay asleep
beside the road.
Horn took hold of him
and said, "Awaken, knight!
Say what you are guarding
and why you are sleeping here? (1320)
I think, by your shining cross
that you belong to our Lord.
But you will show me this
or I shall cut you to pieces."
The good knight rose up
in fear at the words.
He said, "I serve against my will
pagans truly evil.
I was Christian once;
then there came to this isle (1330)
black Saracens
who made me forsake
Christ, who I would have believed in.
Against him they made me guard
to keep this road
against Horn, who is of age,
who lives in the west,
the best among knights.
They slew with their own hand
the king of this land (1340)
and with him fell many hundreds
and therefore it is strange
that he does not come to fight.
God grant him the right
and the wind drive him here
to end their lives.
They slew King Murry,
Horn's father, the courteous king.

They sent Horn out of the land;
Twelve comrades went with him, (1350)
among them Athulf the good,
my own child, my loved son.
If Childe Horn is whole and sound
and Athulf is without wound,
(he loves him so dearly
and is so much a guide to him),
if I could see the two of them,
I would die of joy."

"Then be happy, knight,
at this time most of all. (1360)
Horn and Athulf his brother
are both here."
To Horn he went
and greeted him immediately.
Much joy he showed
while they were together.
"Children," he said, "how have you fared?
Since I saw you, many years have passed.
Will you win back this land
and kill those who are in it?" (1370)
He said, "Dear Childe Horn,
your mother Godhild still lives;
she might have joy
if she knew you still alive."

Horn said his speech:
"Blessed be the time
in which I came to Suddene
with my Irish men.
We shall teach the hounds
to speak our speech. (1380)
We shall slay them all
and quickly flay them."
Horn began to blow his horn;
his folk knew it.
They came out from the stern
from (under) Horn's banner.
He slew and fought
for the night and the early morning.
The kind Saracens
he left none of in the end. (1390)
Horn restored to operation
chapels and churches;

he had bells rung
and masses sung.
He came to his mother's hall
in a wall of rock.
He had corn carried
and a merry feast made.
Joyous life he caused;
Rymenhilde bought it dearly. (1400)

Fikenhild was proud at heart
and that pained him.
To young and old he gave
to be loyal to him.
He had stone brought
and hoped to succeed with it.
He had a strong castle built
and encircled with sea;
there no-one could alight
except the birds that flew. (1410)
But when the sea withdrew,
men could then come.
Fikenhild thought
to harm Rymenhilde.
He began to woo her strongly;
the king did not dare refuse him.
Rymenhild was full of anger;
she wept tears of blood.
That night Horn sweated
and dreamed heavily (1420)
that Rymenhild, his mate,
was brought into the ship.
The ship began to lurch;
his beloved would drown.
Rymenhild undertook
to swim to the shore;
Fikenhild pushed against her
with his sword's hilt.

Horn awoke out of sleep
like a man in a hurry. (1430)
"Athulf," he said, "comrade,
we must go to ship.
Fikenhild has done me wrong
and caused Rymenhild distress.
Christ, for his five wounds,
drive me there tonight!"

Horn rode to the ship,
his companions beside him.
Fikenhild, before the day dawned
went at once to the King, (1440)
asking for Rymenhild the bright,
to wed her in the evening.
He took her by night
into his new fortress.
He began the feast
before the sun rose.
Before then Horn knew it,
before the sun rose,
his ship lay under the tower
of Rymenhild's bedchamber. (1450)
Rymenhild little knew
that Horn was still alive.
They did not know the castle
for it was so new.
Horn found Arnoldin sitting,
who was Athulf's cousin,
who was there at that time
to wait for Horn.
"Horn," he said, "king's son,
Well have you come to land. (1460)
Today Fikenhild has married
your sweet beloved Rymenhild.
Nor shall I lie to you:
he has decieved you twice.
This tower he had made
all for your sake.
Nor may you go into it
no man may without contrivance.
Horn, now Christ guide you
so you do not lose Rymenhild." (1470)
Horn knew all the cunning
that any man could know.
He brought out a harp
and took a few companions,
knights agile enough
who disguised themselves as they pleased.
He went along the beach
towards the castle.
He sang merrily
and made his harping heard.(1480)
Rymenhild began to hear it
and asked what it was. 		They said they were harpers
and some were fiddlers.
They allowed Horn in
at the gate of the hall.
He sat down on a bench
in order to hold his harp.
He sang Rymenhild a song -
and he made it a lament. (1490)
Rymenhild swooned badly
and there were none that laughed.
This went to Horn's heart
so bitterly that it pained him.
He looked at the ring
and thought of Rymenhild.
He went up to the table
with a good sword's edge.
Fikenhilde's head
there tumbled down; (1500)
and all his men in a row
he threw down.
When they were slain
he tore apart Fikenhild.
Horn made Arnoldin there
king after King Aylmare
of all Westerness
for his meekness.
The king and his vassals
gave Arnoldin tribute. (1510)
Horn took Rymenhild by the hand
and led her to the shore
and had with him Athelbrus,
the good steward of his house.
The tide rose
and Horn set sail.
They arrived
where King Mody was lord.
He made Athelbrus their king
for his good teaching. (1520)
He showed all knights favour
because of his knowledge of Horn's knights.
Horn set sail
the wind blew him far.
He arrived in Ireland
where he found sadness;
there he had Childe Athulf
wed the maid Reynild.

Horn came to Suddenne,
among all his kin. (1530)
He made Rymenhilde his queen,
so all might be well.
All folk might have grieved for them
that loved them truly.
Now they are both dead
Christ lead them to heaven!
Here ends the tale of Horn
who was fair, and in no way ugly.
We make ourselves glad ever among us,
that Horn's song ends thus for him
Jesus, that is heaven's king
give us all his sweet blessing.

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