The Mermaid's Prophecy and Other Songs Relating to Queen Dagmar E-Book

George Borrow

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In "The Mermaid's Prophecy and Other Songs Relating to Queen Dagmar," George Borrow intertwines poetic narrative and folklore, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and the supernatural within a medieval backdrop. Written in Borrow's signature lyrical style, the collection serves as an homage to Danish Queen Dagmar, gracefully intertwining legends and ballads with the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Borrow's adept use of rhythm and vivid imagery evokes the mystical qualities of the sea and the poignant emotions of the human experience, illustrating a unique interplay between history and fantasy. George Borrow was a renowned Victorian writer known for his profound interest in languages and cultures, having traveled extensively across Europe. His deep fascination with Danish history and folklore is evident in this collection, reflecting his admiration for its rich narrative traditions and his desire to revive stories that were at risk of being forgotten. Borrow's own experiences as an outsider seeking to understand diverse cultures informed his narrative approach, allowing him to create a work that resonates with authenticity and depth. Readers with an appreciation for the intersections of history, folklore, and poetic expression will find "The Mermaid's Prophecy and Other Songs Relating to Queen Dagmar" to be both enchanting and thought-provoking. This collection is not only a tribute to Queen Dagmar but also a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural identities, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of literary heritage.

Leseprobe

George Borrow

The Mermaid's Prophecy and Other Songs Relating to Queen Dagmar

 

EAN 8596547133094

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

I. KING VALDEMAR’S WOOING.

II. QUEEN DAGMAR’S ARRIVAL IN DENMARK.

III. THE MERMAID’S PROPHECY.

ROSMER.

I.  KING VALDEMAR’S WOOING.

Table of Contents

Valdemar King and Sir Strange bold    At table sat one day, So many a word ’twixt them there passed    In amicable way.

“Hear Strange, hear! thou for a time    Thy native land must leave; Thou shalt away to Bohemia far    My young bride to receive.”

Then answered Strange Ebbesen,    To answer he was not slow: “Who shall attend me of thy liegemen,    If I to Bohemia go?”

“Do thou take with thee young Lord Limbek,    Nor leave Olaf Lukke behind; Take rich Peter Glob, and whomsoe’er    Shall best please thine own mind.

“Take Sealand’s Bishop, none more learned    There dwelleth North nor South, And take Sir Albert of Eskilsea,    There’s eloquence in his mouth.”

It was the young Sir Strange bold,    He down to the sea shore wends, And him King Valdemar himself    With nobles many attends.

And they sailed over the briny wave,    They sailed for sennights three, The nearest way to Bohemia’s bounds,    They were at heart so free.

They furled their sail, and their anchor dropped,    To the land they eagerly sped; So fair a band of knights they were,    Sir Strange at their head.

When a little up the land they’d won    They dispatched their messenger, Should tell to Bohemia’s prince that they    The Dane-king’s envoys were.

And to speak with him in secrecy    On a matter of weight they sought; Then silk upon the earth was spread,    And before the King they were brought.

“Hail to thee, King of Bohemian Land,    Thou sittest a prince in state; To you sends Valdemar, Denmark’s King,    With your daughter he would mate.”

“Take napkins, Sirs, and water take,    Sit down at our table board; We bid ye welcome to our land,    Fit answer we’ll award.”

To the bower high the monarch sped,    His Queen’s advice to take: “Nobles are here from Denmark come,    And suit for our daughter make.”

“If Valdemar, King of Denmark’s land,    For our dear daughter woo, We’ll give her to the powerful man,    And precious dowry too.”