Page:Works of Heinrich Heine 01.djvu/135

Rh Sir Vonved draws his sword from his side,

Against the warriors he will ride;

Lord Thule first of all he slew,

Then all of his twelve sons thereto.

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

Sir Vonved binds his sword to his side, and rides on. Then he meets a hunter, and will have half his game. But the man refuses, and must fight, and is slain. And

Sir Vonved binds his sword to his side,

And onward ever he will ride;

O'er mountain high, and river deep,

To where a shepherd guards his sheep.

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

And to the herd as he drew near,

Said, "Whose the flock thou drivest here?

And what is rounder than a wheel?

And where is the merriest Christmas meal?"

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

"Say where the fish rests in the flood?

And where is the red bird so good?

Where is the best wine made or sold?

Where does Vidrich drink with his warriors bold?"

Sir Vonved, look about thee!

The herd was silent as could be,

Of all of this no word knew he;

Then at a stroke the herd he slew,

Liver and lung he cleft in two.

Sir Vonved, look about thee!