Ludwig Uhland

“ Once came there to his castle a noble minstrel pair,
The locks of one were golden—silver the other’s hair;
With harp the old man journey’d, a stately horse astride,
His blooming comrade gaily walk’d by the horse’s side.
The old bespoke the younger: “Prepare, my son, make choice
Of all our songs the deepest—attune thy fullest voice—
Exert thy utmost power—of joy and sorrow sing:
Our aim must be to waken the hard heart of the king.” ”

“ Within the Hall of Columns now the two minstrels stand,
Upon his throne the monarch, his queen at his right hand;
The king all dread and stately—a blood red Northern Light,
The queen all sweet and gentle—a full moon shining bright. ”

“ XI.
“Come out and fight,” young Roland cried,
⁠“No child’s-play thou shalt find it;
The shield I bear is tall and wide,
⁠The safer I behind it;
The man is weak, the steed is strong,
The arm is short, the lance is long,
⁠The sword is sharp—thou’lt feel it!” ”