Stilfrid and Brunswik/Stilfrid
Stilfrid.
N the land of Bohemia there was a lord and prince, whose name was Stilfrid. He was a man of lofty mind, and prided himself on accomplishing whatsoever he devised. He had a very beautiful wife, named Theodora, daughter of the King of Lombardy, by whom he had a son, whom he commanded to be named Brunswik. Once upon a time Stilfrid began to discourse with his wife, saying; “Dear lady! know that our parents gave us this counsel, that, if possible, we should win honour and a good name for our nation. Now I have devised to go forth and not return back, even if I give my life for it, until I win greater honour for myself and my country; for this kettle,[1] which I bear on my shield, displeases me greatly, and therefore I have devised, either to obtain an eagle on my shield, or to lose the kettle.” And it came to pass that, committing his wife and goods to trusty servants, he ere long rode forth, commanding his men never to give him the title of prince. He rode through divers lands, visiting the courts of kings and princes, and nowhere found his match in valour and in tourneying with sharp weapons. Having satisfied himself thereof, he rode into far distant foreign countries.
In course of time he came to the King of Naples, whose name was Astronomus, and offered to attach himself to his court, and King Astronomus gladly gave orders to enrol him in his court. Then Stilfrid began to serve the king with diligence, and the king, seeing that, loved him greatly and took counsel with him concerning his most important matters. At length the King of Mesopotamia or England, by name Filosofus, quarrelled with King Astronomus and began to spoil and burn his lands and to take captives. Then Stilfrid, seeing this, spake to the king, saying: “O thou that art no king! seeing the great wrongs of thy poor people, wilt thou not defend thyself? Know thou this, that, if thou dost not, it will not beseem any brave man to be in thy service.” The king, on hearing this, saith to Stilfrid: “Dear knight! I am his equal in royal race and in shield, but in wealth I cannot equal him, and therefore perhaps I must submit to him and cede some of my territory.” Saith Stilfrid: “O king, I tell thee this: it would be better for thee even to die with us, than meanly and cowardly to live; and if, O king, thou wilt hearken to me, I will give thee such counsel, that, please God, thou shalt give me thanks.” The king saith: “I will gladly hear thy counsel, but I fear to wage war with him.” Stilfrid saith: “Command the lords and nobles, that are thy subjects, to be summoned, and march out into the field against him.” So he commanded all his court to arm and equip themselves for war, and it was done according to the king’s commandment. Then they marched out into the field, and the two armies faced each other.
Then the King of Naples called Stilfrid and said to him: “Now Stilfrid, counsel me what is best; for thou seest thyself that the King of England has thrice as many men as we.” Thereto said Stilfrid: “Since thou wilt not fight with him, again I will give thee another counsel. Command thy scribe to come before thee, and command him to write a letter in these words: ‘O thou King of England, Filosofus, thou art spoiling my people unrighteously; know that, please God, I intend to defend myself against thy unrighteousness. Therefore, if thou art a brave man, make a like covenant with me, as I with thee: choose out of thine army 2000 horses, the best thou hast, saddled; bind on the saddle of each a thousand marks of gold, and I will take as many out of my army and as much gold. And when thou doest this, choose also twelve knights or princes, the most valiant thou hast, and I will take one out of my army and command him to fight with the twelve, taking them one at a time; and if any of the twelve overcome my one, then take those horses and that treasure, and I will become thy subject and servant with all my kingdom; but if the Lord God and S. Wenceslas[2] help me, submit thou to me in like manner.’” The king, hearing this, began to be in perplexity and said: “Dear Stilfrid, I should commit myself to a great matter, for it is not a light thing that one should slay twelve, neither can I have such an one in my army.” Then said Stilfrid: “I am he, O king; I am willing to encounter the twelve, taking S. Wenceslas for mine aid; therefore, beloved king, take a manful heart and have a full hope in the Lord God, that he will help thee against this great unrighteousness.” Then the king hearkened to him therein and sent the letter to the King of England.
The King of England, on hearing this, began to marvel and laugh and jest, and sent for his council and shewed his councillors the letter. Then began his councillors to say to him: “O great King Filosofus! it would not beseem thee to live, if thou shouldest reject such an offer; for if thou wert to begin at the rising and travel to the setting of the sun, never wouldst thou meet with a like thing. For thou knowest that thou hast plenty of valiant men in thy service; therefore choose out twelve, and let it be agreed upon and witnessed, and show the letter to other kings and princes.” So the English king sent to the King of Naples, that he should have his desire.
So they appointed a time at the end of two weeks, and meanwhile both of them sent to the kings and princes round about, that they might make the covenant between them twain. And when many kings and princes assembled, they made the covenant between them; and after preparing the horses and money on both sides, they made an enclosure for them in a meadow, and fenced it round about, so that no man could get in or out. And when the day came, on which the battle was to be, the King of England rode up and down his army, choosing out twelve valiant princes and knights, and one he summoned, saying: ‘Symforian of Lionshield, mount thy horse and ride into that meadow; if thou holdest it against Stilfrid, I will give thee a thousand marks.” Then Symforian speedily sprang upon his horse and went into the meadow, and began to call on Stilfrid, asking him whether he dare meet him with sharp weapons.
Stilfrid, seeing that the time was now come, commanded twelve lances to be placed in readiness for him, with a pennon of a different colour on each. And when he had armed himself, he commanded his cream-coloured horse to be brought, and mounting him, said: “O Almighty God and S. Wenceslas! be pleased to aid me this day, for I do this not for any vain-gloriousness nor for money, but for the honour of my Bohemian nation.” And he said: “Give me the white pennon, for that colour betokeneth the cheerfulness and joy of every brave man.”
So taking the lance with the pennon, on one side of which was a golden cross and on the other the name of S. Wenceslas, he rode merrily into the meadow against Symforian. And when these two good knights charged each other, they let their horses run furiously. Stilfrid smote Symforian so hard, that he fell from his horse on one side; then Stilfrid sprang from his horse and began to assault him with his sword. Symforian, seeing himself worsted, yielded. The princes took Stilfrid by the hand and led him merrily out of the lists; likewise also they led away Symforian’s horse.
The King of England summoned another: “Lipolt[3] of Austria, thou valiant hero, try thy might! So long as I live, thou shalt be in favour.” Lipolt mounted his horse, and rode into the lists, crying out to Stilfrid and saying: “Stilfrid, this I say, that to-day I will prove thy might.” Stilfrid said: “Give me the green pennon, for that colour is the hope of every brave man.” Thereon was a very beautiful emblem and likewise a golden cross. With a good hope he betook himself into the lists, and under him his cream-coloured horse pranced haughtily. There he hurled Lipolt far behind his horse, and dismounting and drawing his sword, began to assail him and give him many great strokes. Lipolt, being unable to defend himself, besought mercy. Stilfrid departed from him and thus rode merrily out of the lists.
The King of England called again: ‘‘Where art thou, Rudolt,[4] our trust? Remember thy hardihood; let Stilfrid know thy might.” Rudolt rode down with speed. Stilfrid, looking behind him, said: “Give me the red pennon, for that colour fires the heart of a valiant man.” And taking the lance with the pennon, he rode wrathfully against Rudolt, and manfully pierced him through the body with the lance.
Thereat the King of England was sorry, and said: “Where art thou, Typartitus, Grecian hero? hesitate not; if thou standest against Stilfrid, I will give thee a ship on the sea.” Typartitus, riding to the meadow, cried out: “Where art thou, Stilfrid? Neither cross nor sign shall help thee, people shall tell a new tale of us.” Stilfrid, on hearing this, gave thanks to S. Wenceslas, and said: ‘Give me the yellow pennon, that colour is the firmness of every noble man.” Typartitus cried out wrathfully and caracoled haughtily upon his horse. Stilfrid delayed not to charge him, and soon cut short his curvetting, casting him far behind his horse, so that shield and helmet flew up high above the horse, and ere he reached the ground his soul departed from him.
The King of England began sorrowfully to cry: “Theobaldus! meet Stilfrid valiantly, that the damsels and ladies may thank thee.” Theobaldus, the margrave, went merrily down into the meadow, saying: “Look out for thyself, Stilfrid! stand firm and flee not, for it cannot be otherwise.” Saith Stilfrid; “Give me the blue pennon, that colour betokeneth the steadfastness of a noble man.” Taking the lance, he rode down with speed; Theobaldus was there caracoling before him. Stilfrid aventred his spear and ran against him; Theobaldus, terrified, fled before him. Stilfrid rode after him: “Stand, flee not, good fellow!” said he. But Theobaldus fled. Stilfrid pursued him to the army and smote off his head.
The King of England, seeing this, began to call again: “Tristram of Opoczany! I will give thee an hundred horses; put out all thy might; if thou standest against Stilfrid, thou shalt always be my friend.” Tristram rode into the enclosure, eager to fight with Stilfrid, and called upon Stilfrid, saying: “Thy mother must bewail thee, I will cut short thy prancing; thou must not boast over us.” Saith Stilfrid: “God knoweth what will happen to me; S. Wenceslas, help me!” He also said: “Give me the azure pennon, for that colour betokeneth the skill of every man.” And thus eagerly he rushed against Tristram, smote him from his horse and pierced him through with his sword. Then he mounted his horse again merrily and rode to his king. Saith the king: “Welcome, Stilfrid, my beloved knight! The Lord God bless thee, and mayest thou live to accomplish well whatsoever thou beginnest! So long as I live, will I increase thine honour.”
The King of England called again: “Pitopas of Mezihrad![5] many will envy thine honour; I will give thee the city of Anglia,[6] if thou canst withstand Stilfrid.” Then Pitopas cried out in the lists, saying: “Stilfrid! Stilfrid! hast thou hidden thyself from me, or art thou afraid? Thou shalt not escape me by thy craft, thou shalt find devil enough in me.” Saith Stilfrid: “Pitopas! thou revilest me greatly, yet dost not thereby daunt me.” Then he leapt eagerly on his horse, and quaking with excessive anger, said: “Give me the red-brown pennon, that colour betokeneth the anger of a valiant man.” And in that anger he galloped into the lists, and Pitopas rode violently against him, saying: “Stilfrid, defend thyself! it is time! thou shalt have evil cheer with me.” Stilfrid rode up to him and smote him so hard, that he fell three spears’ length behind his horse; then, drawing his sword, he assaulted him mightily, so that he smote off his feet and hands. Afterwards he pierced him through with his sword, and sprang again fiercely on his horse.
The King of England swooned, yet in his swoon cried out: “Adrian, lord of Africa! thou art always ready to serve me; do not withdraw, but contend with Stilfrid in the lists.” Stilfrid, perceiving this, said: “Give me the violet pennon, that colour betokeneth the valour of every man.” Thereupon he went into the lists and with great vehemence smote Adrian through the body.
Again said the King of England: “Brynda, Margrave of Tas, rush against Stilfrid and bear him from his horse.” Brynda went down into the lists and unfurled his banner against him, saying: “Stilfrid, it must be so; thou must be slain by me.” Saith Stilfrid: Give me the cream-coloured pennon, that colour betokeneth the firmness in faith of a brave man,” Firmly he went against Brynda and slew both his horse and himself.
Again the King of England in sorrow cried: “Benedict, Prince of Tyre! do thou the duty of a knight; smite Stilfrid with a mighty stroke, so shalt thou do honour to thy lord.” Benedict was of haughty mind; he had three maidens on a red pennon, and rode fiercely into the meadow, calling to Stilfrid: “Turn, turn again, Stilfrid! I see that thou must remain here.” Saith Stilfrid: “Hand me the grey pennon, that colour betokeneth the humility of a modest man; though Benedict is not without vaunting words, with that haughty mind he will not escape me.” Modestly he rode into the meadow, and Benedict rushed vehemently against him. Stilfrid gave him a mighty stroke, so that Benedict fell from his horse, and from that stroke the soul departed. Stilfrid rode out of the lists and thanked God.
The King of England in distress called again: “Naderspan, Great Lord of Hungary! let every man give thee thanks, command thy horse to be saddled and contend with Stilfrid.” “O King, that will I do, and will fight with him manfully.” When Naderspan was in the lists, he called thus upon Stilfrid: “If thou darest to meet me, evil must betide thee from me.” Saith Stilfrid: “Why I should not dare, I know not; is it because thou art well known to the Romans? When I beseech thee, Naderspan, then and not till then, allow me to live.” Saith Stilfrid: “Give me the scarlet pennon, for that colour betokeneth the dignity of the whole knightly career.” Under the pennon he rode in a stately manner into the lists, so that beneath his horse the earth quaked. And when he came up to Naderspan, fiercely with his lance he tare his body, violently he cast him down from his horse, and springing down from his own approached him and suddenly passed his sharp sword through him.
The King of England, seeing this, said: “Alas! Alas! misfortune! in sorrow art thou given me, though never did I even dream of this.” Saith the King of England: “Zibrid of the Roses, my greatest comfort! now, alas! is my fortune in evil case; if it be not for thy help, I shall lose my kingly might. Therefore I have kept thee till last, that thou mightest deliver me from my distress, for I have no one in my court mightier than thou art. If thou holdest thyself against Stilfrid, I will give thee the half of my kingdom, and moreover, on my faith, I will give thee my dear daughter.” Saith Zibrid: “I will strive for that, even if I am to be slain by Stilfrid.” Zibrid was Prince of Temar and was very splendidly equipped; his shield and helmet glittered with gold, and on his shield he bore eighteen golden roses on a red field, and these roses signified, that, when he smiled, roses fell in showers around him. In those lands there was no man handsomer, and moreover, in himself he was a valiant hero; he had costly armour on him, that was all set with pearls and precious stones. And when he sat on his horse, which he called Skropel, it curvetted proudly beneath him, and he held in his hand a golden banner, beneath which he galloped merrily into the lists, and there called wrathfully on Stilfrid, saying: “Stilfrid! whither hast thou betaken thyself? Didst thou not know that I was left? Thou needest not plume thyself on the eleven, for I would overthrow four-and-twenty such; therefore it will be evil for thee, if thou fightest with me.” And thus he reviled him greatly, till Stilfrid laughing thereat said: “On my faith, why should I not dare to fight with thee? Unless it be for the costly armour that glitters on thee? Therefore, Zibrid! if the Lord God helpeth me to reach thee in career, verily the roses must fall in showers from thee! Let the daughter of the King of England aid thee; I take for aid my God and S. Wenceslas.” And when he sprang on his horse, it bounded and curvetted proudly beneath him. After waiting a short time, he gave honour and praise to God and said: “Give me the lion-coloured pennon, that colour signifies the honour and praise of my Bohemian nation.” In graceful and dignified manner he rode into the lists against Zibrid and many thousands of people were spectators thereby.
Then they rushed vehemently together, so that they both broke their spears upon each other: the kings and princes marvelled thereat, yea, their lances crashed like thunder. And Zibrid saith upon the field: “Stilfrid, how doth it please thee? Perchance it is not to thy liking; thou must learn to know the Knight of the Roses better; this is nothing, I will mark thee better.” Said Stilfrid: “Zibrid! when I shall go down upon my knees, then, and not till then, shalt thou make thy boast over me. That stroke hath harmed me not, mine honour is still with me. But regard thou the emblems on thy shield: me seemeth that four of the roses are no more.”
Again they brought lances to them both, and again they met together and gave each other mighty strokes, so that again they both broke their spears; both sat on their horses, but Zibrid’s shield and helmet flew from him, and though Zibrid kept his seat on his horse, Stilfrid gave him a deep wound. Saith Stilfrid: “Wilt thou still vaunt thyself? Yet thou sittest sadly on thy horse, the roses are scattered from thy shield. Ah! if the daughter of the King of England knew, she would take it very ill of thee that thou hast allowed so simple a man to wound thee.” Saith Zibrid: “I would not count it an honour, if I allowed a worse man than myself to take me.” Saith Stilfrid: “Please God, thou hast to find that I am as good a man as thyself, and I will be thy match in all things, save that roses do not fall in showers from me; know that Stilfrid will spoil all that.”
They brought them spears for the third time, and they rode against each other. Stilfrid gave him a mighty stroke and Zibrid was carried on one side by the spear. Stilfrid sprang from his horse, wrathfully drew his sword, and going up to Zibrid began to give him great buffets, till the pearls began to spring on high. Zibrid recovered himself and began to stand on his defence, and a strong battle began between them; from noon to vespers they smote each other till sparks flew from their swords. The kings and princes marvelled thereat and gazed intently upon the battle. “Alas,” said they, “for those young knights! they cannot remain alive.” The King of England encouraged Zibrid, saying: “Recollect thyself, O thou that art our trust! My daughter careth for thee; risk thy life and seek his life.” Saith Zibrid: “O King, thou shalt see him compelled to flee before me in the lists.” Saith Stilfrid: “What will happen, God knoweth; but if thou desirest to grant me mercy, do not grant it till I flee before thee. But I take my God for mine aid, and will cut short thy prancing.”
Then rushed they together again and smote each other mightily. It fortuned that Stilfrid gave Zibrid a wound, so that he began to give ground; speedily and mightily did Stilfrid rain blows upon him, first on one side, then on the other. Zibrid, unable to defend himself, began to flee before Stilfrid. Stilfrid pursued him and pressed him closely; then he began to hew him mightily, so that the roses fell in showers from him. With mighty strokes did he buffet him, saying: “Zibrid, are the roses already falling in showers from thee? Seest thou now, that I can be thy match? Know that thou canst not escape death.” He had hewn off all his armour from him, and Zibrid was all covered with blood. Saith Zibrid: “Ah! woe is me! never did this happen to me, when I fought with any one; now it cannot be otherwise; I pray thee, Stilfrid, slay me not.” Thereupon the princes hastened down to them and all besought Stilfrid, saying: “Since he yieldeth himself to thee, receive him to mercy.” Saith Stilfrid: “O ye kings and great princes, and all ye assembled people! for your prayer I will do it, and to please you I will not slay him, but for his haughty words I ought to slay him. Rise, Zibrid! I will let thee go and show thee mercy.”
And when all was thus ended, Stilfrid kneeled down on his knees and gave thanks to God and likewise to S. Wenceslas. Then, and not till then, did he command his Bohemian banner to be unfurled, on one side whereof was a kettle on a fiery field. On seeing this, the princes and kings knew, what they had not yet known, that Stilfrid was the Prince of Bohemia, and led him with great reverence out of the lists under his banner. And King Astronomus said: “Stilfrid, great lord! I will proclaim thy name before all princes, because, being a great lord, thou didst not allow thyself to be known, and undertookest great things with twelve great heroes and overcamest them all, and didst thereby help me greatly, and by that great and difficult achievement hast done me much good by thy steadfastness. For this I am above all exceedingly grateful, but this I say, that, if I had known thou wert the Prince of Bohemia, I would have lost all my kingdom rather than have allowed thee to fight for it; but since it hath been thus, whatsoever thou desirest, little or much, thy will shall be accomplished; for for my sake thou didst not value thy life.” And taking him by the hand, he wept for joy upon the field and set him on his own throne.
Then they brought him a costly princely mantle, and the great lords and princes brought him great gifts and jewels, and made their acknowledgments to him, and others offered him their service. Then came the King of England, wearing his crown, before King Astronomus, and taking the crown from his head before Stilfrid, reverently knelt before him and yielded to him his whole kingdom. Then the King of Naples, after taking counsel with Stilfrid, restored him his kingdom under these conditions: That he should never be against him, but act upon his counsel; and likewise, if need were, should send to his aid thirty thousand men and two thousand horses, and that even if he were obliged to sell his goods.
And Stilfrid said: “O King! remember that thou gavest me a choice to ask for a gift. I ask not for lands, but for the honour of my Bohemian nation and of my only son, Brunswik. I ask thee to give me the arms of the King of England, to wit, a black eagle on a golden field, instead of this kettle, which I bear upon my shield.” The King of Naples said to him: “Truly Stilfrid, not only the eagle, which I can easily give, but the half of my kingdom in full possession do I give thee, if thou willest; and be thou sure and certain, that thou shalt have whatsoever thou askest.” And he bade speedily erase the kettle and embroider a black eagle on a golden field on his banner and on all his pennons.
Stilfrid thanked him for this, and sent word with speed to his own land, where he had not been for three years, that they were to equip themselves and ride out to meet him. And as soon as they were in the land of Naples, King Astronomus gave orders in all the towns to furnish them with provisions in abundance. And the lords, hearing that their prince had won great honour for the land of Bohemia and for himself likewise, began to rejoice greatly and to thank him as their gracious lord. And when he ordered preparations to be made, desiring to ride to his own land, the King of Naples, seeing this, began to be sorrowful and said to Stilfrid: “Dear lord! if thou canst overcome thy wish, abide with me; as I said, the half of this my kingdom I will yield to thee, and after my death I give thee the whole in full possession.” Saith Stilfrid: “I thank thee, dear king! but, I pray thee, do not desire me to forsake my wife and son; therefore I cannot remain longer.” And the king, seeing that he would not remain, commanded to saddle his horses also and sound the trumpet for marching, and caused two thousand horses thereof to be brought and given to Stilfrid with all things appertaining to them.
So he mounted and rode to his own land of Bohemia, and King Astronomus rode with him in person. Then was there great joy in the land of Bohemia, for Stilfrid had won for it great honour; and he commanded in all cities and on all gates an eagle on a golden field to be painted, and the bells to be rung, and Te Deum Laudamus to be sung. The men of Prague had ridden out a long distance to meet their lord, and had come out with the regalia, old and young, giving him an affectionate welcome; the King of Naples also they greatly honoured and gave him great gifts. The king, seeing great love and honour on their part, thanked then heartily; and when he saw that Brunswik, Stilfrid’s son, was an honourable and proper youth, he proffered to give him his daughter, saying: “Let my daughter, my beloved Neomenia,[7] be betrothed to thee and given thee in marriage, and may the Lord God give you twain all that is good!” And after no long time they brought her honourably to Bohemia, as wife to Brunswik, and then a great marriage festival and tournament continued for two months.
Stilfrid departed from this world in prosperity, leaving his son his goods and land. Then indeed did great sorrow come to the land of Bohemia, and for a long time the people wept for him as for their own father. Praise be to God!
- ↑ Dalemil in his verse chronicle, the earliest entire MS. of which was lately found in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge, tells us that Duke Wratistaw II., the first king, obtained the remission of the duty of holding the kettle, and was made the Emperor’s cupbearer. He also says that Wratislaw received a white (some MSS. say red) lion to bear on his shield instead of a black eagle.
- ↑ S. Wenceslas is the tutelary saint of Bohemia, of which he was king. He was murdered by his brother Boleslas the Cruel in 936.
- ↑ Leopold.
- ↑ Rudolf.
- ↑ Perhaps Merseburg, which in modern Bohemian is Mezibor. Bor is a corruption of burg, which in Bohemian is hrad.
- ↑ Does this mean London?
- ↑ New moon, an appropriate name for the daughter of King Astronomus.