Medieval Romance
King Horn
13th century Middle English, three manuscripts dating to the 13th and 14th century, London, Cambridge.
‘Cutberd is my name,’ said Horn.
Horn took his leave; he could stay no longer. He embraced his brother Athulf around the neck. ‘My faithful knight, look after my love, watch over Rymenhild for me,’ he said. ‘You have never let me down. Please look after her for me now.’ Then he mounted his horse and rode off.
Horn went to the harbour and found a good ship to take passage westwards, to a western land. Athulf wept as he left, and so did many others.
The wind carried Horn to Ireland. He disembarked, put his feet into the stirrups again and soon came across two king’s sons; one was called Berild and the other, Harold. Berild asked Horn what his name was and what he was doing there.
‘Cutberd is my name,’ said Horn. ‘I have just left a boat and come ashore. I’ve arrived from far in the west to seek my fortune.’