SAGA-BOOK - Viking Society Web Publications

Trohetsvisan and Chaucer's Lak ofStedfastnesse 305
The Song of Fidelity
Whoever so wishes may observe this - poor as well as rich; a man
may sail and row, he will not find Fidelity in the world.
Fidelity, I have been told, has set sail on the wild sea; it blew so
hard with swamping waves that she sank to the bottom.
Fidelity went to the shore and put out from the land; it is very
difficult to get to her help at such a hard time; she sank to the
bottom.
Fidelity has hidden herself away in such a hard rock; this is most
harmful; it will now take a long time to find Fidelity again.
Fidelity has locked herself away inside such a thick wall; it is
a great disgrace; she dare not come out among lords and ladies.
If Fidelity were dear to them she would live near them; she is
looked on with scorn; we ought not to deceive men, either poor or
rich, to whom we speak well.
Fidelity has been turned away and sent far off into a foreign land;
you may ride and seek her with dog and hawk through wood and
strand.
You may seek with all your might and diligence wherever you go;
alas! she will not be found either far or near, you will see.
Fidelity is now weaker among ladies and women; it seems so to me
still; Fidelity is defeated, Falsity has arisen among men and
women.
It happened last year, Fidelity committed a murder, then she
escaped; she sits weeping, and will be slow in returning I have
heard.
Falsity and Treachery await you at every turn; they are found
foremost where power is greatest - among the mighty.
For them a six falls regularly at every throw; five, four, then
three are passed by; the two and the one she (Fidelity) throws
regularly.
Where Falsity gets an opportunity she breaks Truth and Fidelity
to pieces; when at gatherings, she spares nothing, neither ox nor
cow.
If Falsity goes to court and begins to wrangle, nobody, whoever
it may be, can overcome her, neither man nor woman, anywhere.
Falsity, Treachery and Deceit drew their swords and went into
battle; Truth and Fidelity cannot live in the whole wide world.
Fidelity creeps into hiding and gets as foul as steaming dung;
Infidelity walks in with sable skin and money bag.
o vile Falsityl you make trouble for those who serve you best;
Fidelity brings honour to those who love her; she rewards them
best.