Then, to test the loyalty of his true love, he told the executioners to hang up his mantle, saying that it would be a pleasure to him if he could see the likeness of his approaching death rehearsed in some way.

The request was granted; and the watcher on the outlook, thinking that the thing was being done to Hagbard, reported what she saw to the maidens who were shut within the palace.

They quickly fired the house, and thrusting away the wooden support under their feet, gave their necks to the noose to be writhen.

So Hagbard, when he saw the palace wrapped in fire, and the familiar chamber blazing, said that he felt more joy from the loyalty of his mistress than sorrow at his approaching death.

He also charged the bystanders to do him to death, witnessing how little he made of his doom by a song like this: "Swiftly, O warriors! Let me be caught and lifted into the air.