While all of this took place, Where down the Daugava falls, In Germany's far space, Behind a cloister's walls, A weeping maiden lay, To dear ones no recourse, From them false lured away, And carried off by force. Laimdota was the maid, And Spidala's base lies Deception's guile displayed.- Clad in her mother's guise, She lured the girl outside, Where helpers in her pay Forth made Laimdota ride, From Burtnieks away. A prisoner in their might To Turaida they brought, And further in the night The Daugava they sought. Ignoring tears and pleas, Their mercy to implore, They put her on the seas, To sail to German shore. On board was Dietrich too, Who came to seek her ear, Proposed a calming view, And claimed she need not fear. Since countrymen she knew On board were at her call, Of Kaupa servants true, No evil could befall. To study life they went Among the German race, Enlightened with the bent The faith of Christ to face. God's mercy deep and wide, Christ soon to her would show, Selected as His bride, Through Him true God to know! Laimdota listened grave, Contempt burned in her eye, Then answer briefly gave, A dignified reply: "Though Christ from God above, Takes brides against their will, I cannot give my love, A promise binds me still." "I love a hero bold, Have pledged to him my hand, My father's leave we hold, Our hearts united stand. So therefore let me go, And tempt me not in vain, Or retribution know, And suffer for my pain." "But more: My mother's child, Of humans I am one, My mortal flesh defiled, Not fit for God's true Son." Though evil to the core, No conscience to feel shame, Yet Dietrich flushed once more, As though he felt the blame. Struck by the maid's lament, Of further words bereft, In silence hence he went, Alone Laimdota left. Her lot did not improve, Though liberty she sought; False Kaupa did not move To help her as he ought. He said it was Fate's plan, And so she must remain, Until its course Fate ran, And took her home again. And thus he saw no crime, If Dietrich fitting found, To put her for some time Within a cloister's bound. The ferment was so great, On board that was his lot, The maid Laimdota's fate, Enthralled, he soon forgot. Soon heartless Dietrich too Ceased thinking of the girl, Because full well he knew, A rich and precious pearl A cloister had received. The grateful prioress, About his goals deceived, Was sure his scheme to bless. The prioress deferred, Laimdota showed respect, But still to preach preferred; Advice did not neglect To leave old gods behind, The faith of Christ to take, And when the maid declined, Harsh threats began to make. She threatened to condone, Support a knight's design, Laimdota as his own, To make a concubine. Laimdota heard this view And felt a surging fear, Fore all, because she knew, An earl's son had been near. Kin to the prioress, He had the maiden seen; Her beauty to possess His fervent wish had been.