Havelok the Dane (Legendary character) -- Romances
Above Gryme is represented a hand, being emblematical of
the hand of providence by which Haveloc was preserved, and near the
hand is the star which marks the point where the inscription begins
and ends. Haveloc made such a favourable representation of his
preserver at the British and Danish Courts, that he procured for him
many honours and privileges. From the British Monarch Gryme, who had
already realised an abundance of wealth, received a charter, and was
made the chief governor of Grimsby; and the Danish Sovereign granted
to the Town an immunity (which is still possessed by the Burgesses
of Grimsby) from all Tolls at the Port of Elsineur. Gryme afterwards
lived in Grimsby like a petty prince in his Hereditary Dominions.
Above Haveloc is represented a crown and in his right hand is a
battle axe, the favourite weapon of the Northmen, and in his right
hand is a ring which he is presenting to the British Princess
Goldburgh (‘Goldebvrgh’), who stands on the left side of Gryme and
whose right hand is held towards the Ring. Over her head is a Regal
Diadem, and in her left hand is a Sceptre. Sir F. Madden states that
it is certain that this seal is at least as old as the time of
Edward I. (and therefore contemporaneous with the MS.) as the legend
is written in a character which after the year 1300 fell into
disuse, and was succeeded by the black letter, or _Gothic_.”
[Footnote 20: Æthelberht of Kent reigned from A.D. 560-616 (56
years).]
§ 20. SKETCH OF THE STORY OF “Le Lai d’Aueloc.”[21]
It is my intention to offer some remarks on the probable sources of the
legend, and to fix a conjectural date for the existence of Havelok. But
it is obviously convenient that a sketch of the story should first be
given. It appears, however, that the resemblance between the French and
English versions is by no means very close, and it will be necessary to
give separate abstracts of them. I begin with the French version, in
which I follow the Norfolk MS. rather than the abridgment by Gaimar.
I have already said that the former is printed in Sir F. Madden’s
edition, and that it was reprinted by M. Michel with the title “Lai
d’Havelok le Danois,” Paris, 1833, and by Mr Wright for the Caxton
Society in 1850.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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