This legend is also found in Denmark, but in a less agreeable form. A clergyman, it is said, was journeying one night to Roeskilde in Zealand. His way led by a hill in which there was music and dancing and great merriment going forward. Some dwarfs jumped suddenly out of it, stopped the carriage, and asked him whither he was going. He replied to the synod of the church. They asked him if he thought they could be saved. To that, he replied, he could not give an immediate answer. They then begged that he would give them a reply by next year. When he next passed, and they made the same demand, he replied, "No, you are all damned." Scarcely had he spoken the word, when the whole hill appeared in flames.
In another form of this legend, a priest says to the Neck, "Sooner will this cane which I hold in my hand grow green flowers than thou shalt attain salvation." The Neck in grief flung away his harp and wept, and the priest rode on. But soon his cane began to put forth leaves and blossoms, and he then went back to communicate the glad tidings to the Neck who now joyously played on all the entire night.[208]
Little Kerstin she weeps in her bower all the day; Sir Peter in his courtyard is playing so gay. My heart's own dear! Tell me wherefore you grieve?
"Grieve you for saddle, or grieve you for steed? Or grieve you for that I have you wed?" My heart's, &c.
"And grieve do I not for saddle or for steed: And grieve do I not for that I have you wed. My heart's, &c.
"Much more do I grieve for my fair gold hair, Which in the blue waves shall be stained to-day. My heart's, &c.
"Much more do I grieve for Ringfalla flood, In which have been drowned my two sisters proud. My heart's, &c.
"It was laid out for me in my infancy, That my wedding-day should prove heavy to me." My heart's, &c.
"And I shall make them the horse round shoe, He shall not stumble on his four gold shoes. My heart's, &c.
"Twelve of my courtiers shall before thee ride, Twelve of my courtiers upon each side." My heart's, &c.
But when they were come to Ringfalla wood, There sported a hart with gilded horns proud. My heart's, &c.
And all the courtiers after the hart are gone; Little Kerstin, she must proceed alone. My heart's, &c.