LITTLE MAID HILDEGARDE
by Maud Lindsay · from The Story-teller
Adapted Version
Once there was a little girl named Hildegarde. She lived with her mother and father near a big wood. Father came home. He had good news. Five brave knights came to town. Hildegarde was very happy.
Mother sang a song. "Hush, my baby, do not cry. Five brave knights go riding by. One is blue. One is white. One is red. One is gold. One is green." Hildegarde wanted to see them.
Hildegarde went to bed. She thought of the knights. She wanted to see them soon.
Morning came. Mother had a bad head. Father hurt his foot. He could not walk. They could not go to town. Hildegarde was sad.
Hildegarde lived near the big wood. She knew she could not go. Mother was sad for her. Father was sad too. They wanted her to see.
Hildegarde did not cry. She helped her mother. She helped her father. She took cows to grass. She fed small chicks. She gathered eggs. She worked all day. She was a good girl.
The sun went down. Hildegarde finished her work. She sat in her door. She looked at the town. The knights were there. She thought of them.
"Maybe knights come again," she thought. "Maybe they come in the winter. I can see them then."
Then she saw them! Five horsemen came from the big wood. They rode slowly. They looked like the brave knights. Mother sang about them.
One knight wore blue. He was the first. One knight wore white. He shone so bright. One knight wore red. One knight wore gold. One knight wore green. Five brave knights rode past. They made no sound. They went into the big wood.
The last knight went away. Hildegarde heard soft music. It was sweet and very low.
Parents thought she dreamed. They said she was asleep. But Hildegarde knew. It was not a dream. She kept the knights in her heart.
Years went by. Hildegarde grew up. She had her own children. She told them the story. She sang the knight song. Mother sang it to her.
Original Story
LITTLE MAID HILDEGARDE
ne evening Little Maid Hildegarde's father came home with wonderful news; the knights were coming to town. He had heard it as he came from the forest where he cut wood all day and he hurried every step of the way home to tell Hildegarde and her mother.
"They are on the king's business and will be at the Church Square to-morrow morning at the hour of ten. Everybody in town will be there to see them. Old Grandmother Grey is going to ask them to ride in search of her little lamb that has gone astray; and the mayor will tell them of the wolves that come in the winter. The good knights are always glad to help," he said.
Little Maid Hildegarde knew all about the knights. Her father was never tired of telling, or she of hearing, how they fought and killed the fierce dragon that had troubled the people of the border; and put out the forest fires in the time of the great drought and fed the hungry when the famine was in the land. And yet with all of their great deeds they were merry men, not too proud to sing at a feast or play with a child.
And many an evening, though Hildegarde was growing to be a great girl, her mother sat by her bed to sing a song that she had sung to her when she was a babe in the cradle:
"Hush, my baby, do not cry,
Five brave knights go riding by.
One is dressed in bonny blue;
He's the leader, strong and true.
One is clad from head to toe
In an armor white as snow.
"One in crimson bright is drest,
With a star upon his breast.
One in gold and one in green,
Cloth of gold and satin sheen.
Hush, my baby, do not cry,
Five brave knights go riding by."
Oh, how Hildegarde had longed to see those splendid riders! And now at last she was to have her heart's desire. It seemed almost too good to be true.
"Shall we start to town as soon as the new day comes?" she asked.
"Just as soon as the cows are taken to the pasture, and the little chicks are fed," said her mother; and the little maid went to bed well satisfied.
But alas, for Hildegarde and her hopes! The morning sun had scarcely shone when her mother awoke with a terrible pain in her head, and her father slipped on his way to the barn and sprained his foot so he could not walk. And there was no one to take the child to the Church Square. No, not even a neighbor, for Hildegarde and her mother and father lived apart from every one else, and the wood that is called Enchanted lay between them and the town.
There was no help for it. Hildegarde knew herself, without a word from any one, that she could not go; but as she ran about the house to wait on them, she heard her mother and father talking.
"It is not for the pain in my face that I grieve," said the good mother; "but for the disappointment of our little maid."
"Aye," said the father, "I would bear my hurt, and more too, willingly, if only she might see the gallant knights."
And when Hildegarde heard what they said she made haste to wipe away the tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks, and went about her work with a pleasant face.
All day long she was busy for there were the cows to take to the pasture, and the little chicks to feed, and the eggs to gather; but at sunset her tasks were done, and with her doll in her arms she sat in the doorway of the house and looked away toward the town, the towers of which just showed above the Enchanted Wood.
Highest of all was the spire of the church that stood in the square where the knights had been; and as Hildegarde watched it change from grey to gold in the sunset glow, she thought of them and wondered where they had gone when their business was done.
Some day they would come again and then she should surely see them, her father said; and already she had begun to look forward to that time.
"Perhaps they will come when the wolves do in the winter," she said to herself; but scarcely had she spoken when through an opening in the wood she spied a horseman riding at a stately pace. Behind him came another, and another till she had counted five—five brave knights! Yes, there they came with prancing steeds and shining shields, and splendid clothes!
One bore a banner blue as the sky on a summer's day, and the next held a wee lamb close within his arms. A dragon's head hung from another's saddle, and two had bugles by their sides.
Not a word was spoken. As silently as the stars shine out at evening they passed the door where the child sat wonder-struck; and as quietly as the sun goes down at the day's end they vanished into the wood again before she could move or call. But just as the green of the last one's coat faded away into the green of the trees, Hildegarde thought she heard a strain of sweetest music!
Now there were those, and Hildegarde's mother and father were among them, who believed that the little maid, tired from her long busy day, had fallen asleep, and dreamed a beautiful dream.
But as for Hildegarde, she kept the vision in her heart alway; and when as the years went by she had little ones of her own to rock to sleep, she told them of it, and sang to them as her mother had sung to her:
FIVE BRAVE KNIGHTS
Words, Maud Lindsay
Air, Old Song
Hush, my ba-by, do not cry, Five brave knights go rid-ing by.
One is dressed in bon-ny blue; He's the lead-er, strong and true.
One is clad from head to toe In an ar-mor white as snow.
One in crim-son bright is drest, With a star up-on his breast.
One in gold and one in green, Cloth of gold and sat-in sheen.
Hush, my ba-by, do not cry, Five brave knights go rid-ing by.
YES, THERE THEY CAME!
Story DNA
Moral
Even when faced with disappointment, a kind and selfless heart can find its own magic and fulfillment.
Plot Summary
Little Maid Hildegarde eagerly anticipates seeing five brave knights who are coming to town, having heard many tales of their heroism and a lullaby about them. However, her parents fall ill and are injured, preventing her from going. Despite her deep disappointment, Hildegarde selflessly cares for her parents and completes her chores. As the sun sets, she sits in her doorway, and to her astonishment, the five knights ride silently past her house, fulfilling her longing in a mysterious way. Years later, Hildegarde shares this cherished memory and the knights' song with her own children, leaving the nature of her vision ambiguous.
Themes
Emotional Arc
disappointment to wonder and contentment
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Maud Lindsay was an American educator and author known for her children's stories, often with gentle morals and a focus on kindness and simple virtues, reflecting early 20th-century values for children's literature.
Plot Beats (13)
- Hildegarde's father announces that five brave knights are coming to town the next day, exciting Hildegarde who has heard many tales of their heroism.
- Hildegarde's mother sings her a lullaby about five knights in different colored armor, further fueling her longing to see them.
- Hildegarde goes to bed, eagerly anticipating the next morning.
- The next morning, Hildegarde's mother wakes with a terrible headache, and her father sprains his foot, making it impossible for them to take Hildegarde to town.
- Hildegarde, living isolated by the Enchanted Wood, realizes she cannot go and overhears her parents expressing sorrow for her disappointment.
- Hildegarde bravely hides her tears and spends the day diligently doing chores, caring for her parents and the farm animals.
- At sunset, with her chores done, Hildegarde sits in her doorway, looking towards the distant town and wondering about the knights.
- She thinks that perhaps the knights will come again someday, maybe in winter.
- Suddenly, she sees five horsemen riding through an opening in the Enchanted Wood, matching the description of the knights in her mother's song.
- The knights, bearing symbols of their deeds (blue banner, lamb, dragon's head), ride silently past her house and vanish into the wood.
- Hildegarde believes she hears sweet music as the last knight disappears.
- Her parents believe she fell asleep and dreamed, but Hildegarde holds the vision in her heart.
- Years later, Hildegarde tells the story to her own children and sings them the same song her mother sang to her.
Characters
Little Maid Hildegarde ★ protagonist
A young girl of slender build, likely of average height for her age, with a simple, wholesome appearance befitting a peasant child. Her movements are quick and diligent as she performs her chores.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing suitable for farm chores in a medieval European setting. This would include a sturdy linen or wool smock dress, possibly with an apron over it, in muted, earthy tones like brown, grey, or undyed cream. She would wear practical, comfortable shoes, perhaps leather or wooden clogs.
Wants: To see the brave knights and to fulfill her duties to her family. Later, to keep the memory of the knights alive and pass it on.
Flaw: Her youth and dependence on her parents, which initially prevents her from achieving her desire.
She learns to cope with disappointment and finds a unique way to experience her dream, transforming a missed opportunity into a cherished, personal vision that she carries into adulthood.
Diligent, imaginative, empathetic, patient, and resilient. She is quick to help her ailing parents and finds joy in simple wonders.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young peasant girl standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a pleasant, innocent face with bright, observant eyes and a simple, practical hairstyle of light brown hair tied back. She wears a sturdy, long-sleeved cream linen smock dress, a practical forest-green wool apron tied over it, and worn brown leather clogs. She holds a simple, handmade rag doll in her arms. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation and wonder. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Hildegarde's Father ◆ supporting
A sturdy, hardworking man, likely with a build accustomed to manual labor from cutting wood. He moves with a practical, if sometimes clumsy, gait.
Attire: Practical, durable peasant clothing suitable for a woodcutter in a medieval European setting. This would include a roughspun tunic in earthy tones, sturdy breeches, and worn leather boots. He might wear a simple cap.
Wants: To provide for his family and to bring joy to his daughter.
Flaw: Vulnerability to physical injury, which prevents him from helping his daughter.
Remains a constant, loving presence, his physical injury highlighting Hildegarde's resilience.
Kind, loving, hardworking, and empathetic. He is devoted to his family and shares Hildegarde's enthusiasm for the knights.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy adult man standing, slightly limping, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, honest face with a short, practical dark beard and short, dark, slightly greying hair. He wears a roughspun brown tunic, sturdy grey breeches, and worn leather boots. His expression is one of gentle concern and empathy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Hildegarde's Mother ◆ supporting
A gentle and caring woman, likely of average build, whose movements are usually graceful but become pained when ill.
Attire: Simple, modest peasant clothing suitable for a housewife in a medieval European setting. This would include a long, plain linen dress or kirtle in muted colors, possibly with a simple apron. Her clothing would be clean and well-maintained.
Wants: To care for her family and ensure her daughter's well-being and happiness.
Flaw: Vulnerability to illness, which prevents her from taking Hildegarde to town.
Remains a constant, loving presence, her illness highlighting Hildegarde's capacity for selflessness.
Caring, nurturing, empathetic, and resilient. She prioritizes her daughter's happiness even when in pain.
Image Prompt & Upload
A gentle adult woman standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, gentle face with soft brown eyes and her light brown hair is neatly braided and coiled at the back of her head, partially covered by a simple white linen coif. She wears a long, modest, undyed cream linen kirtle with a simple blue apron over it. Her expression is one of gentle care and warmth. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Blue Knight ◆ supporting
A strong and imposing figure, clearly a leader, mounted on a prancing steed. His movements are stately and confident.
Attire: Full plate armor, polished to a shine, with a surcoat of bonny blue fabric. He carries a banner of the same sky-blue color. The armor is typical of medieval European knights.
Wants: To fulfill his king's business and uphold the ideals of knighthood.
Flaw: Not applicable; he is an idealized figure.
Appears as a vision, reinforcing Hildegarde's belief in the ideals of knighthood.
Strong, true, and a natural leader, as described in the lullaby. He embodies the ideal of chivalry.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult male knight standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He is clad in polished silver full plate armor, with a flowing surcoat of deep bonny blue fabric. He wears a closed visored helmet, obscuring his face. He holds a tall staff with a sky-blue banner unfurled at the top. His posture is noble and commanding. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The White Knight ◆ supporting
A knight in gleaming armor, mounted on a prancing steed. His presence is one of purity and strength.
Attire: Full plate armor, polished to a brilliant white, like snow. He wears no visible surcoat, allowing the pristine armor to stand out. The armor is typical of medieval European knights.
Wants: To fulfill his king's business and uphold the ideals of knighthood, specifically associated with protection and care (carrying the lamb).
Flaw: Not applicable; he is an idealized figure.
Appears as a vision, reinforcing Hildegarde's belief in the ideals of knighthood, particularly their protective nature.
Pure and steadfast, embodying the virtuous aspects of knighthood.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult male knight standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He is clad in gleaming silver full plate armor, polished to a brilliant white like snow. He wears a closed visored helmet, obscuring his face. He gently cradles a small, white lamb in his arms. His posture is protective and noble. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Crimson Knight ◆ supporting
A knight in striking crimson, mounted on a prancing steed. His presence is bold and distinguished.
Attire: Full plate armor, with a vibrant crimson surcoat. A distinctive star emblem is emblazoned upon his breast. The armor is typical of medieval European knights.
Wants: To fulfill his king's business and uphold the ideals of knighthood, associated with overcoming threats (dragon's head).
Flaw: Not applicable; he is an idealized figure.
Appears as a vision, reinforcing Hildegarde's belief in the ideals of knighthood, particularly their role in vanquishing evil.
Bold and distinguished, representing the valorous and perhaps triumphant aspects of knighthood.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult male knight standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He is clad in polished silver full plate armor, with a vibrant crimson surcoat emblazoned with a golden star upon his breast. He wears a closed visored helmet, obscuring his face. A grotesque, leathery dragon's head hangs from his saddle. His posture is bold and triumphant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Golden Knight ◆ supporting
A knight in resplendent gold, mounted on a prancing steed. His presence is grand and perhaps celebratory.
Attire: Full plate armor, with a surcoat of cloth of gold, shimmering with a satin sheen. He carries a bugle by his side. The armor is typical of medieval European knights.
Wants: To fulfill his king's business and uphold the ideals of knighthood, associated with heraldry and celebration.
Flaw: Not applicable; he is an idealized figure.
Appears as a vision, reinforcing Hildegarde's belief in the ideals of knighthood, particularly their ceremonial or celebratory aspect.
Resplendent and perhaps merry, representing the celebratory or prosperous aspects of knighthood.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult male knight standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He is clad in polished silver full plate armor, with a shimmering cloth of gold surcoat that has a satin sheen. He wears a closed visored helmet, obscuring his face. A polished brass bugle hangs at his side. His posture is grand and elegant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Green Knight ◆ supporting
A knight in vibrant green, mounted on a prancing steed. His presence is lively and perhaps connected to nature.
Attire: Full plate armor, with a vibrant green surcoat, shimmering with a satin sheen. He carries a bugle by his side. The armor is typical of medieval European knights.
Wants: To fulfill his king's business and uphold the ideals of knighthood, associated with heraldry and celebration.
Flaw: Not applicable; he is an idealized figure.
Appears as a vision, reinforcing Hildegarde's belief in the ideals of knighthood, particularly their connection to the natural world or their role in putting out forest fires.
Lively and perhaps connected to the natural world, representing the protective or restorative aspects of knighthood (forest fires).
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult male knight standing upright, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He is clad in polished silver full plate armor, with a vibrant emerald green surcoat that has a satin sheen. He wears a closed visored helmet, obscuring his face. A polished brass bugle hangs at his side. His posture is lively and graceful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Hildegarde's Cottage Doorway
A simple, rustic cottage doorway, likely made of weathered wood, opening onto a small yard. Burdock leaves are implied to be growing nearby, and the view extends towards a distant forest and the faint spires of a town.
Mood: Peaceful, longing, slightly melancholic, then wondrous and magical
Hildegarde sits with her doll, watching the sunset, and then witnesses the five knights ride past.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic, half-timbered cottage doorway, made of rough-hewn oak planks, slightly ajar, revealing a glimpse of a simple, cozy interior. Outside, large burdock leaves with their distinctive broad, heart-shaped forms grow close to the stone foundation. Beyond, a winding dirt path leads into a dense, ancient European forest, its canopy silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky, casting long, warm shadows. In the far distance, the faint, pointed spires of a medieval town just peek above the treeline, catching the last golden light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Enchanted Wood Opening
A specific clearing or natural break in a dense, ancient European forest, through which a path or track is visible. The trees are tall and green, creating a sense of mystery and enclosure.
Mood: Mysterious, fleeting, magical, silent
The five knights emerge from and then vanish back into this part of the forest.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, winding track through a dense, ancient European forest, where towering oak and beech trees with gnarled branches form a thick, verdant canopy. A natural opening in the trees reveals a path bathed in the last, fading golden light of sunset, creating deep, shifting shadows on the mossy forest floor. The air is still and quiet, filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The foliage is a rich tapestry of deep greens, with hints of russet and gold where the light penetrates. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Church Square in Town (Implied)
A central public square in a medieval European town, dominated by a prominent church with a tall spire. Cobblestones or packed earth would likely form the ground. The square is a gathering place for townspeople.
Mood: Bustling, expectant, communal
The knights were scheduled to appear here, and the townspeople gathered to see them and present their requests.
Image Prompt & Upload
A bustling medieval European town square on a bright morning, paved with worn cobblestones. In the center stands a grand Gothic church with a towering, ornate spire reaching towards a clear blue sky. Surrounding the square are half-timbered Fachwerk houses with steep, tiled roofs and small, leaded-glass windows. Sunlight streams down, illuminating market stalls and the lively crowd, casting crisp shadows. The air is fresh and vibrant with activity. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
