AXEL AND VALBORG, 
 
 AND OTHER POEMS.
 
 PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE AND COMPANY 
 EDINBURGH AND LONDON
 
 AXEL AND VALBORG 
 
 in 
 AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE DANISH OF ADAM OEHLENSCHLAGER 
 
 BY 
 
 PIERCE BUTLER, M.A. 
 
 LATE RECTOR OF ULCOMBE, KENT 
 
 Edited by PROFESSOR PALMER, M.A., St John's Coll., Cambridge 
 lii|j a HJtmoir of \\t translator 
 
 LONDON 
 
 TRUBNER & CO., 57 & 59 LUDGATE HILL 
 1874 
 
 [All rights reserved]
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 THE present translations are chosen from amongst 
 several made by the late Rev. Pierce Butler, and left 
 by him in an unfinished state. Mr Eirikr Magnusson, 
 of the University Library, Cambridge, has kindly 
 revised the text, but the shorter poems are printed 
 almost as the translator left them. The indulgence 
 of the reader is craved for many literary faults in the 
 latter, which would have been corrected had the 
 manuscripts passed under the translator's final revi- 
 sion, but which might hardly be dealt with by another 
 hand without injury to the spirit of the work. 
 
 These translations were made after a visit to 
 Norway in 1856, which was the accomplishment of 
 the desire of many years, and was succeeded by 
 several others. This country had a peculiar interest 
 for Pierce Butler as the cradle of his ancestors the 
 " De Walters," of whom one had more than a 
 
 201522O
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 thousand years before accompanied Rollo in his 
 victorious expedition against Normandy. From 
 Normandy another of the De Walters came to Eng- 
 land with William the Conqueror, and here estab- 
 lished the family, whence descend the present 
 Marquis of Ormonde and Earl of Carrick. In 1177 
 the Chief-Butlership of Ireland was conferred on the 
 representative of the family (whence the name), and 
 the Butlers of Ireland have continued to hold this 
 office for many generations. 
 
 The subject of our memoir was the fourth son of 
 Lieut. -General the Hon. H. E. Butler. He gradu- 
 ated at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1848, and 
 soon afterwards took holy orders. In 1853 he 
 accompanied his brother, Captain H. T. Butler, 
 of the 55th Regiment, to Sinai. The latter had 
 received leave of absence from Government for 
 the purpose of exploring a part of the peninsula of 
 Sinai, with the view of extending our knowledge of 
 Biblical Geography; and at that time Pierce Butler 
 conceived the idea of a future and more important 
 expedition and survey. On the outbreak of the war 
 in Russia, Captain Butler was recalled from Sinai, 
 and fell at Inkermann ; and another brother, James
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Armar, the " hero of Silistria," died also of wounds 
 received during that memorable siege struck down 
 in the height of a career so distinguished, that the 
 sorrow felt at his death by his father and his friends 
 was shared, as Lord Hardinge expressed it, " by the 
 country, the army, and the sovereign." 
 
 Pierce Butler then determined to go out to Turkey, 
 for the special purpose of volunteering his ministra- 
 tions to the sick and wounded soldiers of our army. 
 Such Christian service seemed the most fitting tribute 
 he could pay to the memory of his lamented brothers. 
 He accordingly proceeded to Constantinople in 
 December 1854, and shortly afterwards accepted 
 the offer of an appointment as one of the chaplains 
 to our army in the Crimea. In discharging this duty, 
 his gentle, genial manners and amiable disposition 
 won the hearts of officers and men ; and those now 
 living who were with the Second Division in the 
 camp before Sevastopol will ever retain a grateful 
 recollection of his ministrations. 
 
 In 1 86 1 he married, and settled at the family living 
 of Ulcombe in Kent. 
 
 In 1867, encouraged by the assistance which 
 Government had previously afforded towards the
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 survey of Jerusalem, he resolved to make every 
 effort to obtain, from amongst his own relations and 
 friends, and other persons likely to take an interest 
 in Biblical and geographical research, sufficient funds 
 for a topographical survey of at least the most inter- 
 esting parts of the peninsula of Sinai. In a few weeks 
 he had received such promises of support from gen- 
 tlemen interested in the subject that he felt justified 
 in laying his plan before the Secretary of State for 
 War. Sir John Pakington readily lent his aid, and at 
 once authorised Sir Henry James to undertake the 
 superintendence of the Sinai survey, as he had formerly 
 that of the survey of Jerusalem, and to equip and send 
 out a small party of officers and men of the Royal 
 Engineers. Lord Stanley, as the head of the Foreign 
 Office, also afforded the scheme every facility in his 
 power, and Mr Butler, confident then of ultimate 
 success, prepared to pay a short visit at once to 
 Egypt, with the view of making arrangements for the 
 arrival and progress of the surveying party, which it 
 was proposed to despatch soon afterwards from this 
 country, and which he himself hoped to accompany 
 in their work. He had even taken his passage for 
 Alexandria, and was actively preparing for departure,
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 when severe illness overtook him; and on the 8th 
 of February, 1868 on the very day, and almost 
 at the very hour, on which he was lo have started 
 for Egypt he died at his home in Kent, before he 
 had quite completed his forty-second year.
 
 AXEL AND VALBORG. 
 
 A TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS.
 
 HAKON HERDEBRED,* 
 
 of Norway. 
 SIGURD OF REINE, his 
 
 shal 
 AXEL THORDSON, his 
 
 man. 
 
 VALBORG, Axel's bride. 
 WlLHELM, his friend. 
 ERLAND, Archbishop. 
 KNUD, Blackfriar. 
 
 King 
 Mar- 
 kins- 
 
 BJORN, The Old. 
 ENDRID, a young man. 
 KOLBEIN, and several warriors. 
 A HOSTILE WARRIOR, with 
 
 followers. 
 
 GOTFRED, Wilhelms servant. 
 QUEEN THORA, with her ladies 
 
 and maidens. 
 BlARKEBEINER. 
 
 MONKS. 
 
 Date, 1162. 
 
 The action takes place in Christ Church in Nidaros. On 
 both sides are tombs in the walls, in the middle of the pavement 
 Harald Gille's tombstone. In the foreground are two massive 
 columns supporting an arch ; on the left are marked three 
 crosses ; the right displays the monogram 
 
 surrounded by a wreath of forget-me-nots. Far in the back- 
 ground stands the high altar ; over the altar-table is a golden 
 shrine, which is illuminated by the painted windows in the choir, 
 through which the sun is shining. In the centre of the nave 
 is a corona. 
 
 Broad-shouldered.
 
 ACT I.
 
 AXEL AND VALBORG. 
 
 A TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 AXEL. WILHELM. 
 
 Wilhelm. So this, then, is the wide-known church 
 
 of Trondhjem, 
 
 The fame whereof has reached to Rome itself? 
 Axel. And has fame bragged ? 
 Wilhelm. Nay, nay ! 
 
 Axel. Oh, what a temple ! 
 
 Wilhelm. A mighty hollow-vaulted Dovre-field, 
 Axel. Here venerable quietude abides, 
 And sheds devotion in the tranquil mind. 
 
 Wilhelm. A glorious sight, as from mid-nave one 
 
 looks 
 Up towards the altar.
 
 4 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Axel. Mass is being sung 
 
 Within the choir. Hark, how the matins ring 
 Throughout the rounded arches of the church ! 
 The waxen tapers in the brazen lustres 
 Shed down the solemn aisles their feeble rays ; 
 'Tis like the gleam of hope in sorrowing heart. 
 Oh, what a sight ! and see the early morning 
 Is glowing through the coloured window-panes. 
 All hail to thee, thou glorious rising sun ! 
 Thou wak'nest all my childhood's memories. 
 
 Wilhelm. But what can be yon golden chest I 
 
 see 
 Above the altar ? 
 
 Axel. Tis Saint Olaf 's shrine. 
 
 Wilhelm. Ah, that is Olaf 's shrine ! 
 
 Axel. There are preserved 
 
 The sacred relics of the Saint of Norway. 
 
 Wilhelm. Are still his beard and nails from time 
 
 to time 
 Clipped by the kings ? 
 
 Axel. Nay, Harald Haarderaade* 
 
 Thought it impious to disturb the corpse 
 * Harold the Resolute.
 
 I.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 5 
 
 In its last sacred rest. He therefore cast 
 Into the sea the keys of Olaf's shrine, 
 That so his noble dust might sleep in peace. 
 
 Wilhelm (looks at the columns). Ha, by St Inno- 
 cent ! what rock-fast columns ! 
 They have a stronger backbone, broader shoulders, 
 Than you and I ; and they will tower aloft 
 When our tired limbs have long lain in the dust. 
 But what can these three crosses signify ? 
 
 Axel. Come, Wilhelm ! let us see the other pillar. 
 
 Wilhelm. But tell me first, what signify these 
 crosses ? 
 
 Axel. They mark the height of Harald Haar- 
 
 deraade, 
 
 Of Olaf Kirre,* and of King Magnus. 
 But let us go and see the other pillar. 
 
 Wilhelm. What would you look at ? 
 
 Axel. A smaller effigy : 
 
 Not near so high, not any giant's measure, 
 No higher than a maid of fifteen years : 
 Not cut into the stone, but only scratched 
 With feeble lines upon the wooden frame. 
 * Olaf the Quiet.
 
 6 AXEL AND VALBGRG. [ACT 
 
 Wilhelm. Thy Valborg's measure ? 
 
 Axel. Wait a moment yet ! 
 
 Let me enhance the pleasure by delay. 
 
 Wilhelm. When did you carve it? 
 
 Axel. 'Twas five years ago, 
 
 When to this church I came, to pray to God, 
 And bid a last farewell both to my love 
 And to my fatherland. Young Valborg's mother 
 Was lately dead, and Valborg in the convent 
 Was placed, to learn embroidery and reading. 
 She was but fifteen then ; but, O my brother ! 
 Her ripened soul smiled with angelic sweetness 
 Through eyes of heavenly blue. Hither I came : 
 It was at morning's dawn. The day before 
 King Eistein had been seized and foully murdered. 
 Horror was driving me away from Norway. 
 Her sons waged cruel war against each other, 
 The land was filled with violence and blood, 
 While love was fighting fiercely in my breast. 
 I prayed to God to quench that mighty flame, 
 Which innocent itself full well I knew 
 Towards a kinswoman in guilt must burn. 
 I prayed : and while I prayed yon cloister-door,
 
 I.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 
 
 Through which the pious sisters of the convent 
 
 Are wont to come to mass, was softly opened. 
 
 I wondered at their coming, for 'twas early. 
 
 But, ah ! there was but one, and she a novice, 
 
 Whose loveliness no veil with cruel folds 
 
 Enshrouded yet. Closely the robe of black 
 
 Was fastened round her slender waist ; her hair 
 
 Fell o'er her snow-white shoulders carelessly 
 
 In tresses soft as silk. She saw me not, 
 
 Wilhelm ! She knelt before this very grave, 
 
 Her mother's grave ; and piously she raised 
 
 Her rounded arms, and clasped her lily-hands ; 
 
 She prayed as I, " O heaven ! quench my love. 
 
 O mother ! strengthen thou thy daughter's virtue !" 
 
 Then I forgot Saint Olaf, all the saints, 
 
 Aye, Heaven itself; for Heaven stood now revealed 
 
 Before mine eyes in Valborg. Never yet 
 
 Confession of my love had passed my lips. 
 
 As children they had called us man and wife : 
 
 It was in jest, because the darling girl 
 
 Already as a child was dear to me. 
 
 Now drew I near to her, my heart on fire 
 
 With courage kindled by the strongest love ;
 
 8 AXEL AND VALBORG. FACT 
 
 Now seemed to me all dangers past and gone. 
 
 My fate lay like a dragon at my feet ; 
 
 Brave as Saint Michael did I stand upon it, 
 
 And strike my spear into the monster's back, 
 
 While my affection, like th' archangel's wings, 
 
 Rose towards the heavens. Before my Valborg 
 
 thus 
 
 I stood : her graceful form encircled I 
 Boldly with my left arm, whilst with the right 
 I drew my sword, and sware by all the Saints, 
 Fair Valborg shall be Axel Thordson's bride 
 On eaith, or else in yonder Heaven ! 
 
 Wilhelm. Amen, 
 
 My gallant brother ! 
 
 Axel. Ah ! then trembled Valborg : 
 
 " What swearest thou, my Axel ? Know'st thou not 
 All love like ours offends against religion ? 
 Are we not kin ? Doth not the Church forbid 
 Such marriages ? Did not our mothers pray 
 Upon their death-beds earnestly to us 
 That we should quench this flame ? Foretold they not 
 That nought but grief and ruin would await us, 
 If we should act in aught against their counsel ?
 
 I.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 9 
 
 Axel, behold our mothers on the tombstones ! 
 How sorrowing they bow their heads, and weep 
 In tenderest compassion for us both, 
 Mourning their children's cruel destiny." 
 Then marked I our initials on yon pillar, 
 And sware again : " I come with dispensation 
 Home from the Pope, or never, never more." 
 
 Wilhelm. Happy art thou to stand beside thy 
 
 goal, 
 
 With all possessed which then was wanting. 
 Come, let us see the letters traced by thee. 
 Axel. Yes, that shall be the omen of my fate, 
 
 \He goes over to the pillar and discovers the 
 
 wreath of flowers. 
 
 O Wilhelm, Wilhelm ! Valborg 's true to me ! 
 The sky is not so blue as these dear flowers. 
 
 \He embraces his friend. 
 
 Wilhelm. O happy man ! to love and to be loved. 
 Axel. Comrade ! have patience with your friend, 
 
 I pray, 
 
 Let not his weakness weary you. Soon, soon 
 The brightest joy of life will shine on Axel, 
 With Valborg, and his noble brother Wilhelm.
 
 io AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 You came with me to Norway, here to learn 
 
 Our northern nature ; all shall you behold ; 
 
 But love is of our northern nature part. 
 
 Esteem and reverence for woman, Wilhelm ! 
 
 The southern knights first learnt from northern 
 
 warriors. 
 
 If you would learn the spirit and the life 
 Of northern lands, begin thou with our love. 
 
 Wilhelm. Love on, good Axel ! Dream your 
 
 happy dreams ! 
 
 You chose an honest German for your friend, 
 And in his breast you ne'er shall fail to find 
 True sympathy in weal or woe. 
 
 Axel. I know it ! 
 
 When Odin's hosts were parted, yet remained 
 Enough in speech and nature still to shew 
 Their common origin : and therefore ought 
 The Goth and German to be always friends. 
 
 Wilhelm. In Henry's army you have shown your- 
 self 
 
 As brave a knight, as now these memories 
 Of former days prove you a faithful lover. 
 I leave you, friend ! alone now with your love.
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 11 
 
 Whilst I shall go on board the ship, and give 
 Our men their orders. 
 
 Axel. True ! I ought myself 
 
 Wilhelm. Nay, nay! you are excused. Leave it 
 
 to me ! 
 
 Thanks for your showing me the noble church. 
 On yonder seat you '11 find the pilgrim-staff j 
 Beside it lies the pilgrim-cloak, in which 
 For the first time you see Valborg again. 
 And now I leave you, Axel ! to your joy : 
 Meet me on board the ship whene'er you will 
 Axel. I will conduct you to the king, as soon 
 Wilhdm. First would I greet the bishop ; but for 
 
 this 
 There is no hurry, though there is for love. 
 
 \Hc goes. 
 Axel. Brave Wilhelm ! True and honourable 
 
 heart ! 
 
 My chosen friend, my trusty German comrade ! 
 How brightly shines the sun of gladness now 
 Into my heart, as through the vaulted church, 
 But see, what shadow comes to overcast 
 My morning glory ? Ha, Blackfriar Knud !
 
 12 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 I know him well : the same low, cunning glance 
 Is in his eye, the same deceitful smile 
 Upon his lip, as five years since. Could I 
 Escape him ? But already he has seen me. 
 What if he tarries till my Valborg comes ! 
 Ill-omened bird, must thou then be the first 
 To meet me here ! 'Tis an unlucky sign ! 
 
 Knud (comes). O Holy Rood ! what ! what ! Can I 
 
 see right ? 
 
 What ? Axel Thordson ? Axel in the land ? 
 Do not mine eyes deceive me ? 
 
 Axel. Nay, your eyes 
 
 See clear and true, my reverend father ! Axel 
 Is here. God's peace ! How fares it, brother Knud ! 
 
 Knud. God bless you, Axel ! for this kindly greet- 
 ing, 
 
 " How fares it ? " The old way the way of priests ! 
 From cloister now to church, and then from church 
 Again to cloister, and at last from cloister 
 A step into the grave such is monks' life. 
 But, my dear son ! how fares it now with you ? 
 Well, well ! how stout and lusty you have grown ! 
 Where have you journeyed? what have you been doing?
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 13 
 
 A stirring youth will see more in a year 
 Than all monks see together in their lives. 
 But what am I to think of your return ? 
 
 \He observes Axel attentively. 
 
 Axel. Does it surprise you, father, that a Norseman 
 Should wish to see his Fatherland again ? 
 
 Knud. Wherefore you left our land I know full well : 
 Yes, all we monks had truly cause to praise 
 Resolve so pious in a youthful heart 
 By absence you would try to overcome 
 Your sinful passion towards the beauteous Valborg : 
 Now that indeed was well done right well done ! 
 But your return to Norway, my dear son ? 
 But then, 'tis true, five years have passed away : 
 In five years much may be forgot, I know, 
 And in yon Roman lands are lovely women ; 
 As lilies fair, as blooming as the rose, 
 As soft as doves, impassioned as the flame ; 
 Pale northern beauty is forgotten there. 
 Is it not so, my son ? 
 
 Axel. It may well be. 
 
 Knud, Ay, ay ! and so it was, I trow, with you : 
 And well it was, for 'twas a mortal sin
 
 i 4 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Your youthful heart at that time seemed to stand 
 In danger of committing. 
 
 Axel. How fares Valborg ? 
 
 Knud. Well, like young maids- in general ; she 's 
 
 grown 
 Pious, and good, and pretty. 
 
 Axel. That she was 
 
 Already when I left. 
 
 Knud. She promised well 
 
 She promised well ! 
 
 Axel. Is she more beautiful ? 
 
 Knud. That, my dear son ! is not for me to judge. 
 A monk knows nothing about earthly beauty, 
 He looks upon the heavenly. 
 
 Axe!. And is Valborg 
 
 Still in the convent ? 
 
 Knud. Yes, from time to time ; 
 
 But mostly with Queen Thora, Hakon's mother, 
 Up at the palace, where she soon will live. 
 
 Axel. How so ? 
 
 Knud. She 's still indeed called " Axel's 
 
 Bride" 
 In jesting 'mong the city girls ; but then
 
 I.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 15 
 
 We all well know that very soon King Hakon 
 Will share the crown of Norway with fair Valborg. 
 
 Axel. What? Hakon? 
 
 Knud. Why, he loves young Valborg 
 
 With all the passion of his heart. 
 
 Axel. And Valborg ? 
 
 Knud. She him in turn. 
 
 Axel. There liest thou, brother Knud ! 
 
 Knud. Nay, nay, my youthful friend ! I fully 
 
 thought 
 That you had piously o'ercome your sins. 
 
 Aocel. She does not love King Hakon ; nay, she 
 hates him. 
 
 Knud. Christ save us ! hate the King ! 
 
 Axel. And has he sued 
 
 For Valborg's hand ? 
 
 Knud. Long since : and Valborg's kinsmen 
 
 All gave the king their " Yea." 
 
 Axel. But Valborg, monk ! 
 
 But Valborg gave him " Nay." 
 
 Knud. She is brought up 
 
 In Christian piety ; she knows obedience 
 Is always woman's chiefest ornament.
 
 16 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Axel. Nay, monk ! By all the stars of Heaven ! 
 
 Valborg 
 Marries no Hakon, she is Axel's bride. 
 
 Knud. And do you think indeed to perpetrate 
 A crime so foul ? 
 
 Axel. Yea ; my rightful bride 
 
 She shall become, by God and by my heart. 
 
 Knud. But how ? 
 
 Axel. Thereof the king and I must speak : 
 
 I owe to you no reckoning. Mine is Valborg, 
 In spite of all the devils all'the monks. 
 
 [He goes. 
 
 Knud. Important news ! desirable for me ! 
 A cause ecclesiastical ; and one 
 With which th' archbishop will not like to meddle. 
 Once on a time he was in love himself, 
 Old fool ! So, brother Knud ! it seems that Axel 
 Will not renounce his Valborg with good-will, 
 In heat of love has he again forgot 
 I must not lose a moment to reveal 
 All to the King. Erland is old and sick 
 Another bishop must be thought of soon ! 
 Tis an important post, in times like these.
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 17 
 
 The King of Norway doubtless needs a man 
 Of strength and wisdom, one who, by his deeds, 
 Has shown devotion. Courage, Brother Knud ! 
 Here is a glorious opportunity. 
 How can a lover recompense enough 
 The friend who gains for him his heart's desire ? 
 Important news ! desirable for me ! [He goes. 
 
 Axel (comes back in a pilgrim's cloak, fastened with 
 mussel- shells ; he has a white staff and a broad 
 hat in his hand). Gone ? Hasten, if you 
 please, to carry Hakon 
 The welcome news I follow soon myself. 
 He to love her ! The king to love my Valborg ! 
 No matter, she loves me and whereby know'st 
 And whereby know'st thou that she does love thee ? 
 He is a king, and Valborg is a girl, 
 And woman's lot is weakness. Axel, shame ! 
 Doubteth a sinner of an angel's virtue? 
 But girls are fond of show. O Axel ! Axel ! 
 When here she knelt before her God her soul 
 Glowing with sacred love was 't earthly show 
 That beamed from out those eyes of purity ? 
 Ah, time wears all things out ; it lays in ruins 
 Even the pyramids on Egypt's plains,
 
 1 8 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 And how much more O love ! thou surely art 
 No good and guileless passion, for thou wak'nest 
 Suspicion, hate, and fear within the heart ! 
 Five years ! I too within that space have changed ; 
 I have not lost, a warrior am I grown ; 
 Mine eye is calmer, keener than it was ; 
 My chin is covered with a thick dark beard ; 
 My sword has not grown rusty in its sheath 
 Meanwhile ; my deeds have won my leader's praise, 
 Henry the Lion ; for his sake I wear 
 Many a scar upon my breast and shoulders. 
 If I was deemed by Valborg worth her love 
 When but a boy, how much more as a man ! 
 What loves a woman more than manliness ? 
 
 [His eyes fall upon the wreath. 
 Ah, lovely flowers ! like the beaming May-day, 
 Arched over by the blue of heaven, ye lighten 
 The sorrow in my heart. See, Thora comes 
 Returning from the matins with her maidens. 
 Now to the point ! In hoary sage's guise 
 I will spy out my fate. If Valborg fails me 
 Away as quickly as I came ; like lightning 
 Back to the ranks of Henry's host, and there 
 Some Vendic axe will bring me longed-for-death ;
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 19 
 
 Or if the heathen offers, as a captive, 
 Me to his Radegast, his Svantevit, 
 His Provo, or unto the cruel Siva, 
 What matter ? I had fallen a sacrifice 
 Here to a Christian, and more cruel goddess. 
 
 [He steps aside. The Queen passes through 
 
 the church with her ladies and maidens. 
 
 Valborg (comes in the last pair : she stops in the 
 
 foreground, and says to her companion) 
 Go on, Swanwhite ! and leave me here alone, 
 That, after daily custom, I may pray 
 First at my father's and my mother's graves, 
 And I will follow soon. 
 
 [ The Queen's attendants go. Valborg kneels 
 
 down beside her parents' grave. 
 Axel (who has returned in disguise, also kneels 
 down at a little distance). O heaven ! 'tis 
 Valborg ! 
 
 I hardly know her. What majestic growth ! 
 The whilom bud is now a full-blown rose. 
 How lovely is she grown ! Her countenance 
 Is still the same : ah, no ! the blushing roses 
 Have given place to sorrow's pallid lilies.
 
 20 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Yet I should shudder, if I saw her bloom 
 In joyous cheerfulness. 
 
 Valborg (rises up and looks around}. I am alone : 
 Tis but an aged pilgrim who kneels yonder. 
 
 [She goes over to the pillar with the initials, 
 takes off the wreath, and hangs on it a 
 fresh one instead. 
 
 I give thee my " Good morning," O my love ! 
 Axel. O heaven ! 
 Vaiborg (observes Axel}. How piously the old man 
 
 prays ! 
 
 Axel. I thank thee, heavenly Father, for thy mercy ! 
 Valborg. How blest his joy, the venerable man ! 
 His sacred pilgrimage is ended now, 
 His heart is lightened of a heavy load ; 
 Now stands he pure and guiltless by his grave, 
 Which opens for him as a friend's embrace. 
 O gracious God ! how strange the course of life 
 Upon this earth ! How often age enjoys 
 A childlike gladness, while the youthful heart 
 Must pine away in dark and hopeless sorrow. 
 
 [She goes towards him, whilst he rises. 
 All hail, all bliss to thee, my pious pilgrim !
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 21 
 
 Axel. My thanks are due to you, fair lady Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg. Thou knowest me ? 
 
 Axel. To Nidaros I journeyed, 
 
 Partly to kneel before St Olaf 's shrine, 
 Partly to bring a letter and a greeting 
 To thee from Germany, wherethrough I wand'rd. 
 Thy cousin Helfred have I visited 
 At Immersborg : and she foretold I 'd have 
 A welcome cheer for this my joyful message. 
 
 Valborg. I'm known to none throughout the wide, 
 
 wide world 
 
 But Lady Helfred, trusty friend of mine. 
 But coming from afar, what tidings canst thou bring ? 
 
 Axel. The lady has a brother. 
 
 Valborg (blushes). Axel Thordson? 
 
 Axel (aside). Ye pallid flowers ! changing now again 
 To roses ! (aloud.) Right, fair lady ! Axel Thord- 
 son 
 
 A warrior brave, though somewhat sad of mood. 
 In Saxony, in Henry's camp, I met him. 
 No sooner had he learnt that I was bound 
 For Norway, than he handed me this letter, 
 And bade me give it into thine own hand.
 
 22 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Valborg (casts a timid side glance through the church : 
 
 when she sees that she is alone with the stranger, 
 
 she takes the letter, and says) 
 Old man ! thou bringest me a welcome message. 
 Axel. Do I? May God in heaven then bless 
 
 thee for it ! 
 
 Valborg. You take an interest in Axel's fate ? 
 Axel. And in fair Valborg's too. But read the 
 
 letter ! 
 Valborg (opens the letter and reads) 
 
 " Young Axel doth this letter write, 
 Valborg, thou sweetest maiden ! 
 Christ grant that it may reach thy sight, 
 With Axel's true love laden. 
 
 This ring comes from my hand to thee, 
 
 Thy finger wear it ever ; 
 At heart I love thee faithfully, 
 
 And can forget thee never. 
 
 Remember thou, my youthful bride, 
 
 That thus our troth is plighted ; 
 Though Axel wander far and wide, 
 
 'Mid foreign folk benighted. 
 
 Henry the Lion is his lord ; 
 
 His golden spurs gleam brightly, 
 And brightly his Italian sword, 
 
 For Axel's rank is knightly.
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 23 
 
 But ah ! sweet sleep he cannot find 
 
 After the fight is ended ; 
 Strange visions haunt his troubled mind 
 
 With thy loved image blended. 
 
 O Valborg ! be thou true to me ! 
 
 Forget not our loves' story ! 
 For all the world I fail not thee, 
 
 My joy, my pride, my glory ! 
 
 Our evil fortune soon may change 
 
 And end our days of sadness, 
 And Axel bring thee tidings strange 
 
 To fill thy heart with gladness ; 
 
 And he may stand before thy sight, 
 
 Believe it scarce thou darest ? 
 Farewell now, Valborg, lily white, 
 
 Of all fair flowers the fairest ! " 
 
 [ Valborg gazes mournfully on the letter, and 
 repeats slowly and despairingly 
 
 " And he may stand before thy sight, 
 Believe it scarce thou darest ? " 
 
 \She raises her eyes, and at the same moment 
 becomes aware of Axel, who had thrown 
 off the pilgrim 's cloak. 
 O heaven ! 
 
 Axel (in her arms) 
 
 " Here is he, Valborg ! lily white, 
 Of all fair flowers the fairest ! "
 
 24 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Valborg. Axel ! 
 
 Axel. Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg. Christ Maria ! 
 
 Is it thyself? 
 
 Axel. Oh no, it is not Axel ; 
 
 For Axel was a sad and silent youth, 
 And now thy snow-white arms, fair Valborg, clasp 
 The happiest and most prosperous of knights. 
 
 Valborg. My Axel ! is it possible ? 
 
 Axel. Sweet maid ! 
 
 All things are possible to faithful hearts, 
 And in all things thy pilgrim has succeeded. 
 He stands beside his goal, and not his grave, 
 And thanks our heavenly Father for His mercy. 
 I sware an oath that I would ne'er return 
 Until the Church had giv'n us leave to love. 
 See here the Holy Father's dispensation ! 
 Now can we love, my Valborg ! without sin. 
 The precious deed I carry in a cover 
 Of silk upon my heart. A heaven's letter 
 That yellow parchment is ! Read ! " Hadrianus 
 Episcopus, servus servorum Dei " 
 Ah ! I forgot, 'tis in the Latin tongue
 
 I.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 25 
 
 But it allows thee to return my love ; 
 
 The worthy old man sware me that. And now 
 
 Swear thou, I pray, beloved of my heart ! 
 
 On this broad tombstone, under which doth rest 
 
 The dust of our forefather Harald Gille, 
 
 That thou to-day wilt kneel before yon altar, 
 
 With Axel as thy bridegroom. 
 
 Valborg, Oh, my Axel ! 
 
 Thou know'st not that the king 
 
 Axel. All know I, all ! 
 
 He loveth thee ! and thou ? 
 
 Valborg. And I love Axel. 
 
 Axel. O sweetly-sounding, heaven-taught eloquence ! 
 Say it once more, oh say it yet once more, 
 Thou lovely lily-wand ! I did not hear 
 The first time what thy rose-bud lips did speak. 
 
 Valborg. Valborg loves Axel. 
 
 Axel. Have ye heard it, walls ? 
 
 Ye lofty arches ! altars of the Lord ! 
 Valborg loves Axel ! Now but death itself 
 Shall ever part thee from him. Valborg, come 
 Come let me place this ring upon thy finger ! 
 
 \He loses it.
 
 26 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Tis fallen ! 
 
 Valborg. O God ! 
 
 Axel. It rolled into a crevice. 
 
 Valborg. 'Tis fallen into Harald Gille's grave. 
 
 Axel. Ten better shall be wrought, for every one 
 Of Valborg's slender, alabaster fingers. 
 With strings of pearl her hair shall be adorned ; 
 Rich silk, with roses and with lilies broidered, 
 Shall deck her bosom ; and her tiny feet 
 Shall be enclosed in silver-buckled shoes. 
 The train of thy red mantle shall be borne 
 By pages, whensoe'er, as Axel's wife, 
 Thou goest to the church from Axel's court. 
 Enough rich gold from Vendish carven gods 
 Fell to thy true knight's lot. Thou wast his shield- 
 maid, 
 My stately Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg. O beloved youth ! 
 
 How wonderfully art thou also changed : 
 Only thy heart, thy love, are still the same. 
 I hardly can discern thy roguish dimple 
 Here in thy chin, for all these thick black curls, 
 Barbarian thou art grown ! Why, Valborg loved
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 27 
 
 A fair and smooth-faced youth ; now she embraces 
 A sun-burnt, bearded savage of the wilds. 
 
 Axel. And as a proof that thou art not afraid 
 Of this rude savage with the thick black beard, 
 Come, press thy face so smooth, so silky-soft 
 Against this swarthy down, whilst with thy mouth 
 The first sweet seal of thine unaltered love 
 Thou dost impress on Axel's lips. 
 
 \He kisses her. 
 
 Valborg. My Axel ! 
 
 Axel. My Valborg ! So ! Now will I go to 
 
 Hakon ; 
 
 Now have I drunk a draught of strength and courage. 
 I do not fear : he shall not rob me of 
 My bride : nay, more, he cannot, for he is 
 A northern chief, and he will not be base : 
 It is my duty to believe his honour. 
 Farewell ! Ah me, how hard it is for Axel 
 To tear himself from his beloved one ! 
 But it must be. Soon shall we be united 
 As close as our initials on the column. 
 See, sweetest maiden ! what is yonder " A ? " 
 A " V " reversed ; and what is yonder " V ? "
 
 28 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 An " A " reversed. So is it with our hearts : 
 
 We are one soul, now rent indeed in twain, 
 
 But ever striving to be one again. 
 
 Christ bless thee ! Deck thee as a bride. Thou findest 
 
 Thine Axel here again as bridegroom. 
 
 [He goes. 
 
 Valborg. Axel ! 
 
 How he has grown in manliness and courage ! 
 With joyous confidence his eye is beaming. 
 Why go away, and leave thy Valborg here 
 Alone behind, amid the tombs, my Axel ? 
 Arid now again her eyes turn anxiously 
 Towards the pallid image of her mother. 
 She still weeps mournfully : ah, 'tis as though 
 She were about to say " Unhappy ones ! 
 Ye are rejoicing in a short-lived hope : 
 But cruel fate has raised an iron wall 
 Between your youthful hearts. First in the grave"- 
 O God ! 'tis in the grave his ring has fallen, 
 In Harald's grave. There stands he in his armour 
 The monarch dead so fierce and terrible, 
 The hand on sword, with wrathful-knitted brow. 
 Oh be not wroth with us, great ancestor !
 
 i.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 29 
 
 Mine Axel brings the papal dispensation : 
 Our marriage now no longer is a crime. 
 But ah ! unmoved by me, he threatens still. 
 And Axel's ring all ye saints in heaven ! 
 'Tis fallen into our forefather's grave. 
 
 [She goes.
 
 ACT II.
 
 1 1.] AXEL AND VAI.BORG. 33 
 
 A CT II. 
 
 King HAKON. SIGURD OF REINE. 
 
 Sigurd. All hail to thee, my lord and master 
 
 Hakon ! 
 
 Tis plain to see that one must go to church, 
 If now-a-days one would be sure to find 
 The King of Norway. 
 
 Hakon. Do you bring us tidings ? 
 
 Have you procured us news of Erling, Sigurd ? 
 
 Sigurd. A merchant ship has run into the Fjord, 
 That under cover of the night had crept 
 Away from Bergen : it brings evil tidings. 
 In southern Norway is young Magnus chosen, 
 And Erling rages wild in Bergen. Slain 
 Is Arne Brigdeskal, your steward, sire, 
 And likewise Ingebiorn, the governor. 
 All merchant vessels are detained in Bergen, 
 Lest they should bring you word to Nidaros
 
 34 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Of Erling's preparations. Accident 
 Have we alone to thank for this last news. 
 
 Hakon. The traitor wishes one such other greeting 
 As Inge got on board the Bekesud.* 
 
 Sigurd. No prudent man will e'er despise his foe. 
 Such chances are not always found, as when 
 Upon the ice you met Gregorius Dagson ; 
 And Erling is no fool, such as King Inge, 
 The weakly withered-foot : from childhood has 
 He learnt to bear the steel. In Niorfasund t 
 The axe-stroke of the negro had not power 
 To slay him, when with Ragnvald Jarl he sailed 
 To Saerkland,| and upon the voyage boarded 
 The haughty Dromund. Ever since that blow 
 He holds his head upon one side, and so 
 He is called " Erling Skakke." || 
 
 Hakon. We will try 
 
 To strike at him upon the other side : 
 So goes it, think I. 
 
 Sigurd. May God grant it, sire ! 
 
 * Name of a man-of-war. f Straits of Gibraltar. 
 
 Land of the Saracens. 
 
 t A kind of Levantine merchant vessel, and sometimes man-of-war. 
 
 || Skakke, askew.
 
 II.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 35 
 
 But, king ! forgive an old man's hardihood : 
 What dost thou here among the graves ? why sighesl 
 Thou like a weakly girl ? Why doth thy cheek 
 Turn pale ? why glows thine eye with sickly light 
 As doth the drunkard's ? Hakon ! can a maiden 
 So rob thee of thy spirit and thy strength ? 
 Look you, the nation needs a valiant chief, 
 Who will combine the strength of Haarderaade 
 With Magnus' wisdom. Thou possessest now 
 The throne of Norway, for the kingdom's heirs 
 Are fallen ; and right has claimed for thee the sceptre, 
 As Harald -Gille's last remaining grandson. 
 Another race is rising now, once more 
 To waste the nation's blood in civil war : 
 Hakon ! the hope of Norway rests on thee. 
 Has not King Valdemar in Denmark shown 
 How, by the hero, strife 's soon turned to order ? 
 
 Hakon, You give me then th' example of my foe ? 
 
 Sigurd. Follow his virtues, and avoid his faults ! 
 But go not dreaming thus within these walls, 
 The haughty tokens of Augustine's pride. 
 Now is he building other walls in Bergen 
 Against thy power, to Erling Skakke's profit.
 
 36 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Hakon. Be not uneasy, Sigurd ! soon my longing 
 Shall find its object. 
 
 Sigurd. Well then, lose no time ! 
 
 Let it be quickly done ; appease your longing ; 
 Shake off the dreaming youth, the sighing lover, 
 And head your warriors like a chief and hero. 
 
 Hakon. As heroes we will stand prepared for Erling. 
 
 Sigurd. It is full time, then, that you think upon it, 
 For what secures you 'gainst the attack of Erling ? 
 Gather your ships, and let the trumpet's blast 
 Be heard to-day ! Set warlike pipes a-sounding, 
 Buckle your armour on, and show yourself 
 A valiant chieftain, able to subdue 
 Thy traitor foes. 
 
 Hakon. Yes, yes, to-morrow, Sigurd ! 
 
 To-morrow. 'Tis impossible to-day. 
 
 Sigurd. Yet more impossible perhaps to-morrow, 
 If Erling should attack us in the night. 
 Forget not 
 
 Hakon. And forget not your respect ! 
 
 Sigurd. 'Twas simple faithfulness that made me 
 
 speak. 
 It grieves me sore that Erling is believed,
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 37 
 
 Because ill-luck confirms his slanderous rumours. 
 
 Tradition saith, indeed, that Harald Gille 
 
 By treachery obtained the crown of Norway : 
 
 For this ('tis said), and for the cruelty 
 
 He showed towards Magnus Blind, Bishop Reinald, 
 
 It goes so ill with his posterity ; 
 
 And luck and thriving can there never be 
 
 With all the Gille race, whate'er it does. 
 
 So saith the people, and it grieves me sore. 
 
 Hakon. Such idle tales as these may grieve old 
 
 crones, 
 But not old warriors. 
 
 Sigurd. Yet such traditions 
 
 Are venerable. 
 
 Hakon. Superstitious too. 
 
 But here comes Brother Knud ! 
 
 Sigurd. In him at least 
 
 Is nothing venerable. Hypocrite ! 
 How I do loathe the sight of yon black snail. 
 Come, Sire ! with me, and leave the snail to crawl. 
 
 Hakon. Talk reverently of the king's confessor. 
 
 Sigurd. He your confessor ? In the name of God ! 
 
 Hakon. I have a weighty matter to confide to him.
 
 38 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Sigurd. God help thy case then ! Farewell ! I 
 
 am not 
 
 In general so lightly put to flight, 
 But with black devils Sigurd is a coward. 
 
 [He goes. 
 
 Hakon. Unbearable, with all his honesty, 
 With all his power ! a never-ending scold. 
 It tickles Sigurd's sense of vanity 
 To rant and rate whene'er he sees in others 
 A craving which he does not feel himself. 
 Thy joy is all in war, and therefore Hakon 
 Must take delight in war alone ; thine age 
 Has quenched the fire of love, and therefore Hakon 
 Must also quench love's flame within his heart. 
 How wise ! The icy winter with its snows 
 Upbraids the spring that it is decked with flowers. 
 Nay, love I will ; and love with all the strength 
 My youthful heart can feel. Behold thou then 
 My kingdom here in Nidaros, in Bergen, 
 In Vigen, where thou wilt : I see it only 
 In Valborg's heart ; and that shall never Erling 
 Bereave me of, whene'er my true affection 
 Has gained for me possession of my throne.
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 39 
 
 \To the monk, who stands at a respectful distance. 
 Come nearer ! Come, good Brother Knud ! Old 
 
 Sigurd 
 Is gone away. 
 
 Knud. I was indeed amazed 
 
 To see him here : he has not been in church 
 These twenty years. 
 
 Hakon. Say, have you found young Valborg ? 
 Have you by sound advice endeavoured to 
 
 Knud. " Endeavoured ? " ah, my king ! in general 
 Can good advice accomplish much, I know : 
 But true advice is wasted here, the more 
 
 Hakon. What then ? 
 
 Knud. You know the childish whim, the love 
 That never could be banished from her mind ! 
 
 Hakon. Can you not paint it in such hideous hues, 
 With all the reddest colours of hell-flames, 
 That it will frighten her ? Can you not, besides, 
 Prove to her, by convincing argument, 
 That such a lover, out of sight so long, 
 Must either have been faithless, or be dead ? 
 
 Knud. It is no easy matter to dispute 
 With women, sire ! and more especially
 
 40 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 When love is strong. No argument avails ; 
 No time, no place is thought of any moment : 
 The lover still seems present, even though 
 He were on service 'mong the Vaerings, with 
 Kyrialax * in Greece 
 
 Hakon. O cruel fate ! 
 
 Knud. And how much more, when suddenly he 
 
 comes 
 To Nidaros ? 
 
 Hakon. What say's! thou ? 
 
 Knud. I say this 
 
 How much more so, when suddenly he comes 
 To Nidaros? 
 
 Hakon. To Nidaros ? 
 
 Knud. So called 
 
 King Olaf Trygvason, your forefather, 
 Our good old town. 
 
 Hakon. Ha, monk ! 
 
 Knud. Forgive me, king ! 
 
 I surely thought they had already told you 
 That Axel Thordson is come back again. 
 
 Hakon. Come back again ? 
 
 * Northern corruption of Kyrios Alexios.
 
 H.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 41 
 
 Knud. What ? know you not ? Forgive 
 
 That I unwittingly have been the first 
 To bring unwelcome tidings. 
 
 Hakon. Axel here ? 
 
 Knud, He seeks you everywhere, my lord and king ! 
 
 Hakon. Have all the powers of evil then combined ? 
 What ? Axel here ? and thinks he still the same 
 Of Valborg ? 
 
 Knud. " Thinks," your Majesty ? aha ! 
 
 When thinks a lover ? Nay, like Hekla's fire, 
 So burns he fiercely for her soft embrace. 
 
 Hakon. Now shall we see which of us two will win 
 This game of chess. 
 
 Knud. Then, sire ! guard you the king 
 
 Against the pawn. By quietness and prudence 
 The game may still be won, the queen preserved. 
 Will you permit me to speak out my mind ? 
 
 Hakon. Speak ! 
 
 Knud. Axel is a dreamer now as ever. 
 
 In Germany he long has roamed about, 
 Staking his luck on many a rash adventure 
 With Henry's army ; and the German lord 
 Has by a word aroused his youthful spirit
 
 42 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Now is he swollen with self-confidence, 
 
 And deems that all he takes in hand must prosper. 
 
 The aged Hadrian has now exchanged 
 
 This earthly life for immortality ; 
 
 And Victor now contests with Alexander 
 
 The popedom. Alexander by the council 
 
 Was chosen, it is true ; but Frederic Redbeard, 
 
 In spite of this, supports the claim of Victor. 
 
 There 's nought but war and tumult : Henry marches 
 
 Against the Vends, Frederic to Italy : 
 
 In Denmark and in Norway long have raged 
 
 Murder and violence and civil strife. 
 
 The haughty knights are turning this to profit ; 
 
 For ever, as the royal power sinks, 
 
 Riseth each knight in strength proportionate. 
 
 They think, and say, that popes and princes too, 
 
 With their own business have enough on hand, 
 
 And so that each may do as seems him good ; 
 
 And such a moment Axel seizes on. 
 
 Hakon. As sure as I am king 
 
 Knud. Your Majesty ! 
 
 You have permitted me to speak my mind, 
 I pray you therefore for a gracious ear,
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 43 
 
 Till I have spoken all. Your Majesty 
 
 Loves Valborg naturally ! she is fair ; 
 
 And you hate Axel Thordson naturally ! 
 
 He is the favoured one. Your Majesty 
 
 Expects to gain the victory naturally ! 
 
 You are the powerful one. So far is all 
 
 Proper, and orderly, and natural. 
 
 Now go we further. Home comes Axel Thordson, 
 
 And sues for Valborg's hand. But, look you ! Valborg 
 
 Is fatherless and motherless. As king 
 
 You stand to Valborg in a father's stead. 
 
 To you the youth must sue for Valborg's hand, 
 
 A hand which, on aforenamed excellent, 
 
 Most natural, indisputable grounds, 
 
 You will not give him. Here there is no need 
 
 Of any game ; our cause goes steadily 
 
 Its legal, crooked course ; a course that surely 
 
 Will issue to the profit of the king, 
 
 And here your Majesty will have no need 
 
 To lay aside your royal dignity 
 
 In angry strife of words, or otherwise. 
 
 Young Axel will approach you as a subject, 
 
 And lay before you, with due reverence,
 
 44 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 His errand. Doubtless, since he now is come 
 
 To Nidaros, will Axel make his king 
 
 The offer of his sword 'gainst Erling 'Skew : 
 
 Of course the offer will not be refused. 
 
 Then goes he further, and seeks Valborg's hand, 
 
 That is a cause ecclesiastical. 
 
 You send him to the priests. I fetch the book, 
 
 I prove his blood-relationship with Valborg ; 
 
 The old archbishop's duty forces him 
 
 To stop the marriage, though indeed his will 
 
 Be most reluctant. So the matter ends. 
 
 The king's calm dignity is undisturbed, 
 
 And yet his object is attained. 
 
 Hakon. I feel 
 
 How different from Sigurd's haughty rudeness 
 Are your most wise and friendly words of counsel, 
 My dear confessor ! yes, so shall it be ! 
 Man ever strives to seize on happiness, 
 And uses every means that nature's self 
 Has stamped with mark of lawfulness ! His love 
 Offends against the Church against good manners, 
 But mine is innocent, and therefore Heaven 
 Will surely take its part. Go, fetch the book !
 
 IL] AXEL AND VALBORG. 45 
 
 Do not delay to bring it, Friar Knud ! 
 
 \Knud goes. 
 
 In this was Sigurd right, it ill beseems 
 The King of Norway to sigh out his life, 
 Consumed by ceaseless longings. She shall be 
 My queen, whether she will or will not. Ha ! 
 A maid is like a child : it cries for that 
 Which wisdom's hand withholds, but soon forgets 
 Its little grief, and thanks the prudent care 
 That forced it to its real happiness. 
 Is Hakon not a handsome well-grown man 
 Young, active, spirited ? Is he not king ? 
 Is he not king, too, over Throndhjem's men, 
 So proud a people, that one might believe 
 It would be ruled alone by God in heaven ? 
 Yes, Valborg shall be mine ! But see I right ? 
 Control thyself, my wrath ! Swell not, my heart ! 
 
 Axel (comes). All hail to thee, King Hakon Her- 
 debred ! 
 
 Hakon. Be welcome, Axel ! I had heard already 
 Of your arrival. 
 
 Axel. I was told that here 
 I should find you ; and
 
 46 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Hakon. Welcome, kinsman, back ! 
 
 Be welcome ! But to what must we ascribe 
 The happiness of seeing you again ? 
 We all believed young Axel had become 
 A knight of such renown with German Henry, 
 That he had clean forgotten poor old Norway. 
 
 Axel. Norsemen and Danes are not so readily 
 Forgetful of their fatherland. The Norseman 
 Full oft roams far and. wide in foreign lands, 
 But to the dear-loved fatherland again 
 His wandering steps retuni ; or else he takes 
 His fatherland away with him, and founds 
 Another Denmark or a Norway, now 
 In England, now in France, or Italy, 
 Wherever chance may take him. 
 
 Hakon. Many a hero 
 
 Has left his country at a time when peace 
 Was wearying him at home ; or else when flood, 
 When pest, or famine drove him from his hearth. 
 With you it was far otherwise ; you went 
 When bloody swords were clashing 'gainst each other, 
 When there was honourable work to do 
 For any warrior. Therefore must one judge
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 47 
 
 That to your fatherland you had preferred 
 A foreign land. 
 
 Axel. My fatherland ! and what 
 
 Is fatherland, and what are brother-subjects, 
 When madness and ambition fiercely burn 
 Through every vein, and rage around its heart ? 
 What is a subject's, what a warrior's duty, 
 When every tie of duty is unloosed ? 
 He is a craven, who through good and ill 
 Will not stand by his rightful sovereign 
 With life and blood ; but what can warrior do 
 When four kings struggle for the mastery, 
 And all with equal right, and brothers all, 
 Though savage all as tigers 'gainst each other ? 
 My father, Thord Husfreyja, was your father's, 
 King Sigurd's, honourable, faithful man. 
 He fought, and fell with him. When Eistein came 
 From Scotland, and took pity on your youth, 
 And held the throne of Throndhjem after Sigurd. 
 I served him faithfully, until he fell 
 Into King Inge's hands, and shamefully 
 Was hewn across the back with heavy axe-strokes, 
 While with his pallid lips he bit the grass.
 
 48 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Now Inge was sole king, and could I then 
 Remain ? Could I swear Inge fealty ? fealty 
 To him, your father's murderer ? I fled, 
 Horror without, and heartfelt grief within. 
 But now is fate more mild ; and Eistein's host 
 Has chosen you, and you have slain King Inge. 
 Now you are rightful lord of Throndhjem's men, 
 And I am here again, to offer you, 
 As Throndhjemer, and warrior, and kinsman, 
 My strong right hand against your haughty foes. 
 
 Hakon. This long while, Axel ! have you been the 
 
 friend 
 Of Denmark's Valdemar, mine enemy. 
 
 AxeL When I knew Valdemar he was not so : 
 He was a valiant, noble-minded hero ; 
 That is he still. I offered him mine arm, 
 When he, in spite of craft and treachery, 
 Was 'stablishing his power in his own realm. 
 
 Hakon. In his own realm ? You mean in Bar- 
 
 barossa's : 
 
 Has he not taken Denmark as a fief, 
 Dependent on the German empire ? 
 
 Aocel. Nay !
 
 II.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 49 
 
 That was a feint, concerning only Venden. 
 
 Frederick by stratagem enticed him to 
 
 St Jean de Laune, and made him take his hand : 
 
 And all the world laughed at the Emperor's 
 
 Vain-glorious subtlety. But Valdemar 
 
 In Germany so highly was esteemed, 
 
 That mothers met him at the cities' gates, 
 
 Holding their children up to him to touch, 
 
 That they might have good luck in after life ; 
 
 While on his march the peasants prayed him take 
 
 A handful of their corn and scatter it, 
 
 That so their seed might have the more increase. 
 
 Hakon. And such an emperor you served ? 
 
 Axel. I served 
 
 Henry the Lion, Duke of Saxony. 
 
 Hakon. I lately heard an anecdote of him 
 Which took my fancy, and which shows he is 
 Not only (as we know) a valiant hero, 
 But, what is more, a conscientious Christian. 
 He has allowed to be divorced from him 
 His wife dementia, because they were 
 Too near of kin. 
 
 Axel. Nay, that was not the ground. 
 
 D
 
 50 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Henry the Lion is a warrior j he 
 
 Would found a powerful princely race ; his wife 
 
 Bare him no sons, that was the real cause. 
 
 That this takes not my fancy, you will see, 
 
 I do not doubt, King Hakon ! since you know 
 
 That I love one who is of kin to me ; 
 
 And I am sure you would not wish to hinder 
 
 My happiness and hers. 
 
 Hakon. Is 't possible ? 
 
 Have you not yet forgot that boyish folly ? 
 
 Axel. So little, that I hope this very day, 
 With your permission, to make Valborg mine 
 At yonder altar. 
 
 Hakon. You are hasty, Axel ! 
 
 Axel. So can the lover scarce be called, who truly 
 Has waited for his bride through five long years. 
 
 Hakon. Your bride ? and is it then so very certain 
 That Valborg loves you ? 
 
 Axel. See you yonder wreath 
 
 Around our names ? That wreath has Valborg woven. 
 Five summers now the field has given its flowers 
 Each morn for such a wreath, to be entwined 
 By Valborg's snow-white hands.
 
 II.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 51 
 
 Hakon. And those initials ? 
 
 Axel. Has Axel graven. 
 
 Hakon. Yonder wreath of flowers ? 
 
 Axel. Has Valborg woven. 
 
 Hakon. Ha ! 
 
 Axel. Nay, hear me, sire ! 
 
 I see your eye is gleaming, and I know 
 Your inmost feeling. Speak we honestly, 
 As Norsemen should, of what concerns our hearts. 
 To me it is impossible to feign : 
 I still love Valborg Valborg still loves me. 
 See, Hakon ! you are ruler of a realm 
 A great, and proud, and noble warrior race : 
 Would you then rob an honourable kinsman 
 Of all he has in life his bride betrothed ? 
 O chief ! your honour calls you, and your birth 
 Beckons to noble deeds. 'Tis not yet time 
 For peaceful love : such is your Norna's judgment, 
 She summons you to Hilda's game. Arise, 
 Follow her leading ! Arm against the foes, 
 And crush the opposition, that would shake 
 Your throne beneath you. Many a valiant man 
 Will follow you, and with the very blood
 
 S3 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Of Axel's heart will he repay to you 
 
 Your goodness, if you give him back his Valborg. 
 
 Hakon. Kinsman ! your words disclose your state 
 
 of mind. 
 
 Emotions the most widely different 
 Rise in your heart within a moment's space. 
 A suitor for a maid you come, whilst you 
 Present yourself as warrior to your king. 
 You give me counsel, like a wise old man ; 
 Then, as a timid and impetuous youth, 
 Take refuge in the goodness of my heart. 
 Content yourself, that Hakon calm and cold 
 Meets you with dignity, and in due order 
 Answers the wild confusion of your speech. 
 You offered me your sword, if I mistake not, 
 And fealty, as a native Throndhjemer, 
 To me, your rightful king, 'gainst Erling Skakke ? 
 
 Axel. I offer it in all sincerity. 
 
 Hakon. And in like manner this your worthy offer 
 Do I accept. 
 
 Axel. Then, sire ! this hand-grasp makes 
 
 Axel your faithful and unfailing man. 
 
 Hakon. I thank you, and I value high your worth.
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG, 53 
 
 Now as regards the other things, about 
 
 That fire of love you think you see in me, 
 
 The cruelty that frightened you, and so forth, 
 
 All that you say my dignity must take 
 
 As flowing from a want of reverence, if 
 
 Your passion were unknown to me. Young Valborg 
 
 Is fatherless and motherless forsaken : 
 
 My royal power alone is her protection. 
 
 Now, if the king, by sharing Norway's crown 
 
 With such a lovely being, should reward 
 
 A virtue that is worthy of that crown j 
 
 If he thereby should do his best to quench 
 
 A love accounted sinful by the Church, 
 
 And cause her, by his tenderness, to lose 
 
 All memory of a lover, long unseen, 
 
 Were that a crime ? 
 
 Axel. O noble Hakon ! now 
 
 I understand you : as a king you would 
 A fatherly protector safely guard 
 The lovely maid, and cheer her lovely life. 
 You did not love her, and so all is well ! 
 That very generosity of soul 
 Which urged you heretofore to wed young Valborg,
 
 54 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Will cause you doubtless to renounce your purpose 
 When Axel comes, and Valborg's happiness 
 Depends upon her union with her lover. 
 
 Hakon. You talk for ever like a drunken man ! 
 I do not love ? and wherefore not ? and whence 
 Have you discovered this ? Are you alone 
 Able to see the gracious charms of Valborg ? 
 And can a hero feel no fire of love 
 Because he blusters not as wild as you ? 
 
 ^Axel, And do you then love Valborg ? 
 
 Hakon. As a man, 
 
 And as a king. I wish her real welfare, 
 Therefore I wish her marriage to be founded 
 On lawfulness and innocence. Besides, 
 I think that I can render Valborg's life 
 As happy and as prosperous as you. 
 
 Axel. The loving heart can see no joy in life, 
 Save in the object of its choice. 
 
 Hakon. You think 
 
 Yourself the chosen one ? 
 
 Axel. Let Valborg judge 
 
 Betwixt us in this cause. As noble knight, 
 Honour a woman's will ; and as a king,
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 55 
 
 Respect your subjects' rights ; and as a Christian, 
 Forget not what is told of Naboth's vineyard. 
 
 Hakon. I will not act with arbitrary power : 
 But Valborg cannot judge betwixt us here ; 
 For by the law a maiden is a ward, 
 And therefore cannot judge in her own cause. 
 Axel ! the Holy Church must judge betwixt us. 
 
 Axel. Therewith am I content. 
 
 Hakon. Think not that Hakon 
 
 Will act a tyrant's part ; yet neither think 
 Him fool enough to throw away a prize 
 From which the Church's law excludes his rival. 
 
 Axel. Is that your real meaning, and your purpose ? 
 
 Hakon. So help me Olaf, mine elected saint ! 
 
 Axel. For such a purpose has an upright man 
 No need to fear, and love no cause to mourn. 
 On Christian duty your demand is founded ; 
 'Tis a demand I made upon myself. 
 'Tis therefore Valborg has not seen her Axel 
 This many a weary year ; nor ever had 
 She seen him, noble Hakon ! had not God, 
 The sure protector of all faithful love, 
 Opened at length a way for him to Valborg,
 
 56 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 E'en through the sacred arches of the Church. 
 
 Hakon. What is 't you say ? 
 
 Axel. I give into your hands 
 
 The gracious letter of Pope Hadrian : 
 It is a copy, that he wrote himself, 
 Already has been sent to the archbishop. 
 This bull annuls my kinship with fair Valborg ; 
 Our marriage therefore is no longer crime. 
 
 Hakon (with an outburst of passion). Ha, treachery ! 
 O hell ! 
 
 Axel. And can it be 
 
 King Hakon Herdebred has laid on Axel 
 A fair condition, with a secret purpose 
 That it should never be fulfilled by him ? 
 
 Hakon. Away from out my sight ! 
 
 Axel. O Hakon, Hakon ! 
 
 Hakon. Away, I say ! and do not longer dare, 
 A subject as you are, presumptuously 
 To put my long-forbearance to the test 
 
 Axel. I am a scion of the Gille root 
 As well as you : I am a knight renowned 
 In Henry's host ; and now I am your warrior, 
 But not your slave. Young Valborg is my bride :
 
 II.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 57 
 
 Your might may not invade the Church's shrine. 
 I go and bring her to the holy altar. 
 Compose yourself; subdue your raging passion, 
 The noblest victory for any hero. 
 Hakon. Away, I say ! 
 
 Axel. Let God then be our judge ! [He goes. 
 
 Hakon. Is this the end of all my da'rling dreams ? 
 It is thy fate, King Hakon Herdebred ! 
 One comes to rob thee of thy very realm, 
 Another comes to rob thee of thy bride. 
 What is there more to rob thee of? ah, yes ! 
 A heart enraged. But such a robbery 
 Were not so light. "Pis bursting with revenge, 
 'Tis thirsting after blood, my wrathful heart. 
 
 [He becomes aware of Brother Knud, -who has come in 
 at the close of the foregoing scene, has laid down 
 the church book, and reads most attentively the 
 parchment which Hakon had let fall. 
 What wilt thou, monk ? 
 
 Knud (quietly, without raising his eyes from the 
 
 parchment}. Permits your Majesty 
 Hakon (gazes wrathfully at the wreath and initials, 
 draws his sword, and cuts them away with a
 
 58 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 large chip from the pillar). Well done, my 
 trusty blade ! In such wise shalt 
 Thou cut in twain the knot that binds together 
 My sole possession with this worthless villain. 
 How slily he contrived to twist the matter, 
 To draw the word he wanted from my lips. 
 But stay, thou traitor ! Nay, thy treacherous cunning 
 Shall not avail thee : thou shalt never press 
 The fair one to thy heart, as long as this 
 My head is over ground ; that do I swear 
 By Norway's crown ! 
 
 Knud (still reading with evident joy]. But if your 
 
 Majesty 
 Hakon. Off with your book, and hold your prating 
 
 tongue ! 
 
 It ill beseems a monk with cunning speech 
 To smooth the way to happiness. A king 
 Should use his power. And, by my majesty, 
 That will I ! Think you Hakon, as a boy, 
 Will hold the taper for you at the altar, 
 And light you with it to your bridal bed ? 
 With roses shall your bridal bed be decked, 
 With blood-red sheets, and pillows brimstone-blue.
 
 ii.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 59 
 
 The signal has been given. What wilt thou, monk ? 
 Knud (who has finished reading). Permit me with a 
 
 word, your Majesty 
 
 Hakon. Peace, miserable man ! I will no longer 
 Pine here among the tombs ; I will no more 
 Waste precious time in gossiping with monks, 
 Nor dream, good Sigurd ! that I promise thee. 
 I will shake off the lover, and enjoy 
 My pleasure like a man ; and meet thee too 
 As hero, valiant Sigurd ! and as king. 
 
 \He hastens away. 
 Knud. Wild as a wolf. But hear, King Hakon ! 
 
 hear ! 
 
 The bull from first to last is without force : 
 The chief thing is forgotten. Hear me, sire ! 
 
 \He makes after the king.
 
 ACT III.
 
 AXEL AND VALBORG. 63 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Archbishop ERLAND. KNUD, with the church book. 
 
 Knud. Forgive, most reverend father ! that I dare 
 To interrupt your converse with the canons, 
 But duty calls ; you must prepare yourself 
 At once : young Axel hastens with his marriage. 
 We may expect the bridal company 
 At any moment, it has left the castle. 
 
 Erland. Hath Heaven vouchsafed me ere my death 
 
 this joy, 
 To join together two such noble hearts ? 
 
 Knud. It grieves me sorely that I must so soon 
 Disturb, most reverend father ! this your joy. 
 But what the world calls Fate, the wise man deems 
 To be the hand of God ; and so no doubt 
 You will submit yourself to Heaven's high will,
 
 64 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 When you have understood that Axel's marriage 
 Has not found grace and favour, and somehow, 
 By reason of a most strange circumstance, 
 The dispensation, which Pope Hadrian 
 Had granted Axel, has no force at all. 
 
 Erland. As surely as the Holy Church's arm 
 Extends beyond the king's, so surely shall 
 This bull in all its fulness be confirmed. 
 
 Knud. The bull, most reverend father ! has no 
 force. 
 
 Erland. But has not Hadrian, in words express, 
 Annulled young Axel's kinship with fair Valborg ? 
 
 Knud. Quite true, archbishop ! I have also read 
 The bull entire ; and I have not forgotten 
 My Latin altogether, so that I 
 Have understood each word. Relationship 
 'Twixt Axel and fair Valborg is annulled 
 That is to say, relationship as kin, 
 As cousins 
 
 Erland. Well, and is not that enough ? 
 
 Knud. It ought to seem so. Axel Thordson, too, 
 Undoubtedly supposed it was enough ; 
 For otherwise I cannot understand
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 65 
 
 How he could ever pass a matter by, 
 Of equal moment with their kinship ; but 
 'Tis like he did not know of it himself. 
 
 [Er land starts. 
 
 As cousins truly they may love each other, 
 But as twin children of baptismal birth 
 The Church forbids their marriage still. 
 
 Erland. What sayest thou ? 
 
 Knud. Truth, which the church's book shall testify, 
 Most reverend father ! you had lately come 
 To fill the post deserted by Augustine ; 
 And therefore are you not so well informed 
 Of all that to our Church relates, as one 
 Whose life has passed between these convent walls. 
 Your life has raised you to the bishopric : 
 One used to think indeed, that worthily 
 To wield the bishop's crozier more was needed 
 Than pious converse. Denmark's Absalom 
 Has shown how well the steel cuirass can look 
 Over the soft white pallium how the helmet 
 May fitly cover e'en a tonsured head ; 
 That it becomes a bishop not to be 
 
 Guileless alone, but full of strength and courage, 
 
 E
 
 66 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Like to a cherub clad in gleaming metal, 
 Guarding His Eden with wrath's mighty sword. 
 Yet by Augustine's wiles was Hakon taught 
 To seek himself a bishop, who should fill 
 His office harmlessly. I wish for thee 
 Prosperity in this thy lofty calling. 
 
 Erland. I thank you, brother ! Let me walk in 
 
 peace 
 
 My few remaining steps towards my grave ! 
 I cannot stand much longer in your way. 
 Waste not the time ! This news concerning Axel 
 Grieves me far more. Youth ever sees before him 
 The rising beams of hope : old age is used 
 To cold and storm. The thoughtless boy 
 Has then forgotten 
 
 Knud. Without doubt nor he 
 
 Nor Valborg knew it ; for as matters stood 
 Their mothers would be anxious to conceal 
 The circumstance. The sturdy Thord Hunsfrei 
 He was King Sigurd's man, as wild a warrior 
 As Sigurd here of Reine now this Thord 
 Allowed his son, young Axel, for five years 
 To run about unchristened, like a heathen.
 
 ill.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 67 
 
 When Immer's daughter Valborg was baptized, 
 
 The Lady Helvig brought her to the font : 
 
 Thord prayed his kinswoman to take the boy, 
 
 So that he might no more be plagued about it. 
 
 And thus the children were baptized together, 
 
 Though Axel was the elder by five years. 
 
 In order to avoid all further scandal, 
 
 Their mothers hushed the tale. But in the book 
 
 Has John inscribed it. I was present 
 
 As famulus ; and many witnesses 
 
 Are still alive who can confirm my words. 
 
 \He shows him the entry in the church book. 
 
 Erland. A fate most cruel follows Gille's race ! 
 
 Knud. A fate most cruel always follows sin, 
 And strikes the sinner in the Gille race, 
 As in another. Now if Thord Hunsfreia 
 Had not delayed to let his son be christened, 
 Axel were not god-brother now to Valborg ; 
 And loved not Axel, 'gainst the Church's canons, 
 His near relation, but some other maid, 
 No law would now impede his happiness. 
 Of all the Gille race is Hakon greatest ; 
 See ! what is punishing the bold transgressor,
 
 68 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Will only crown with joy his virtuous life. 
 
 Erland. Alas ! ye hapless ones ! 
 
 Knud. I know full well 
 
 That such a circumstance, most reverend lord ! 
 Must grieve your heart most sorely. You are old, 
 Your health, too, is not very good at present : 
 You think not well of Brother Knud, I know ; 
 And yet he may have more devotion to you 
 Than you imagine. Go you now in peace 
 Back to the convent. I will make excuse 
 To Hakon for your absence, and I will 
 Perform the service for you willingly. 
 
 Erland. Perform the service willingly ? Nay, nay 
 You shall not be their executioner. 
 It soothes the grief of the unfortunate 
 To hear the heavy doom of fate pronounced 
 Unwillingly by lips of kind compassion. 
 I will myself perform my cruel duty, 
 If it should cause mine aged heart to break. 
 With all my power I will strive to aid 
 The hapless pair. I will without delay 
 Write to the Pope to grant them dispensation 
 For this as for the other hindrance.
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 69 
 
 Knud. Nay ! 
 
 It is not to be thought of. Hadrian, 
 The Norseman's aged friend, is dead and gone. 
 Victor and Alexander now are fighting 
 About the popedom, and they seize all means 
 To gain the favour of each Christian prince. 
 King Hakon has acknowledged Alexander, 
 And Alexander then can hardly fail 
 To do a service in return to Hakon 
 In such a trifling matter. 
 
 Erland. " Trifling matter ? " 
 
 The happiness of two such noble hearts ! 
 
 Knud. So talks one in the pulpit certainly ; 
 But in the Vatican and at the palace 
 State policy requires a different language. 
 
 * 
 
 Erland. " State policy ! " Ha, hell itself contains 
 No fouler monster in its gloomy pit, 
 So it was Hydra fair, a Cerberus, 
 And Fenrir * in the heathenish Valhalla ; 
 For they showed openly their ravenous jaws ; 
 But this foul Satan, rich in every crime, 
 With boundless impudence will dare to call 
 His villany " sound sense," and hide the dagger 
 * The monster wolf of Northern mythology.
 
 70 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Beneath a spotless robe, whilst he betrays 
 The innocent, like Judas, with a kiss. 
 
 Knud. A glorious flow of words, most reverend father ! 
 
 Erland. Alas for him to whom the voice of truth 
 Is nought but words ! 
 
 Knud. The bridal train draws near. 
 
 Erland. Be strong, my aged heart, and drink thy 
 
 cup ! 
 
 Long has it been the duty of the priest 
 To follow hapless innocence unto 
 Its Golgotha. 
 
 Knud. Now must we to the choir, 
 
 That in procession we may issue thence 
 To meet the bridal train, and stay its course. 
 
 [During the singing of the chorale, the bridal train comes 
 in the following order : First, the royal guards with 
 halberds; next a number of choir-boys in red kirtles 
 and with caps of the same colour on their heads, 
 carrying bridal-torches ; Axel Thordson and Hakon ; 
 a number of knights two and two ; a company of girls 
 with baskets, from which they strew flowers on the 
 church-floor ; Queen Thora, who leads Valborg, clad 
 in white satin, with a wreath of roses around her long 
 hair ; the queeris ladies and maidens two and two. 
 The procession passes round Harald Gale's grave, and 
 round both the pillars ; and then it halts so that the 
 men stand on the right side by Axel's, and the women 
 on the left side by Valborg 's family grave. The lovers 
 kneel down and offer up a prayer beside their parents
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 71 
 
 tombs. In the background the royal guards arrange 
 themselves in line, and before them stand the maidens 
 and youths with flower-baskets and torches. In the 
 midst, between the pillars, a view is given through the 
 nave toward the high altar and the choir, whence the 
 monks come in procession ; Brother Knud with the 
 church book, the Archbishop with his silver mounted 
 crazier. Meanwhile the choir sings 
 
 " Whom God hath given a virtuous wife, 
 He owns the highest gift of life ; 
 Full like a merchant-ship is she, 
 Bringing him great prosperity. 
 
 " Her tender hand oft plies the reel, 
 The distaff, and the spinning-wheel ; 
 Rich carpets deck her husband's room, 
 All wrought upon her weaving-loom. 
 
 " In silken robes, as white as snow, 
 With purple fringes, doth she go ; 
 While piety her lips express, 
 Within her heart dwells guilelessness. 
 
 ' ' She gives her husband children too, 
 Her Fatherland Norwegians true. 
 All joy and blessing you betide, 
 O happy youth ! O happy bride !" 
 
 The Monks. " Gloria in Excelsis Deo ! " 
 
 The Choir. " Amen !" 
 
 [Axel and Valborg rise from prayer. King Hakon leads 
 Axel to Valborg, the queen dowager Valborg to Axel. 
 They give their hands to each other over Harald due's 
 monument, and then turn in order to walk up hand- 
 in-hand to the altar ; amongst the pillars of the nave 
 they are met by the choir of monks, when the archbishop 
 stops them with his crazier.
 
 72 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Erland. Unhappy ones ! the duty of his. office 
 Obliges aged Erland here to stay 
 Your steps upon the flower-strewn path of hope. 
 Despair not of your fate ! Commit yourselves 
 Into the hands of God ; and do not hate 
 An aged man, whose highest joy had been 
 To bless your union, had the will of Heaven 
 Permitted him. 
 
 Axel. Great God ! O Christ ! what is it ? 
 
 Most reverend father ! have you not the bull ? 
 Have you not seen our marriage is allowed, 
 And that our tie of kinship is unloosed ? 
 
 Erland. My dearest son ! arm thee against thy fate 
 With hero-strength ! You may not marry Valborg. 
 Your kinship is indeed dissolved, but still 
 Ye are baptismal twins, brought to the font 
 At one and the same time, and by one woman : 
 Fru Helvig was godmother to you both. 
 Of this relationship the bull saith nought, 
 And such a marriage doth the Church forbid. 
 
 Axel. What sayest thou, bishop ? Gracious God ! 
 
 My Valborg ! 
 She swoons away. Help, maidens !
 
 HI.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 73 
 
 Valborg (supported by a maiden). Oh, 'tis nothing ! 
 I was a little faint. Lend me thy shoulder, 
 Ivanhoide ! It will quickly pass away. 
 
 Axel. Baptismal twins ? 
 
 Knud (comes with the church book}. Yes, yes ! bap- 
 tismal twins. 
 
 Axel. Is 't written ? Let me see, thou pale-faced 
 
 Judas, 
 
 Thou liest, I hope. Nay, show it me ; for Axel 
 Can also read. Show me 
 
 [He gazes at the book, which Knud holds before him. 
 
 The letters run 
 Together when I look. [He falls down at Valborg 's feet. 
 
 O Valborg ! Valborg ! 
 It is all o'er. 
 
 Valborg. Nay, nay ! 
 
 Axel (springs up). It is all o'er ! 
 
 I see it plain, see all that now must follow ; 
 My striving through that weary five years' time, 
 To gain admission to the aged Pope, 
 To merit his esteem, and then his friendship, 
 To let him know the secret of my heart ; 
 All was at length accomplished, now it is
 
 74 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 All lost and profitless. If Hadrian lived, 
 
 What were it more than some few months' delay ? 
 
 But he is dead ; and Alexander lives 
 
 A wily cardinal ; and Hakon lives 
 
 Mine enemy. I see thee, wolf ! thou glarest 
 
 Upon thy prey, and grinnest in thy wolf-shroud 
 
 My staff is broke. It is all o'er, my Valborg ! 
 
 \He casts himself again on his knees, and hides 
 his face in her hands. 
 
 Erland (with a stern look at the king). It was no 
 
 good or pious act of thine, 
 To let this come to so extreme a point ; 
 To keep two wretched hearts upon the strain 
 With short-lived hope, and at the latest hour 
 To let them see their hope's soap-bubble burst. 
 It was not right to shock the deepest feelings 
 Of one, whose sacred office, and whose age, 
 Alike demand respect, with this most sad, 
 Most pitiable sight. 
 
 Hakon. The blame must fall 
 
 On Axel's Thordson's self : it was his rashness 
 That urged him hither to his speedy grief. 
 Had he but hearkened to his king's advice
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 75 
 
 He would have given time. I cannot bar 
 The way to Church before my warriors' faces : 
 And 'tis through thee the Church's laws must speak. 
 
 Knud (comes with a linen cloth}. Since Axel Thord- 
 
 son cannot marry Valborg, 
 The Church's laws require of them a token 
 Confirming their divorce. 
 
 Erland (to Hakon). Surely, King Hakon, 
 We may omit the custom for this time ! 
 
 Hakon. My dignity requires that I should see 
 The laws fulfilled with strictness. Do thy duty ! 
 
 Erland (draws near the lovers). My children ! O 
 
 my children ! Seventy winters 
 Have crushed this aged heart : but never yet 
 A cup so bitter has it drunk. My Axel ! 
 Forgive an honest servant of the Lord 
 His duty ! 'Tis not I, 'tis Fate that parts thee 
 From Valborg : but 'tis only a divorce 
 For this life ; yonder may ye love for ever. 
 
 Axel and Valborg (kneel down before him, seize his 
 hands, and kiss them). O, my most reverend 
 Father ! 
 
 Erland. Dearest children !
 
 76 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Stand up, my Axel ! Thou, sweet Valborg, too, 
 Stand up ! Lay hold upon this linen cloth, 
 My dearest friend ! Take in your hand, poor maid, 
 This linen cloth. 
 
 [Axel and Valborg lay hold each of an end of the 
 linen doth. The king reaches his sword to 
 the archbishop ; he approaches to cut it asunder, 
 but pauses. 
 
 No, no ! I cannot do it. 
 Come, Brother Knud ! a little while ago 
 You offered me your help. I am too old j 
 My hand is weak ; I have forgotten how 
 To wield a sword these forty winters past. 
 I cannot do it. 
 
 Knud. Well, give me the sword ; 
 
 [He draws near Axel and Valborg, steps between 
 
 them with the sword in his hand, and says 
 The royal sword in spiritual hands 
 Here cuts in twain this linen cloth, and so 
 Doth Heaven for ever part thee, Axel Thordson ! 
 From Valborg, Immer's daughter. 
 
 \He cuts in sunder the cloth between them. 
 The Monks (in the background). Amen ! Amen !
 
 TIL] AXEL AND VALBORG. 77 
 
 [The maidens take off the red rose-wreath from Val- 
 borg s head, and a white one is placed instead. 
 Hakon. Our work is done. Let them take Valborg 
 
 now 
 
 Back to the convent. Pardon, noble mother ! 
 If you have been eye-witness to a scene 
 That has offended you. 
 
 The Queen. May God forgive you ! 
 
 Hakon (reaches his hand to his mother, whilst he 
 turns and looks at Axel and Valborg). Our 
 work is done. Let them be parted now ! 
 Erland (firmly). Not yet ! You sternly have 
 
 insisted on 
 
 Fulfilment of a law, which could but pour 
 Its bitter wormwood on their sorrowing hearts. 
 Well, then, let me to your remembrance call 
 Another law, which generously allows 
 Such luckless ones, before they part, to take 
 Leave of each other. 
 
 Hakon (waits]. Well, then, make it short ! 
 Take leave, good Axel ! of your sister Valborg. 
 
 Erland. Not thus was it intended : they have right 
 To speak to one another undisturbed.
 
 78 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Hakon. That foolishly occasion may be given 
 To light again the flame of sinful love. 
 'Tis an unreasonable law. 
 
 Erland (firmly}. But yet 
 
 A law it is that claims to be obeyed. 
 
 Hakon. And if the king should now abolish it ? 
 Erland (with dignity]. He would o'erstep the limit 
 
 of his power, 
 
 I would pronounce him excommunicate. 
 Hakon. Ha, you speak boldly. 
 Erland. Yes, as an archbishop. 
 
 Hakon. And who, then, made you an archbishop ? 
 Erland. God. 
 
 Hakon. What sayest thou, old man ? 
 Erland (in a commanding tone, whilst he raises his 
 crozier). Let all depart ! 
 
 Let these unhappy ones be granted time 
 To calm their troubled hearts, and bid farewell. 
 Hakon (restrains himself}. True, you have right to 
 
 issue orders here. 
 
 \Hegoes, with his followers. The archbishop gives 
 a sign to Knud and the other monks, where- 
 upon they retire to the choir.
 
 ill.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 79 
 
 Erland. Nought shall intrude upon your silent 
 
 grief. 
 
 Ay, let your fainting hearts breathe freely now, 
 And bid your sad farewell before ye part. 
 The time that may be granted you is brief, 
 Employ it, then. God strengthen you, poor children ! 
 
 \Hegoa. 
 Axel. Thanks, thanks ! Thou coverest the thorn 
 
 of grief 
 With pity's pallid rose. 
 
 Valborg (takes tJie wreath off her hair, and gazes 
 
 at it). A token meet 
 
 Of sacred love these pure white roses are. 
 The earthly, ruddy blaze of Love is quenched. 
 These snow-white leaves are spread like angels' wings. 
 Axel. O Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg. Nay, take comfort, dear-loved friend i 
 Axel. What ! I take comfort ? and say, how canst 
 
 thou 
 So readily compose thyself? 
 
 Valborg. I was 
 
 Prepared for this. 
 
 Axel. " Prepared ? " Nay, Valborg ! nay
 
 8o AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 A little while ago I saw thy joy. 
 
 How sweetly smiled thy lip, my darling girl ! 
 
 How thine eye glistened ! 
 
 Valborg. Ay, the eye will glisten 
 
 With brightest lustre, when 'tis full of tears. 
 
 Axel. Could Valborg doubt? For did not all 
 
 betoken 
 
 Our happiness ? And have I like a fool 
 Rushed madly towards a visionary joy ? 
 Like Jacob, have I not with ceaseless toil 
 Worked year by year, with steadfast aim to earn 
 My Rachel ? Must not then a blow like this 
 Now crush my very heart ? No, no ! my fate 
 Could ne'er have been foreseen, and now it breaks 
 My spirit quite. Ay, you were right, my Valborg ! 
 When you beheld the pilgrim kneeling yonder, 
 He was beside his grave, and not his goal. 
 Ay, you were right ! it opens its embrace 
 A faithful friend's embrace. What have I now 
 To seek for longer in the wide, wide world ? 
 My sun is set, my light of life is quenched. 
 Come, open thou my grave ! Thou, thou art 
 
 warm:
 
 HI.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 81 
 
 Come, open thou, and clasp me to thy breast ! 
 My Valborg dares not clasp me now to hers. 
 
 Valborg. Yes, Axel, yes ! Though 'tis for the last 
 
 time, 
 Valborg dare clasp thee to her heart once more. 
 
 Axel. O Fate ! come strike me dead within these 
 arms ! 
 
 Valborg, No, Axel ! speak not thus. No, you 
 must live ! 
 
 Axel. What should I live for ? 
 
 Valborg. Live for honour, 
 
 Axel! 
 
 Do not forget your glorious hero-name : 
 " Great," " noble," " rich," doth " Axel " signify 
 In Norway's ancient tongue. 
 
 Axel. Ay, that had Axel, 
 
 Ay, that had Axel been, if cruel fate 
 Had not thus robbed him of Valhalla's joy, 
 His hero-meed, his Valborg. 
 
 Valborg. Dear-loved youth ! 
 
 Axel. The trumpet called me to the din of battle, 
 But not to win a fading oak-leaf crown : 
 I saw thee, as my Norna, on the cloud ;
 
 82 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Thy hand held forth to me a wreath of roses, 
 Of bright red roses. 
 
 Valborg. Ah ! 'tis withered now. 
 
 Axel. I went to Rome ; I saw the aged Pope : 
 With trembling knees I bowed before his throne : 
 But from his father-smile, I drank fresh life, 
 Whilst in my hand he placed the magic brief. 
 Ye snow-clad mountains of fair Italy, 
 How quickly sank ye in the far horizon ! 
 Mine eye, intently gazing on the North, 
 Already seemed to see the northern lights, 
 Gleaming like memories of its distant home. 
 
 Valborg. It was thy Valborg's feelings, O my Axel ! 
 
 Axel. Unwearied went the youthful pilgrim on, 
 Now over mountains, now through valleys low, 
 Far from his hearth, his pilgrim-staff in hand. 
 A hope assured of coming happiness 
 Lightened his longing, soothed his home-sick heart. 
 The lark's song wakened him, and sang of Valborg, 
 The morning red beamed brightly as his love. 
 The mid-day drove him to the shady wood ; 
 On many a southern stem, on German beeches, 
 Stands Valborg's name. Oh hasten, wrinkled bark !
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 83 
 
 To hide from sight those letters dear. O Dryad ! 
 Sing in the stem with soft and plaintive voice 
 . Of that unhappy pair in northern lands, 
 For southern shepherdesses, whilst thou wavest 
 Thy leafy tresses' in the evening wind. 
 
 Valborg. O Axel ! Axel ! hast thou loved me so ? 
 
 Axel. Now shalt thou see me yet again, O world ! 
 But without pilgrim-staff, my staff is broke. 
 Now shall I wander through the trees once more 
 Through forest dark but without aim or object. 
 The first low knoll upon my lonely path 
 Can give me all I seek for now a grave : 
 There is my home. 
 
 Valborg. O cruel one ! and wilt thou 
 
 Forsake thy Valborg ? 
 
 Axel. And should Axel stay 
 
 To see thee dragged by Hakon as his victim 
 To yonder altar ? 
 
 Valborg.. Sooner shall he drag me 
 
 To public execution ! 
 
 Axel. Savage tiger ! 
 
 A heart like this thou crushest and yet darest ] 
 To call it love ?
 
 84 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Valborg. Mine eye, bedimmed with tears, 
 
 Will not be able long to bear the light : 
 Before Death closes it, my mother kind, 
 The Holy Church, will lend to me her veil. 
 
 Axel. O God ! my Valborg be a nun ? This 
 
 hair 
 
 These long, gold, silken tresses must they be 
 Shorn off? this form of loveliness enshrouded 
 In coarse, stiff, hideous, garments black ? 
 
 Valborg. And then 
 
 Here shall I wander many a night alone, 
 And think upon my darling dream, and on 
 Thy coming home, and on our cruel fate. 
 Then shall my heart lift up itself to God 
 In prayer and holy song ; and for the sake 
 Of Valborg' s prayer the Lord will comfort thee. 
 
 Axel. O Valborg! 
 
 Valborg. And within my little cell 
 
 I shall sit silent, broidering gold in silk, 
 And quietly live on my mournful life ; 
 Like to the turtle-dove, that ne'er finds peace 
 With all her piety, that never rests 
 On leafy spray, aweary though she be,
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 85 
 
 That never drinks from out the fountain clear, 
 Ere she has muddied it with restless feet 
 
 Axel. And Axel ? 
 
 Valborg. Go thou straightway to thy home, 
 Up to thy sister, to the gentle Helfred. 
 Do not in madness leave thy Fatherland, 
 Nor linger on a spot where, day by day, 
 Thy wrathful mood would gain upon thee. Time 
 Heals everything, and it will heal thy wound. 
 Great Nature, in her silent majesty, 
 A gentle sister's love, will soothe thy grief 
 More than the merriest company. Go then 
 From hence unto thy home, which towers aloft 
 Upon the mountain brow, and proud looks down 
 Over the valley and the wild sea-waves" ; 
 And thus shalt thou look down upon thy fate. 
 And when thy heart begins to beat too strong, 
 Then take thy spear, thy bow, and cast thyself 
 Into the dark pine-forest ; spend thy rage 
 Upon the bear, and on the savage lynx, 
 That vex the forest's peace. And in this wise 
 Thou by degrees may'st overcome thy grief. 
 On winter evenings shalt thou sit beside
 
 86 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Thy sister Helfred in the raftered hall, 
 
 And read aloud to her from ancient Sagas 
 
 Of Odin, Thor, and of the gentle Baldur. 
 
 To Helfred's harp thou mayest also sing, 
 
 But guard thee well 'gainst Signe's, Hagbarth's lay, 
 
 Nor sing thou e'er of Aag and Jomfrue Else. 
 
 [She bursts into tears. 
 
 Axel. O Valborg ! Valborg ! these shall be my 
 
 lays. \He embraces her. 
 
 Erland (returns). My children ! now 'tis time it 
 
 must be so : 
 
 Relentless fate compels me ; ye must part ! 
 Valborg. Farewell ! 
 Axel. Farewell ! 
 
 Valborg. We meet again. 
 
 Axel. With God 
 
 [They tear themselves from one another s arms, 
 and go each to his side, Valborg with her 
 attendants. One becomes aware of Wilhelm 
 in the background. 
 
 Erland. Noble, yet luckless children ! Like a star 
 Your light of love its pale reflection casts 
 Upon my memory's wintry sky. Ah, yes,
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 87 
 
 'Tis an unhealthy heart that never felt 
 
 The power of love. Thou knowest not, good 
 
 Axel! 
 
 That Erland's fate was very like to thine. 
 Eleonora ! Like the moonlight, beams 
 Thy memory down on my December snow. 
 Oh wert thou true to me till death ? No lips 
 No lips have ever brought thine Erland tidings 
 Of thee, and of thy fate. 
 
 Wilhelm (in the background). Eleonora 
 Of Hildesheim was true to thee till death. 
 Erland. Is it a voice from out the grave that 
 speaks ? 
 
 [He turns round, and becomes aware of Wilhelm. 
 Wilhelm. Forced by her father Gebhard's cruel 
 
 will 
 
 To marry Rudolf, was Eleonora 
 To Erland true at heart : and thee she loved 
 In thought, whilst, prisoned in the gloomy castle, 
 Her mournful life was spent with one she hated. 
 Erland. Who can yon stranger be, so pale and 
 
 wan, 
 Who answers thus the thought of my sad heart ?
 
 88 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Is it a revelation ? There he stands, 
 Still as a statue, leaning on his sword. 
 
 [ Wilhelm goes towards him. 
 
 Erland. Who art thou, foreigner ? 
 
 Wilhelm. A cross between 
 
 The lamb and tiger, my most reverend father ! 
 A snow-flower brought up in the cold, beneath 
 A horoscope most strange, the planet Venus 
 Was by a fiery comet then eclipsed. 
 
 Erland. Thou art 
 
 Wilhelm. A son of thine Eleonora 
 
 Of thy deadly foeman, Rudolf. 
 
 Erland. All ye saints ! 
 
 Thou ! can it be ? Ah yes ! I know them now, 
 Those features dear; I see them mingled with 
 The frigid sternness. O my son ! my son ! 
 Eleonora's son, come to my arms, 
 Come, let me clasp thee to my aged heart ! 
 
 Wilhelm. I feel it all as true and warm as thou, 
 But Nature has denied me tears, my father ! 
 
 Erland. What is thy name, Eleonora's son ? 
 
 Wilhelm. " Wilhelm ;" or, in your Northern speech, 
 " Vildhjdlmur."
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 89 
 
 Erland. What angel then has brought thee here to 
 me? 
 
 Wilhelm. One of the good, I hope, most reverend 
 
 lord. 
 
 Most strange my nature is, and half a monster ; 
 Made up of most conflicting elements, 
 Of love and hate, of scorn and tenderness. 
 I feel within my breast a ceaseless longing, 
 Which only finds relief when I can plunge 
 Into the thickest of the fight, or when, 
 With mute and cold, but steadfast faithfulness, 
 I join me to an honourable friend : 
 So have I joined me now to Axel Thordson. 
 I cannot love myself; but yet I find 
 Solace in giving aid to one who loves. 
 I came with him. I knew that you were here : 
 My mother had, upon her bed of death, 
 Charged me most solemnly to visit you. 
 She knew that you had changed the coat of mail 
 For canon's hood, and earnestly she prayed me 
 Some day to bear to you her life's farewell. 
 Forgive ! 'mid war's alarms I had forgotten it 
 For full ten years. At last young Axel's journey
 
 90 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Called back to mind my promise, and awakened 
 My conscience. I believe my heavy mood 
 Has been a punishment, which now will vanish 
 When I have done my mother's dying will. 
 Most reverend father, lay on this wild head 
 Your sacred hand, and give to me your blessing. 
 
 [He kneels down. 
 
 Erland. God bless thee ! 
 
 Wilhelm. Thanks ! it is already lighter. 
 
 \He rises. 
 
 I see the hand of Heaven in this our meeting. 
 See, venerable sir, you lost your bride 
 Long years ago, and Wilhelm's heart as well 
 Is closed 'gainst love. But here there are two hearts, 
 Each made to love the other, whom they part. 
 Well then, most reverend father ! let us two, 
 The one the victim, and the other fruit, 
 Of an unholy union, hinder now 
 Its repetition, and so save our friends. 
 
 Erland. My son, how can we ? 
 
 Wilhelm. That depends on you ; 
 
 But I can save them. 
 
 Erland. How, my dearest son ?
 
 Til.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 91 
 
 Wilhelm. Our ship is lying ready in the fjord, 
 And can set sail soon as the anchor 's weighed. 
 Valborg was taken to the convent : thither 
 The only way lies through the church. To hinder 
 Her carrying off, which Hakon well might fear, 
 Shall Friar Knud, with twenty knights in arms, 
 Himself keep watch to-night by the church door, 
 And give th' alarm upon the slightest noise. 
 
 Erland. And can such watchfulness, which makes a 
 
 rescue 
 Impossible, delight you ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Watchfulness 
 
 Of such a kind alone makes rescue possible ; 
 For were the thick and iron-bound church-door 
 Closed, there could be no rescue ; and to-morrow 
 Would Hakon carry Valborg home a bride. 
 But through their twenty knights in arms, and through 
 Yon scowling monk, the one-and-twentieth, 
 I can well make my way. 
 
 Erland. But will the skirmish 
 
 Not give alarm, and wake the castle guards? 
 
 Wilhelm. The holy church floor shall nowise be 
 stained
 
 92 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 With honourable blood of valiant men, 
 Obeying duty and their king's command : 
 I know a better means. 
 
 Erland. And what, my son ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Is not yon golden chest above the altar 
 Saint Olaf's shrine ? And is it not believed 
 That many a time, upon occasion given, 
 Saint Olaf's body rises from his tomb 
 At midnight, as a ghost, to terrify 
 Transgressors, and to comfort and support 
 Oppressed virtue ? 
 Erland. So do all believe. 
 
 Wilhelm. Have you not, as archbishop, his gold 
 
 helmet, 
 
 His iron-pointed spear, and silver-spangled robe, 
 Under your charge ? 
 
 Erland. Yes. 
 
 Wilhelm. Then is Axel saved ! 
 
 Erland. My friend, you would 
 
 Wilhelm. And do you hesitate 
 
 Whether the old tradition may for once 
 Be suffered to assist a righteous cause, 
 As oft misused it has promoted wrong ?
 
 ill.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 93 
 
 Erland, No, no ! it is no sin. God will forgive 
 The honest-minded, innocent deceit 
 Which utmost need demands for virtue's rescue. 
 
 Wilhelm. " Deceit ! " and who has said it is 
 
 deceit ? 
 
 Saint Olaf comes himself, most reverend father ! 
 Himself he comes, he clothes himself in me : 
 I am his spectre. Is a spectre not 
 The earthly shroud of an immortal spirit? 
 
 Erland. It cannot well be otherwise defined. 
 
 Wilhelm. Well then, I am Saint Olaf 's pallid shroud. 
 'Tis he has put this thought into my soul ; 
 And so as Olaf's real ghost I come. 
 
 Erland. My son, with what strange fire thine eye is 
 gleaming ! 
 
 Wilhelm. My thoughts dwell chiefly in eternity ; 
 And many a time ere now the spirit-world 
 Has stood revealed before my tranced sight. 
 I went on board the ship, where sundry things 
 Had to be set in order. On the deck 
 The sun beat fiercely. Then, my business done, 
 I hastened to the church, so that I might 
 Be present at the marriage. Came too soon.
 
 94 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 And then, so cool and silent was the place, 
 
 That wearied with my work, when many times 
 
 Through nave and aisles and chapels I had wandered, 
 
 Observed each holy altar, spelt the names 
 
 On many a tombstone, I sat down at last, 
 
 Leaning against a pillar of the choir, 
 
 Where, green with age, the copper harness hangs, 
 
 And where full many a soiled and dusty shred 
 
 Of ancient martial banners floats above. 
 
 Over against Saint Olaf 's golden shrine 
 
 I fell asleep. Unquiet was my dream, 
 
 And sorrowful ; for what was taking place 
 
 I also saw, as through transparent mist. 
 
 And when the monk foul-minded cut in twain 
 
 The cloth, I sprang up in a rage, to haste 
 
 To Axel's aid. But straightway terrified, 
 
 Down sank I to the ground again ; for, as 
 
 The cloth was parted, yonder saintly shrine 
 
 Yawned open, and within the coffin rose 
 
 A wrathful form, and gazed upon the monk. 
 
 Erland. And how appeared he ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Like a warrior strong, 
 
 Of middle stature, with light golden hair,
 
 in.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 95 
 
 And deep blue eyes ; a blood-stained cloth he held 
 In his left hand, and pressed it to his wound. 
 
 Erland. Ah ! that was Olaf ' s ghost. 
 
 Wilhelm. He pointed up 
 
 Towards the armour hanging over me, 
 And cried, " Thou shalt to-night in Olaf 's armour 
 Punish foul treachery, and true love defend : 
 Undimmed its sacred light shall ever burn ! " 
 He said, and vanished. And as I awaked, 
 I heard at the church door the King's loud voice 
 Issue his cruel order to the monk. 
 
 Erland. Follow me, chosen Wilhelm ! I am 
 ready. 
 
 Wilhelm. The time is not yet come. When day- 
 light dies, 
 
 And cold the dew is falling on the graves, 
 And doubt upon the courage of the bold, 
 And fear upon the sinner's conscience ; when 
 The church' is full of deep mysterious darkness, 
 And through the gloom a faint and flickering ray 
 Falls from the altar-lamp upon the tombs ; 
 When its twelfth stroke the deep-toned bell hath 
 tolled ;
 
 96 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT III. 
 
 When hoots the midnight owl, and crows the cock, 
 Then rises Olaf in his kingly pride, 
 As king of night, to punish villainy, 
 To fell the villain, and to wipe the tears 
 From off the eyes of injured innocence.
 
 ACT IV.
 
 ACT iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG, 99 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 NIGHT. The lamp burns feebly in the twilight. Friar 
 KNUD is sitting with BJORN, GAMLE, KOLBEIN, 
 and several warriors, on a bench beside right- 
 hand pillar in the church. 
 
 Knud. Here were it best to sit, my worthy friends ; 
 Beside this pillar, by the holy crosses 
 Of our three great and blessed Northern Kings. 
 Here let us then, in God's name, pass the night. 
 Endrid ! have you kept watchful eye upon 
 Those soldiers at the door ? 
 
 Endrid (comes}. Yes ; they keep guard. 
 
 Knud. Well, we will also keep our guard. A 
 
 subject 
 
 Ought to be watchful of his sovereign's safety : 
 And therefore have I chosen out this spot,
 
 ioo AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 By the " King's pillar," as they call it : sacred 
 It rises o'er us with its crosses three. 
 But see the other pillar opposite ! 
 '* Pillar of Shame " it should be called in future. 
 There had the two enamoured sinful ones 
 Graven their names. They foolishly defied 
 Both royal power and Holy Church's law. 
 Now comes the punishment of God, of justice ! 
 In noble wrath the King has with his sword 
 Cut down this cipher, which profanely dared 
 To spot the Church's wood with lovers' garlands ; 
 And now their garland withers in the dust. 
 Bjorn. Aye, aye ! and what are flowers fit for 
 
 else 
 
 Than so to wither ? Let the garland lie ! 
 With the King's cross 'tis very different. 
 The loftier it is, the safer stands 
 The lands' condition, and the higher rises 
 The realm in might and honour. Therefore like I 
 The uppermost among these crosses three 
 The best of all. The other two, indeed, 
 Are pretty high ; but they do not approach 
 The lofty Harald.
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 101 
 
 Knud. Speak not so, good friend. 
 
 Olaf, of blessed memory, stands no whit 
 Below King Harald Haarderaade : peace 
 Has never flourished more than under him ; 
 And he was, too, the clergy's surest stay. 
 
 Bjorn. There was the mischief ! Understand me 
 
 rightly : 
 
 I mean the peace, the clergy, reverend sir, 
 Is worthy of all honour, I well know. 
 But Olaf Kyrre, Magnus Barfod, laid 
 The germs of Norway's weakness and destruction, 
 By altering the nation's ancient customs. 
 And therefore think I they do not come nigh 
 That glorious hero, Harald Haarderaade. 
 
 Knud. Our land has profited by Olaf 's deeds. 
 
 Bjorn. Ere Olaf Kyrre's time men drank from 
 
 horns, 
 
 The fire burned on mid-floor in the hall, 
 And Norway's king sat midmost of his men 
 Upon his long bench, while the ale was served him 
 Across the hearth. This did not suit King Olaf : 
 He needs must have a high seat reared for him 
 Upon the dais-bench. In the hall no longer
 
 102 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 The fire was left to burn with merry blaze ; 
 It must be stowed into a hole, aside, 
 But for this reason, that their weakly lungs 
 Could not endure the smoke. 
 
 Kmid. Well, father Bjorn, 
 
 It falls upon the chest.. 
 
 Bjorn. Pooh ! chest, indeed ; 
 
 An honest fellow must have in his chest 
 Courage, and never mind a fume or smoke. 
 But speaking of the dress, there surely has 
 King Olaf heavy sins ; and may the Lord 
 Forgive him for them in his grave ! Before, 
 The warrior in his armour used to go, 
 Or in white wadmel kirtle ; now, his breeches 
 Were laced around his loins with gold and silver, 
 Gold rings his legs encircled, and in folds 
 Soft silk was laid upon his arms and shoulders, 
 Although the sleeve itself was made so tight 
 An instrument was used to draw it on. 
 With Magnus Barfod it was full as bad, 
 Though in a different way. He was a hero ; 
 But, after his campaign in Ireland, ran he, 
 With cut-short kirtle and with naked legs,
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 103 
 
 Not through the streets, like any beggar, though 
 He was the King of Norway ? Has he not 
 Himself to thank for getting such a nickname ? 
 
 Knud. Well, father, all things change with time, 
 we know. 
 
 Bjorn (shakes his head}. Had they but had the 
 
 grace to hold in honour 
 
 The ancient drinking-horn, the rest might pass ; 
 But to sip ale and mead out of a cup, 
 That is a fashion which will bring the land 
 Sooner or later to complete destruction. 
 A courteous knight would always drain his measure, 
 And not set down beard- drippings on the table. 
 
 Endrid. Well, there old Bjorn is right : King Harald 
 
 was 
 
 A noble hero. In the Grecian land 
 The name of Harald stands in high renown, 
 E'en from the days when with Varangian hosts 
 He served Queen Zoe. 
 
 Bjorn. Endrid, you come straight 
 
 From Micklegarth : * how goes it ? Are ye still . 
 Honour to th' ancient North, as in my young days ? 
 * i. e., Constantinople, so called by the Northern Varangians.
 
 104 AXEL AND VALBORG, [ACT 
 
 Endrid. All has not quite died out with you, good 
 fellow. 
 
 Bjorn. Ye sleep then still upon the hard, bare ground, 
 With helmet on your head, with shield on breast, 
 With sword above your head, with your right hand 
 Upon the hilt, with courage in your heart ? 
 
 Endrid. No otherwise. 
 
 Bjorn. And rides King Olaf still, 
 
 The saintly spectre, on his snow-white steed 
 Ahead of you, when 'gainst the foe ye march ? 
 
 Endrid. It happens oft, good father Bjorn. Have you 
 Not heard the story of what lately happened 
 With Neiter, with his sword ? 
 
 Bjorn. No, son ; relate it. 
 
 Endrid. You know that Ingebjorn, a gallant Swede, 
 Seized on this sword that time King Olaf fell 
 At Stiklestad. 'Twas handed down from him 
 To son and grandson, and his last descendant 
 Shared with me in the last imperial war. 
 Our tents were struck : the Veerings lay asleep, 
 Just as you say, each in his armour, with 
 His sword in his right hand, above his head. 
 But when the Swede awakes, he has no sword ;
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 105 
 
 It lies flung far from him upon the field. 
 
 So went it with him three successive nights : 
 
 Then asked the emperor what this could mean ? 
 
 " Ah ! " answered he, " my noble Kyrialax " 
 
 (Which signifies, " My Lord Alexius," 
 
 For " Kyrie " in Greek is " Lord," you know, 
 
 The Prayer-book tells us) " Kyrialax," he said, 
 
 " This sword which I possess, its name is ' Neiter ; ' 
 
 Twas Olaf 's sword, which with his life he lost 
 
 At Stiklestad." 
 
 Bjorn. A deed well done, by King Olaf ! 
 
 To wrest the sword out of the Swede's right hand. 
 What right had he to own King Olaf 's sword? 
 
 Endrid. Aye, aye ! that saw the emperor and all. 
 Then Kyrialax had, at a vast expense, 
 A church built for St Olaf, on the spot 
 Where lay his sword, and there above the altar 
 The sword itself was hung, just as his coffin 
 Stands here above the altar in the choir. 
 
 Kolbein. How weirdly from the gilded royal shrine 
 The light is gleaming towards us through the gloom ! 
 But is it true, my reverend father, walks 
 King Olaf here at midnight ?
 
 io6 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Bjorn. 'Tts a question ! 
 
 Knud. Ye Norsemen are a most unruly folk ; 
 And so it is found needful, that at times 
 The very dead should rise from out their graves, 
 To call you to repentance and amendment. 
 
 Bjorn. Have you ne'er heard the hundred miracles? 
 
 Kolbein. Aye, that I have : but then I hardly know 
 Whether I should believe them. 
 
 Knud. Don't blaspheme, 
 
 Son ! you might doubt as well of Heaven itself, 
 And of your own salvation, as of Olaf, 
 And of his miracles. 
 
 Bjorn. Kolbein ! take care 
 
 It fare with you not as with the Danish earl 
 Who lost his eyesight for his unbelief. 
 
 Endrid. Bjorn ! tell us somewhat of the holy saint. 
 Your years, we know, have seen full many a marvel. 
 
 Kolbein. Nay, it will but excite imagination ; 
 And since we have to keep our guard to-night 
 Within the church 
 
 Bi'orn. Are you a coward ? 
 
 Kolbein. Nay ! 
 
 Not for the living.
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. , 107 
 
 Bjorn. Answered well, my son ! 
 
 Have you a conscience clear ? 
 
 Kolbein. Yea, that have I. 
 
 Bjorn. Well, 
 
 You need not be afraid then of the dead. 
 King Olaf will not injure any here ; 
 For all of us, if I except alone 
 The pious Knud, have heavy sins ; 
 Yet is our conscience clear; and consequently 
 Saint Olaf will not do us any harm. 
 
 Endrid. Relate ! 
 
 Bjorn. It was one midnight here in Kjoping, 
 
 Just as the clock struck twelve 
 
 [The clock strikes twelve. 
 
 Endrid. Ha, did you hear ? 
 
 Bjorn. I am not deaf ! Just as the clock struck 
 
 twelve, 
 
 And when the cock had crowed his midnight 
 crow [ The cock crows. 
 
 Kolbein. Hearken ! it crows ! 
 
 Bjorn (provoked}. If I shall tell my tale, 
 
 Then you must hold your tongue. What nonsense 
 this !
 
 loS AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 One can no longer hear one's own voice speak, 
 
 For all these clocks that strike, and cocks that 
 
 crow, 
 
 And fools that chatter. 'Tis an ugly habit, 
 When youths impertinently interrupt 
 The story : in my day the youths were silent 
 Whene'er an aged warrior spoke. But where 
 Did we leave off? 
 
 Endrid. At cock-crow. 
 
 Bjorn. True. (To Kolbeiii)li you 
 
 Break in upon my story, you may ask 
 A toothless crone to tell you all the rest. 
 Well, then, one midnight here at twelve o'clock, 
 Just when the cock had crowed, Saint Olaf came 
 Slowly from out the choir, and down the nave, 
 In golden armour, with his vizor closed, 
 And on his helmet the carbuncle crown, 
 With his long spear and silver-spangled robe, 
 Whose train swept after him the temple floor. 
 
 [A form appears in the background of the church, 
 just similar to that described by Bjorn. 
 Kolbein, who first becomes aware of it, 
 turns pale, and gazes fixedly towards it.
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. % 109 
 
 What is the matter with you, silly boy ? 
 
 \Kolbein is silent. 
 
 Well, Kolbein ! Have you lost your tongue, I 
 pray ! 
 
 Kolbein. If you narrate, I must not interrupt 
 Your story. Only I may venture now 
 To mention by the way, that yonder stands 
 A man, precisely such as you describe. 
 
 TJie Soldiers. Christ save us ! 'Tis the ghost ! 
 
 \The monk flies: some are about to follow 
 him. 
 
 Bjb'rn. Stay ! are ye Norsemen ? 
 
 Stay ! are ye honourable, faithful soldiers ? 
 He is a coward, and an evil-doer 
 Who flees. Kneel down upon your knees, 
 As I. See, thus ! And now make bare your heads, 
 And reverently fold your hands. Ay, thus ! 
 He is a common thief, who flees affrighted 
 From Olaf s ghost. Of what are ye afraid ? 
 He is our patron saint. Why would ye flee ? 
 Perchance he comes to speak to us his children. 
 
 Kolbein. It draws still nigher. 
 
 The Soldiers. Oh, may God protect us !
 
 no AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 The Ghost (in a deep voice). 
 
 Who dares in midnight darkness 
 
 To break my death-sleep ? 
 Who calls the king at cock-crow 
 
 From out his coffin ? 
 What sounds profane the silence 
 
 Of Olaf s slumbers ? 
 Now, linger not, but leave ye, 
 
 With swords and lances, 
 In haste this dwelling holy 
 
 Of saints and heroes ! 
 No word must any whisper 
 
 Of what ye witness, 
 Ere golden sunlight gildeth 
 
 My shrine with glory. 
 \The Soldiers rise up, bow, cross themselves, and 
 
 leave the church. 
 Knud (comes back with the guard of the door}. I tell 
 
 you it is nothing but imposture ! 
 It was but my surprise which thus at first 
 Made it a little strange ere I could think. 
 There stands he : now come on ! We are enough. 
 Take up your station round him with your halberds,
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. in 
 
 And capture him alive for me, the juggler ! 
 Ghosts never haunt, 'tis only superstition. 
 They would deceive the king : but overcome 
 Your foolish fears ! Saint Olaf is but dust, 
 A bag of worms : his power is past and gone. 
 
 [ The form rushes with hasty steps upon Knud, 
 
 and thrusts the spear through his breast. 
 The Soldiers. Christ save us ! He is fallen in his 
 
 sin! 
 Fly, fly ! Praise be to God and all His saints ! 
 
 [ They all fly, and the spectre vanishes. 
 Knud (alone). It is my death-wound. Help ! Oh, 
 
 save me ! Help ! 
 Forsake me not in mine extremity"! 
 Ah, I am left alone ; I bleed to death. 
 Was it a human being ? But he struck 
 His spear in me with an unnatural strength, 
 Right through the breast-plate, which my cloak con- 
 cealed. 
 
 No, no ! it was a mortal All is mortal : 
 I know that there is no eternity. 
 
 [The dock strikes a quarter-past one. 
 Ha, what denotes that deep and solemn knell :
 
 ii2 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Th' eternal voice, the unison on high? 
 
 O fear ! O cruel, icy-cold despair ! 
 
 Is nothing near, wherewith to stanch the blood ? 
 
 [He feels about, and finds Valborgs wreath, 
 
 which Hakon had cut down. 
 Here here are herbs wherewith to stanch the 
 
 blood. 
 
 It flows still faster ! What is this ? O God ! 
 It is fair Valborg's wreath of flowers. Mercy, 
 Compassion ! Pray, oh pray to God for me, 
 Ye youthful lovers ! See my heart's red blood 
 Has stained your wreath ! Oh pray, oh pray for me ! 
 
 [He dies. 
 
 [ Wilhelm returns with Valborgand the archbishop. 
 Wilhelm. Tremble not, noble maiden ! you are 
 
 saved. 
 
 My page is speedy, and he fetches Axel ; 
 The wind is good, and all is clear on board, 
 And Fortune's elves already swell for us 
 The good ship's sails ; fair Freia's beaming star 
 Twinkles adown from the dark vault of night 
 
 Erland. My son ! God bless thee for this deed of 
 thine !
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 113 
 
 Wilhelm. My deed is trifling, father Erland. Thee 
 Must Axel thank for this his happiness. 
 
 Valborg. Ah, Wilhelm ! both of you we both must 
 
 thank. 
 
 Wilhelm. Where is he ? 
 Axel (comes with sword and shield). Wilhelm ! 
 
 dearest Valborg ! Father ! 
 Wilhelm. Is the way open to the ship, good 
 
 Axel? 
 
 Axel. The street is clear. I saw the coward crew 
 Rush forth from the church-door, as though it were 
 A swarm of flies which one was chasing out 
 With linden twigs. The monk alone was wanting : 
 He should be seized forthwith, and put in chains. 
 I fear, if he is hidden in a corner, 
 That he may still betray us. 
 
 Wilhelm. Do not fear ! 
 
 Foul treachery has reached its barrier. 
 
 \He shows him the monk's corpse. 
 Axel. Knud in his blood ! 
 Valborg. O holy Virgin ! 
 
 Erland (with a terrified look a/. Wilhelm). 
 
 Murdered ? 
 
 H
 
 ii4 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Wilhelm (calmly]. Nay, slain. His rashness and 
 
 his unbelief 
 
 Have driven the scoffer on the ice-cold spear 
 Of Fate, and of Saint Olaf. 
 
 Erland. Poor, blind sinner ! 
 
 Gone hence impenitent and unabsolved. 
 
 Axel. But see ! what holds he in his pale, clenched 
 
 hands ? 
 
 My Valborg's wreath ! Close to his heart he pressed it 
 In his death agony. 
 
 Valborg. Poor, wretched man ! 
 
 Remorse had smitten him. God pardon him ! 
 Axel That will He for thy prayer, thou noble 
 
 girl!- 
 
 O joy ! mine eyes once more behold my Valborg ? 
 Valborg. Two angels have delivered us from 
 
 death. 
 Wilhelm. Two mortal men ! And now, my loving 
 
 pair, 
 
 Now all depends on haste. The danger past, 
 And when the lofty Schwarzburg, with its wall, 
 And its strong tower, securely shelters us ; 
 When Father Erland in the castle chapel
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 11$ 
 
 Where Leonore was forced to marry Rudolph 
 
 Shall join your hands together, then will be 
 
 Full time for your caresses. Then shall ye 
 
 Transform our Schwarzburg to a Weissenfels ; 
 
 Then shall our Father Erland see himself 
 
 Grow young in you, rude Wilhelm meek and mild ; 
 
 And then may we sing masses for the peace 
 
 Of this poor sinner's soul. But now, my friends ! 
 
 Pray cut the matter short, and follow Wilhelm. 
 
 Valborg. Christ ! how my heart is beating ! 
 
 Axel. Let us kneel 
 
 At Harald's grave, and bid our Fatherland 
 A last farewell ! 
 
 [ Whilst the lovers are kneeling, three hollow- 
 sounding notes of a horn are heard afar off. 
 
 Wilhelm. What now ? Who is 't approaches? 
 Fear not, my noble maiden ! It is Gotfred, 
 My honourable, faithful page. What news, 
 My Gotfred ? What can mean those trumpet-notes ? 
 Axel. I know them well : it was a battle-trumpet. 
 
 Gotfred. All aids our flight. Within this very hour 
 Has Erling Skakke run into the fjord 
 From Bergen with a numerous fleet, in order
 
 u6 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 To fall upon King Hakon Herdebred. 
 The horn ye heard sounded from Erling's ship, 
 As signal of attack. Nought hinders now 
 Our instant flight, for all is in confusion. 
 
 Wilhelm. The wrathful Norna goes with hasty steps 
 Towards her revenge. Come on, my gallant brother ! 
 That thou shouldst draw thy sword against thy 
 
 kinsman, 
 
 I know full well thy noble soul forbids. 
 Well, then, thou mayest leave him to his fate. 
 But follow, where thy favouring Norna beckons. 
 Axel, (after a moment 's silence.) My favouring 
 Norna beckons me to duty. 
 
 Wilhelm. What ? Thinkest thou 
 
 Axel. That now I cannot sail : 
 
 It is impossible, impossible ! 
 
 Wilhelm. Thou wilt 
 
 Axel. Defend King Hakon Herdebred. 
 
 Wilhelm. Your enemy ? 
 
 Axel. What enemy ? on him 
 
 I lately turned my back in scorn : my king 
 Is now in need, to him I owe my life. 
 
 Wilhelm. Axel ! you owe your life to Fatherland,
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 117 
 
 Not Hakon. Think you to advantage Norway 
 
 By fighting for his cause, the mad young fool, 
 
 Who tramples under foot all duty for 
 
 His passion who despises woman's virtue, 
 
 His subjects' sacred rights who quite forgets 
 
 The public welfare for his private ends ? 
 
 No, Axel ! no ! Whoever would be king, 
 
 King-like he ought to think and act Come ; 
 
 Erling 
 
 Is a renowned, and brave, and noble chieftain. 
 Hinder not then his victory : he will not 
 Misuse it. Let old Norway's sceptre glisten 
 In hero-hands ; it rusts in those of cowards. 
 
 Axel. Let not your lips with specious subtlety, 
 Pervert the honest judgment of your heart. 
 King Hakon is no coward : monkish craft 
 Found out the way to play upon his passion. 
 Crossed love, ungovemed youth, and evil counsel, 
 One of the three was quite enough to spoil 
 The best of hearts. He tries with haughty hand 
 To rob me of my bride : I would not bear it. 
 Another now would rob him of his kingdom : 
 As little will I suffer this. He is
 
 ii8 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 My kinsman : Erling speaks insultingly 
 
 Of our forefather Harald : he would humble 
 
 Uproot the Gille race, so that he might 
 
 Set his own son upon the throne of Norway. 
 
 Were I a Throndhjemer of Gille blood, 
 
 If I should suffer this ? a man of honour, 
 
 If I should fail King Hakon in his need ? 
 
 Have I not laid my hand in Hakon's hand ? 
 
 Would Axel still deserve this lily-wand, 
 
 Thy friendship, being faithless to his king ? 
 
 Erland. Heroic youth ! you speak the words of 
 
 duty. 
 
 Haste thee to draw thy sword, and save thy king, 
 Oh, would to God mine aged limbs had strength 
 To follow thee ! 
 
 Wilhelm. Cheer thou the lonely maid, 
 
 And I will fill thy place in battle, father ! 
 I do not know the state of things so well 
 As thou and Axel. If ye both believe 
 That loyal duty calls him to the fight, 
 Well, then, my sword is drawn, I follow him. 
 
 Axel. Oh weep not, Valborg ! all my fear is 
 past;
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 119 
 
 My heart is beating heavily no longer. 
 
 I will not steal my Valborg, nay, but I 
 
 Will win her. Oh, our great forefather Harald ! 
 
 Now first I understand thee. On thy sword 
 
 Thou lay'st thine hand, and say'st, " Defend mine 
 
 honour ! 
 
 Leave not thy Fatherland ! " Well, my beloved ! 
 Let us propitiate a hostile fate, 
 
 And Hakon's self. The thoughtless youth shall learn 
 In war the value of an honest fighter ; 
 And he himself, after the victory won, 
 Shall join thy hand, my Valborg, to thy wooer's, 
 Here, on his grave who now shall be avenged. 
 
 [The trumpet sounds. 
 
 Hildur ! * I come. Thy warriors come to make thee 
 An offering of blood in Throndhjem's fjord. 
 Look, my beloved one ! two hearts united 
 Stand blazoned glowing red on Axel's shield, 
 Part on the azure, part on argent ground. 
 That signifies, " Love, Innocence, and Heaven." 
 Valborg ! our love is innocent, and Heaven 
 Will soon reward it. 
 
 * Goddess of War.
 
 120 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Valborg. With eternal bliss. 
 
 Axel, In my great haste I have forgot to buckle 
 My scabbard on ; I only seized the sword. 
 
 Valborg (fakes a blue scarf from her shoulder). 
 Come, dear-loved warrior ! let me bind on thee 
 Thy shoulder scarf ! 
 
 Axel, (kneels down : Valborg hangs the scarf over 
 
 his shoulder?) O my most precious Valborg! 
 I am thy knight ; how canst thou have a doubt 
 Of victory ? 
 
 Valborg. Thou art my warrior ; and I 
 Am thy Valkyria.* 
 
 Axel. Oh, weep not, Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg. Nay, I will weep no longer. Woman, 
 
 Axel! 
 
 Can also show her courage by endurance. 
 Go then, my chosen friend, my darling hero ! 
 Thy Valborg gives thee to our Fatherland. 
 
 Wilhelm. A noble maiden, by St Innocence ! 
 Farewell, most reverend father ! 
 
 Erland. Oh, my sons ! 
 
 God's angels follow and protect you both. 
 * Goddess of Fight.
 
 iv.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 121 
 
 Axel. Farewell, my Valborg ! 
 
 Valborg (holds him ^ back in her arms). Stay a 
 
 moment yet ! 
 
 Let me once more again, for the last time, 
 Gaze on my Axel's glorious hero-eye. 
 Axel (kisses her). Farewell ! 
 Valborg. Go now ! I never can forget thee. 
 
 {They part.
 
 ACT V.
 
 ACT v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 125 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 AXEL enters ivith King HAKON, who is wounded in 
 
 the right arm. 
 
 Axel. Here are we safe awhile, my lord and king ! 
 Here in God's holy house. Come, sit you down, 
 And let me bind for you your wounded arm ; 
 A warrior ought to know the art of healing ; 
 One has not always help at hand. The wound 
 Is deep, but yet not dangerous. Now, had we 
 A piece of linen only ! 
 
 Hakon. This your kindness 
 
 Wounds me more deep than Erling Skakke's sword. 
 
 Axel. Be thou not wounded by my faithfulness, 
 Far other was its purpose. 
 
 [He feels in his bosom, draws out a cloth, and starts, 
 but instantly composes himself, and says 
 
 Here is linen.
 
 126 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Hakon. Axel ! why startest thou ? Almighty God ! 
 I know that cloth too well. 
 
 Axel. Nay, calm yourself. 
 
 Hakon. And with this cloth you wish to bind my 
 arm? 
 
 Axel. So that you may not die from loss of blood. 
 
 Hakon. You wish to bind it with this very cloth 
 Wherewith I rent your life in twain ? 
 
 Axel. My lord ! 
 
 It is another cloth. 
 
 Hakon. Nay, nay ! It is 
 
 The very cloth which that malicious Knud 
 Cut with my sword 'twixt you and Valborg, Axel ! 
 I know it. Oh, swathe not my arm with this ; 
 It burns me tortures me with double pain. 
 
 Axel. Nay, it is natural a wound should burn, 
 And bandaging a sore is always painful. 
 Be calm, and rest yourself a moment, king ! 
 Then in your left hand take your sword, and come 
 Once more with Axel 'gainst your haughty foe 
 The presence of their king supports his people 
 And I will serve instead of your right hand. 
 
 Hakon. Is it contempt, a lurking, proud revenge ?
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 127 
 
 Or is it natural high-mindedness ? 
 
 How shall I understand you, Axel ? Think you 
 
 To heap up coals of fire on Hakon's head ? 
 
 Axel. By God and man ! I will be true to you ; 
 I will not harm you ; I will ne'er forsake you. 
 
 Hakon. This generosity but hurts me more. 
 
 most unhappy Hakon Herdebred ! 
 Thy bravest warrior despises thee. 
 
 Axel. By God in heaven, and by my Valborg, 
 Hakon ! 
 
 1 do respect you. 
 
 Hakon. I believe you, kinsman ; 
 
 That was a solemn oath well, is it so ; 
 For Hakon acted like an ardent lover 
 Upon the throne not like a coward, Axel ! 
 
 Axel. Who feels the power of love and does not 
 
 know 
 Its mighty workings ? 
 
 Hakon. Now your words are drawn 
 
 Out of my very heart, my gallant hero ; 
 Your faithfulness and kindness move me so. 
 
 [ With sudden wildness. 
 And yet, did I perceive that you believed
 
 128 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 This were but woman's weakness, only caused 
 By this my pain of body, Axel Thordson, 
 With my left hand I would draw forth my sword, 
 And challenge you to fight for life and death. 
 
 Axel. I swore by Valborg, that I do respect you. 
 
 Hakon. You swear it. Then you shall esteem 
 
 me too : 
 
 For I will make to you a sacrifice. 
 The sacrifice is great ; 'tis needful, Axel ! 
 That you should know its costliness. 
 
 Axel. My king ! 
 
 Hakon. I well know what I hazard by the offer 
 Of such a gift, at such a time as this : 
 " Now has the proud and foolish youth at last 
 Opened his eyes ; and now he can perceive 
 How his throne stands in need of brave defence. 
 Now does he need his warriors' faithfulness ; 
 And therefore does he purchase friend with maid, 
 In the despair and anguish of his heart." 
 Ha, I would hate you, Axel ! I would call you 
 A cold and cruel and barbarian foe, 
 If you could dream of such a motive. 
 
 Axel. Sire
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 129 
 
 Hakon. For Valborg loses Hakon Norway's realm, 
 But Valborg loses he for Valborg's sake. 
 Think of the value of my gift ! Gives one 
 The greater for the less, to satisfy 
 One's selfishness ? 
 
 Axel. O Hakon ! noble kinsman ! 
 
 Hakon. Yes, I have blindly erred, and your pure 
 
 soul, 
 
 Your noble mind, have opened now mine eyes ; 
 And of free-will, because I wish the good, 
 Do I subdue the passion of my breast, 
 And give you back your Valborg give you back 
 That which to me is dearest in the world. 
 Misjudge me not, oh, see my sacrifice ! 
 
 Axel. I see it, and God sees it, noble king ! 
 
 Hakon. And now embrace me ! 
 
 Axel. Hold, your wounded arm ! 
 
 Hakon. The wound no longer burns ; this linen 
 
 cloth 
 
 Hurts me no more ; it cools me, like the juice 
 Of healing herbs fresh-gathered. 
 
 Axel O my king ! 
 
 Hakon. And now let Erling overcome me. Hakon
 
 130 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Has overcome himself: his victory 
 Is greatest. 
 
 Axel. But it shall not be the last : 
 The other victory must now be gained. 
 
 [Noise is heard outside the church. 
 Be calm, my king ! Rest yet a moment longer ! 
 Your golden helm is heavy, and your head 
 Needs some relief : give me your helmet. Here, 
 Take mine instead ; it is a lighter one. 
 
 [ The noise increases ; Axel throws the king's 
 purple mantle, which has been unloosed dur- 
 ing the bandaging, over his own shoulders. 
 Hakon. What do you, Axel ? 
 Axel. Nay, be still, my lord ! 
 
 I hear men coming, possibly our foes : 
 Let Axel be a shield to you ! 
 
 [A troop of the enemy rushes in. 
 The Captain. There stands he ! 
 
 There stands he ! See you ? with the golden helmet 
 And purple robe. It is the king. Rush in 
 Rush in on him, and cut him down ! ' 
 
 Hakon. O Axel ! 
 
 Now do I understand your strange behaviour.
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 131 
 
 Give me my helmet back ! 
 
 Axel. Nay, draw your sword, 
 
 Place yourself so that your right arm may be 
 Protected by my body. When you see 
 An opening, strike, and then draw back again. 
 {He cries.} Come on, ye paltry wretches ! Here stands 
 
 Hakon. 
 
 His sword is drawn, you see : he does not fear 
 Your coward onslaught in the House of God. 
 Come on, ye murderers ! who do not dare 
 To stand up man 'gainst man in honest fight, 
 But think to win base gold by Hakon's murder. 
 My fiery lion's-tongue is gleaming bright ; 
 Come, let it slake its thirst in traitors' blood ! 
 
 Hakon (draws his sword). He would befool you ! 
 
 Here stands Norway's chief, 
 And with his left hand will he punish you. 
 
 Axel. Peace, Axel Thordson ! you are wounded. 
 
 Hakon 
 Can well defend himself. 
 
 The Enemy. Down with him ! down ! 
 
 \A fight. Noise is heard outside of other 
 warriors : there is a cry
 
 132 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 To help ! to help ! The king has been attacked. 
 The hostile warrior (to Axel). Aha ! help comes 
 too late ! [He wounds him. 
 
 Haste ! flee away ! 
 
 Hakon is slain ! Come on, and cut your way 
 To Erling through the Biarkebeiners' ranks. 
 Hakon is slain ; away ! 
 
 [Sigurd of Reine and Wilhelm rush in with 
 
 a number of Biarkebeiners. 
 
 Sigurd. Ha, cut and thrust ! 
 
 Pursue the murderers ! 
 
 [The enemy is put to flight. 
 Sigurd (to the king). Your life is saved ! 
 
 [He becomes aware of Axel. 
 What ! Axel in the royal robe and helmet ? 
 All bleeding, too ? 
 
 Axel (to the king). Now take your helm again ! 
 It is too heavy now for me. Go, sire ! 
 And leave me with my comrade here alone. 
 
 Hakon. My brother ! is your wound 
 
 Axel. Nay, leave me, king ! 
 
 Charge boldly on the foe ; revenge this treachery ; 
 Follow with Sigurd, and his bark-clad warriors 1
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 133 
 
 Sigurd. Yes, Hakon ! even Norway's forests 
 Have armed themselves to fight for Throndhjem's lord. 
 Look at these warriors ! Gotha- dwellers ! * Bears ! 
 Stems of the forest pines, all gathered here 
 From many a mountain ridge. For want of armour, 
 This rugged bark protects their gallant hearts. 
 These stems of alder, with their sharpened points 
 Hardened by fire, supply the place of spears. 
 In such wise fight they for their humble hearths, 
 And the king's honour. Head thou them, my lord, 
 And by a storm avenge we Axel's slaying. 
 You die a noble death, my northern brother ! 
 Fallen for your king. We, too, shall follow you 
 Ere long, perhaps, and greet you before God. 
 Come, Hakon ! Leave him with his friend alone ! 
 Come on ! Life calls for strife, but Death for peace. 
 Hakon (to his -warriors, -pointing at Axel]. Ye 
 
 Norsemen ! for his king he gave his life. 
 The Biarkebeiners (impatiently strike their wooden 
 
 spears against the ground}. We, we will also 
 
 give our lives for thee ! 
 
 * Elvegrimmer, JaL Elfargrimar, inhabitants of the banks of 
 the Gotaelf or Gotha river.
 
 134 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Lead us to death ! Lead us against the foe ! 
 Hakon (embraces Axel). Farewell ! ere sunset we 
 shall meet again. 
 
 [.He follows the warriors. 
 Wilhelm (approaches Axel). My brother ! is your 
 
 wound a mortal one ? 
 Axel. Yes. Wilhelm ! loose my shoulder-scarf, I 
 
 pray you ! 
 
 Draw out the scabbard, and give me the scarf, 
 That I may stanch the blood a little while, 
 And respite life. Thanks ! Lead me over now 
 To yonder pillar that bears Valborg's name. 
 Here shall I rest more easily. So ! Let me lean 
 Against the wall, so that I may not fall 
 In dying. 
 
 Wilhelm. Brother, do you suffer pain ? 
 
 Axel. No ! Light and calm and peaceful is my heart. 
 Wilhelm. Axel ! would you not wish to see your 
 
 Valborg 
 Once more before you die ? 
 
 Axel. Ah, Wilhelm, yes ! 
 
 Wilhelm. Then will I hasten up and fetch her 
 straightway.
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 135 
 
 Axel. Stay yet a moment ! It might happen, 
 
 Wilhelm! 
 
 That Axel were no more when Valborg comes. 
 Then tell the chosen of my heart I died 
 With Valborg's name upon my lips. 
 
 Wilhelm. That will I. 
 
 Axel. Tell her, that Hakon is a noble hero ; 
 That Axel's confidence was not misplaced 
 In trusting to his royal heart. 
 
 Wilhelm. I will. 
 
 Axel. Greet Helfred, greet my darling sister, 
 
 Wilhelm ! 
 
 At Immersborg ; and thank her lovingly 
 For all the thoughts and feelings, joys and sorrows, 
 She ever shared from childhood with her brother. 
 Ah, Helfred understood me, knew me well ! 
 Tell her, that I have not forgot my sister 
 In e'en mine hour of death. 
 
 Wilhelm. Good ! I will greet her. 
 
 Axel. But Valborg first and last ! my earnest wish 
 Is, that whene'er her days on earth are ended, 
 Axel may slumber by her side. 
 
 Wilhelm. Your wish
 
 136 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Shall be fulfilled. Hast more to tell me ? 
 
 Axel. Nay ! 
 
 Wilhdm. Well then, I go ! 
 
 Axel (grasps his hand). My noble, faithful 
 
 comrade ! 
 
 Thanks for your friendship, and your true devotion. 
 In deeds you showed it, though in words but seldom. 
 Take from this feeble hand my life's farewell ! 
 
 Wilhdm. Farewell ! Farewell ! 
 
 Axel. Wilhelm ! was I your friend ? 
 
 Wilhelm. My only friend ! Now have I none 
 remaining. \He goes. 
 
 Axel (alone). I die for land and lord, as did my 
 
 sires. 
 
 What honourable Norseman more desires ? 
 O God ! with joy my soul doth fly to Thee, 
 For Thou wilt give the chosen of my heart 
 To be my bride in Thine eternity, 
 Where Axel from his Valborg ne'er shall part. 
 
 \The sun shines through the choir window. 
 All hail to thee, thou new-born morning light ! 
 Thou comest to enlighten my dim sight, 
 And tinge my pallid cheek with thy warm ray.
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 137 
 
 Soon, soon a morning glow upon me shines, 
 
 That never waxes into glaring day ; 
 
 An evening glow that ne'er to night declines. 
 
 My youthful hopes ! ye were no shadows vain ; 
 
 'Twas mine to love, and to be loved again ; 
 
 A friend was mine ; a noble king God gave, 
 
 Whom I have fitted for his station high, 
 
 Whom by my death it is my lot to save. 
 
 Well, Axel ! thou hast lived, so thou canst die. 
 
 And see, my Valborg! yonder angels twine 
 
 A wreath of blue Forget-me-nots like thine. 
 
 Then thou shalt never from thine Axel part 
 
 When thou shalt meet him in those realms above, 
 
 More worthy of thy beauty and thine heart, 
 
 Where 'tis no sin to nourish sacred love. 
 
 Farewell, my Valborg ! [He dies. 
 
 Wilhelm (comes with Valborg). He is still alive ! 
 He is alive ! Heard you, he spoke of Valborg ? 
 
 Valborg. I took his life's farewell. 
 
 [She gazes on him. 
 He is no more. 
 
 Mine Axel ! dost thou live ? If thou dost live, 
 Lift up on me thine eye for the last time,
 
 138 AXEL AND VALBORG, [ACT 
 
 Thou noble soul ! and let thy blessing shine 
 On Valborg in thy fixed and dying gaze. 
 He is no more ! Ah, he is dead ! He died 
 With Valborg's name upon his lips. Well, thou 
 Hast fought thy fight, brave youth ! Fell he not for 
 His king ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Ay, as a hero. 
 
 Valborg, Glorious death ! 
 
 Far better this than fly to foreign lands, 
 To spend thy days in barren banishment, 
 And waste away with grief of heart, my Axel ! 
 Thou sufferest now no longer, heart-loved youth ! 
 Now hast thou won thyself eternal honour. 
 Thy Fatherland, thy noble mother Norway, 
 Is proud of Axel of her gallant son. 
 For many an age shall thy beloved name 
 Be heard fresh-sounding on her grateful lips ; 
 At Thing-motes men shall often high extol 
 Thy hero-deed ; while in the ladies' bower, 
 At eventide old ballads shall be sung, 
 Recounting Axel's love and faithfulness. 
 
 \To Wilhelm. 
 How fair he is in death ! Thy golden locks
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 139 
 
 Are wildly scattered round thy pallid brow. 
 
 [She arranges his hair with her hand. 
 So should it be ! This brow must not be covered ; 
 'Tis arched so high and noble, like the heavens. 
 See, how he smiles in death ! [She kisses him. 
 
 Farewell, my Axel ! 
 Thy Valborg follows soon. 
 
 [She rises up, and lays her hand upon her breast, 
 whilst she draws her breath deeply and 
 heavily. 
 
 Ay, soon ! ay, soon ! 
 
 Wilhelm. My noble Valborg ! you are pale. 
 Valborg. My Axel 
 
 Is paler still. Peace, my kind Wilhelm ! peace ! 
 Disturb not Valborg in her loneliness. 
 (Enthusiastically.} How pleasant seems it here within 
 
 the church ! 
 How brightly beams the sunshine through the 
 
 windows, 
 
 As at this very hour, my Axel ! yesterday, 
 When first thou pressedst Valborg to thy heart. 
 How homelike 'tis, how cheerful, in the church ! 
 Here shall we live right happily together,
 
 140 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Peacefully dwelling opposite each other, 
 
 Thou with thy father, Valborg with her mother. 
 
 And when the clock strikes twelve, and in yon birch 
 
 Outside our window sings each night the thrush, 
 
 The wall and marble stones will open wide, 
 
 And we shall meet at Harald Gille's grave, 
 
 And thence go hand in hand up to the altar, 
 
 And sit us down within the moonlit choir, 
 
 And let the moon with pale and silv'ry light 
 
 Beam on our pallid cheeks, and listen to 
 
 The thrush's spring song, whilst we call to mind 
 
 The memories of our faithful love in life ; 
 
 Then, when the moonlight passes from the choir, 
 
 Go back with slow and melancholy steps, 
 
 And walk three times round Harald Gille's tomb ; 
 
 There shall we pause and take our loving leave 
 
 Until the next night comes. Deep in our graves 
 
 Then shall we slumber sweetly, whilst the living 
 
 Are rioting without. 
 
 Wilhelm. And Axel's wish 
 
 Was to be buried in one grave with Valborg. 
 
 Valborg. In one same grave ? Ah, that were 
 glorious ! But
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 141 
 
 It may not be, my noble knight ! Alas ! 
 Axel and Valborg never were betrothed. 
 It may not be ; yet how much would I give, 
 That the same coffin might contain both Valborg's 
 And Axel's bones ! But, noble Wilhelm ! Tell me 
 
 \Shegazes down before her. 
 What glistens in the dust, in yonder crevice 
 Of Harald's tombstone ? 
 
 Wilhelm. See I right, it is 
 
 A ring. 
 
 Valborg. A ring ? 
 
 Wilhelm (takes it up). Yes, it is Axel's ring. 
 
 Valborg. Axel's ? Did it not roll into the grave ? 
 Oh, our forefather ! now I understand thee : 
 I understood thee then. Give me my ring ! 
 
 \She places it upon her finger. 
 Now am I truly thy betrothed, my Axel ! 
 Now am I Axel's bride ! Now may we be 
 Buried together in one grave. 
 
 Wilhelm. Poor girl ! 
 
 Valborg. " Poor girl ? " Nay, Wilhelm ! happy 
 
 happy girl. 
 Is it not true, my noble friend ! I call you
 
 142 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 My friend, for you were Axel Thordson's friend, 
 Is it not true, my friend ! you know the ballad 
 Of Knight Sir Aage and of Lady Else ? 
 
 Wilhelm. The Danish bishop taught it to my 
 
 mother ; 
 And she, in early childhood, taught it me. 
 
 Valborg. And you remember it ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Yes, perfectly. 
 
 Valborg. Oh, that is well ! My Axel told me 
 
 that 
 
 You have a noble voice not delicate 
 And soft, like that which pleases men in life ; 
 But deep, and strong, and solemn, as a voice 
 From out the grave. Well, noble Wilhelm ! will 
 You show me now the kindness, for the sake 
 Of him who was your friend, to sing this ballad 
 For Valborg, whilst in recompense she places 
 Her ring upon his cold and lifeless hand ? 
 
 Wilhelm. Yes, I will do it, if it comforts you. 
 
 Valborg. My Axel too has told me, that you are 
 A skilled musician on the harp. 
 
 Wilhelm. Its tones 
 
 Full oft have lulled my troubled soul to rest.
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 143 
 
 Valborg. Well, see in yonder corner, dearest Wilhelm, 
 Close by my mother's grave, there stands a harp. 
 How many a sleepless night has Valborg's voice 
 Risen to its tuneful notes among the tombs! 
 How many a time has she to it begun 
 Aage's and Else's ballad ! Never yet 
 I sang it to the end ; for hot tears choked 
 My feeble voice. To you, my noble knight ! 
 To you a stronger nature God has given : 
 So take the tuned harp, and sit you down 
 By yonder pillar, opposite my Axel, 
 And sing the mournful ballad to the end, 
 Whilst Valborg kneels beside her Axel's corpse : 
 And do not rise, I pray, till all is o'er, 
 And Else is to Aage joined in death. 
 
 Wilhelm. I sing thee comfort in the morning dawn. 
 [ Valborg kneels down beside Axel's corpse ; 
 Wilhelm takes the harp, sits down, and 
 sings : 
 
 "It was the Knight Sir Aage, 
 
 He rode to the isle his way ; 
 Wedded he Jomfru Else, 
 A fair and goodly May.
 
 144 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Wedded he Jomfru Else, 
 
 All with his ring of gold : 
 That day a moon thereafter 
 
 Lay he beneath the mould. 
 
 ' ' It was the Jomfru Else, 
 
 Her grief could not be told ; 
 That heard the Knight Sir Aage, 
 
 Deep down beneath the mould. 
 Up rose the Knight Sir Aage, 
 
 On his back his coffin bore ; 
 And wending to her bower, 
 
 Scarce could he reach the door. 
 
 " He knocked at the door with his coffin, 
 
 Because he had no skin ; 
 ' Hear thou, Jomfru Else ! 
 
 Come, let thy husband in ! ' 
 Answered the Jomfru Else, 
 
 ' I open never my door, 
 Until thou the Holy Name namest, 
 
 As thou usedst to do before.' 
 
 " ' Every time thou rejoicest, 
 Nor thinkest on thy woes, 
 Then is it full in my coffin 
 
 With leaves of the red, red rose :
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 145 
 
 Every time thou art doleful, 
 
 And at thy heart right sore, 
 Then it is full in my coffin 
 
 With red, red clots of gore. 
 " ' The cock is crowing'full loudly, 
 
 To the grave must I descend ; 
 To the grave must the dead at cock-crow, 
 
 Their way in silence wend. 
 Look thou up to the Heaven, 
 Up to the stai so bright ; 
 Seest thou not how peaceful 
 
 The solemn course of night ?' 
 " Up looked the Jomfru Else, 
 Up to the stars so bright ; 
 In his grave sunk down the dead man, 
 
 And vanished rom her sight. 
 Home went the Jomfru Else, 
 
 Her grief could not be told ; 
 That day a month thereafter 
 
 Lay she beneath the mould. " 
 [ Wilhelm ceases. Valborg lies motionless with 
 
 her head upon Axel's hand. 
 Wilhelm. The song is ended, noble Valborg ! 
 
 \He rises. 
 Valborg ! 
 
 K
 
 146 AXEL AND VALBORG. [ACT 
 
 Rise up again ; my song is ended now. 
 
 Valborg ! She does not move. Cold, pale ! she 
 
 breathes 
 
 No longer. Heaven ! I had foreboded it ! 
 Valborg is dead ! As Nanna with her Baldur ; 
 As with her Hjalmar Ingeborg ; as Else 
 With Bidder Aage. Her true heart has broken 
 With sorrow o'er the body of her Axel. 
 O northern faithfulness, how strong thou art ! 
 There lie they both, in one another's arms, 
 Lifeless, but now one life, one soul with God. 
 And Wilhelm had to sing your funeral dirge ! 
 Well, it was but the tribute due to friendship. 
 
 \_Martial music outside the scene. 
 
 Got/red, (comes.} Hakon is fallen : Erling is 
 
 victorious. 
 They bring the body of the king. 
 
 Wilhelm. And so 
 
 The Gille's race is utterly extinct. 
 Be speedy, Gotfred ! Hasten to the bishop; 
 Take him on board our ship; await me there ; 
 Ere sunset we will sail from Throndhjem's Fjord. 
 
 \Thefage goes.
 
 v.] AXEL AND VALBORG. 147 
 
 Wilhelm (draws his sword}. And now, ye dearest, 
 
 best-beloved friends ! 
 Until the grave shall open, and unite 
 What life had parted, shall your Wilhelm show 
 The honour due by friendship to your dust. 
 I will keep watch beside you ; I will lay 
 Thy shield and sword, brave knight ! upon thy coffin, 
 Encircled by thy maiden's wreath of flowers ; 
 And on the shining plate will I engrave, 
 " Here Axel Thordson and fair Valborg rest ; 
 He for his king, she for her lover died."
 
 KING SOLOMON'S DEATH. 
 (AN ARABIC LEGEND.) 
 
 BEFORE his Temple King Solomon stood, 
 With bowed-down body, in doleful mood ; 
 He knew that his life drew near its close, 
 And he thought how slowly the walls arose. 
 
 King Solomon had a magician's skill, 
 
 The spirits of air obeyed his will ; 
 
 He forced them to bring him treasures untold,- 
 
 Jasper and marble, and amber and gold ; 
 
 Thereof with the quickness of thought arose 
 
 A dome which the vault of heaven did enclose
 
 150 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 But though they toiled by day and by night, 
 
 It was not yet raised to its destined height. 
 
 With hate and ill-will wrought they every hour ; 
 
 But they dreaded the King and his magic power ; 
 
 So long as he did in the courtyard stand, 
 
 Was no resting a foot, was no resting a hand. 
 
 King Solomon had a magician's skill, 
 
 But he could not avert Death's power to kill. 
 
 His time was come ; he should soon be no more ; 
 
 In his inmost soul it grieved him sore : 
 
 Not for his riches and royal state, 
 
 Not for his harem's pleasures so great ; 
 
 His only, his bitterest, latest care, 
 
 Was at leaving God's Temple unfinished there. 
 
 He knew that so soon as he should die, 
 
 The spirits with scorn and mocking would fly ; 
 
 Would howl on the winds to distant lands, 
 
 " Jerusalem's Temple unfinished stands ! " 
 
 Then prayed he to God an earnest prayer, 
 
 " I know I must die, and death is fair : 
 
 No pleasure is life or glory to me ; 
 
 Yet my body can never wearied be
 
 KING SOLOMON'S DBA TH. 151 
 
 So long as there still is wanting alone 
 
 To Thy holy Temple one single stone. 
 
 Let therefore my body stand, O Lord ! 
 
 In Thy Temple's court, keeping watch and ward ; 
 
 Let my gazing eye be a terror still 
 
 For many a day to those spirits of ill ; 
 
 A monument over my grave let me stand 
 
 Till in dust this sceptre shall fall from my hand ! " 
 
 And God let it be as the King did pray ; 
 
 The soul released flew to heaven away, 
 
 But on earth the body was seen as of yore, 
 
 Standing in front of the Temple door. 
 
 The right arm was outstretched, with mien of command, 
 
 On an ivory sceptre reposed the left hand, 
 
 His brow was encircled with golden crown, 
 
 From his shoulders a mantle of velvet hung down, 
 
 In the wind was waving his hoary hair. 
 
 For days and years so stood he there, 
 
 And never a moment, by night or by day, 
 
 Durst the spirits turn from their work away.
 
 152 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 As a worm lay hidden the evil fiend 
 
 In the sceptre whereon the body leaned ; 
 
 And the worm was gnawing by day and night, 
 
 While the Temple drew near its destined height. 
 
 It gnawed till the sceptre broke at last 
 
 But the crowning stone was laid firm and fast. 
 
 The body perished from mortal sight, 
 
 But Jerusalem's Temple stood glorious and bright ! 
 
 For death itself hath not power to kill 
 
 The high resolve of an earnest will. 
 
 From the Norwegian of Munch.
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 
 
 THERE stands an ancient chapel far out upon a reef, 
 'Mid ocean's raging breakers, where nothing gives 
 
 relief 
 
 To desolation's sternness, where, on the barren stones, 
 Resounds no human footstep, nought save the salt 
 
 waves' moans. 
 
 The ruined wall sits mourning upon its rock alone ; 
 Within the churchyard, seaweed instead of grass has 
 
 grown ; 
 Against the shattered windows the bitter sea-foam 
 
 breaks ; 
 For shelter in the church roof the wearied storm-bird 
 
 seeks. 
 
 The shore is wild and dreary, and on its rugged 
 
 breast, 
 
 It gives to man no refuge, 'tis only death finds rest. 
 O'er many a stately vessel the billows there have met, 
 Of the eye of many a seaman the star for ever set.
 
 154 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 There was an ancient custom, how ancient none 
 
 could know, 
 That once in every twelvemonth the priest should 
 
 thither go, 
 
 To preach the holy gospel beside the fallen spire, 
 The Eucharist to offer within the ruined choir. 
 
 'Tvvas a small congregation music or song was none ; 
 If some stray fisher sate there, 'twas strange to see 
 
 that one. 
 
 'Mongst empty rows of benches, amid the pillars grey, 
 Had desolation dire for centuries held sway. 
 
 And still, although the church-path lay o'er the 
 treacherous deep, 
 
 That ancient pious custom the priest must ever keep ; 
 
 And though full oft he wished not to cross the bois- 
 terous sea, 
 
 The people's will, deep rooted, was stronger far than he. 
 
 There came into the parish a young priest, who ('twas 
 
 said) 
 Was versed in worldly learning, and polished, and well 
 
 read.
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 155 
 
 About this yearly voyage he felt but ill at ease, 
 And to himself soon vowed he, "This folly now 
 shall cease ! 
 
 " It is full time now surely the land should find relief 
 From what is still remaining of Popish misbelief; 
 God's Word should now no longer from man be taken 
 
 more, 
 And scattered in the tempest upon the barren shore. 
 
 " My church stands in the valley, where human beings 
 
 dwell, 
 
 Not on yon desert island, where scarce is found a shell. 
 But once, and for the last time, I. go, although full 
 
 loath, 
 To fetch the sacred volumes and costly altar-cloth ! " 
 
 It was a cloudy morning when first his foot he set 
 
 Upon the rock, with sea-foam glistening, and smooth 
 and wet ; 
 
 The grey mists of the morning the ancient church- 
 tower veiled, 
 
 The sea-gulls round its turrets in ceaseless circles 
 sailed.
 
 156 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 The church doors on their hinges, creaked with a 
 
 mournful sound, 
 But up the long nave quickly, he passed, nor looked 
 
 around : 
 Through all the broken windows the chilling sea-blast 
 
 swept, 
 From all the dismal arches re-echoed every step. 
 
 " Here 'tis not good to tarry," whispered his lips 
 
 close prest, 
 And so spake every feeling within his life-glad 
 
 breast ; 
 
 " Here 'tis not good to tarry, for sons of life not good ; 
 Another empire's palace for ages here has stood ! " 
 
 He stood before the altar, whereon the prayer-book 
 
 lay, 
 
 In massive silver binding, open for many a day. 
 He took it from the altar ; the dust rose in a cloud 
 When in his hand he raised it, while inwardly he 
 
 vowed : 
 
 " So surely as I close these ancient pages now, 
 
 No priest shall ever preach here, nor at the altar bow ;
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 157 
 
 And when I with this volume shall pass through 
 
 yonder door, 
 Devoted to oblivion be this place for evermore ! " 
 
 But when the heavy altar book he firmly then did close, 
 It was as though a death-sigh through all the church 
 
 arose ; 
 And when adown the church-nave he gladly hasted 
 
 straight, 
 'Twas as though to his footsteps there hung a leaden 
 
 weight. 
 
 And when he from the island, light in his boat did 
 
 glide, 
 'Twas as though from the billows the voice of children 
 
 cried ; 
 
 A deep low sound of wailing far o'er the ocean flies, 
 From men who suffer shipwreck it seems to him to 
 
 rise. 
 
 But to the winds he quickly cast all these thoughts of 
 
 fear, 
 When home's green fields lay smiling in sunshine, 
 
 once more near :
 
 158 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 He boasted of his victory, and ridiculed his fright, 
 When in his peaceful dwelling he sate e'er close of 
 night. 
 
 A year had passed already, it was the self-same day ; 
 His friends were gathered round him, so cheerful and 
 
 so gay. 
 
 He cried across the table, " 'Tis better here to be, 
 Than in that empty chapel far out amid the sea." 
 
 That evening he was sitting, after the day was spent, 
 Within his quiet study, and thinking, well-content, 
 " That stupid superstition I have now made to cease ; 
 'Tis dead, and shall not trouble henceforward more 
 my peace." 
 
 So mused he; but while turning the page he read, a cold, 
 Involuntary shudder came o'er him as of old : 
 He felt that he no longer was solitary here, 
 Some strange mysterious being he felt was standing 
 near. 
 
 He started, and then gazing towards a gloomy nook, 
 It was as though the darkness some shape and like- 
 ness took ;
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 159 
 
 It gathered form and substance, drew near, and slowly 
 
 turned, 
 And now a human image with terror he discerned. 
 
 An aged bent-down sailor he thought that he could 
 
 see, 
 
 Beaten by wind and weather, pale as death's agony ; 
 And still the salt sea-water from hair and clothes did 
 
 flow; 
 His hands were clenched together, as in the utmost ivoe. 
 
 And yet no sign of terror lay on that pallid face, 
 
 Unutterable sorrow alone had left its trace ; 
 
 And from that eye deep-sunken went forth a silent 
 
 prayer ; 
 Most deep, most earnest longing, was lying hidden 
 
 there. 
 
 Then stood it still before him, and silent as the 
 
 tomb, 
 Like a mirror's dim reflection in a half-darkened 
 
 room. 
 
 He strove to rise in terror, a shriek lay on his tongue ; 
 But leaden-weighted palsy to all his members clung.
 
 160 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 Then marked he that the spectre, as though it fain 
 
 would speak, 
 Its pale lips slowly opened, though no words the 
 
 silence break ; 
 But in his inmost being, deep where the soul doth 
 
 dwell, 
 Strange echoes were awakened, as by a magic spell : 
 
 " Whence I am come thou knowest ; evening has past 
 
 away, 
 
 And thy poor congregation awaits thee all the day. 
 Alone thou wast not ever in yonder house of prayer ; 
 A reverent assembly was gathered round thee there. 
 
 " For all who there have perished in the wild tempest's 
 shock, 
 
 The dying thought their spirits binds to that lone sea- 
 girt rock. 
 
 'Twixt day and night to wander is there our weary lot, 
 
 Alike of earth and heaven forsaken and forgot. 
 
 " To pray we are not able ; but life's strong voice can 
 
 cheer 
 With Jesus' holy comfort our souls oppressed with fear ;
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 161 
 
 When prayer and praise are sounding over the ocean 
 
 wave, 
 The light of far redemption dawns on our darksome 
 
 grave. 
 
 " So thought long since a Christian ; he built yon 
 
 sacred pile 
 
 In aid of souls departed upon the desert isle. 
 Through years and generations has stood his pious 
 
 will, 
 Thy ancient fathers' custom, why wilt not thou fulfil ? 
 
 "That single brief hour only, to us each year did 
 
 bring ; 
 Thou all life's days possesses!, in its summer and its 
 
 spring. .. 
 Give us then of thy riches, and when they pass from 
 
 thee, 
 Thou shalt not pine with longing and bitter ruth, as 
 
 we." 
 
 Past is the ghastly vision, but he finds no relief; 
 His troubled soul turns straightway from doubt to 
 
 firm belief. 
 
 L
 
 162 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 That night outweighed a lifetime. At early dawn of 
 
 day 
 Still in his arm-chair sleepless and pale and wan he 
 
 lay. 
 
 In all his friends came rushing ; but they started, 
 
 struck with awe, 
 When in those haggard features a countenance they 
 
 saw 
 
 Whereon was still remaining a reflection of the light 
 From the spirit world that lately had opened on his 
 
 sight. 
 
 He rose up calm and solemn : " Depart in peace ! " 
 
 (he said); 
 " Thither ye cannot follow where now my steps are 
 
 led." 
 He took the sacred vestments, the surplice and the 
 
 cope, 
 And to the island sailed he, but never word he spoke. 
 
 He left his boatmen standing behind him on the shore ; 
 They watched, and saw him slowly enter the church's 
 door.
 
 DESERTED CHURCH. 163 
 
 They saw the massive church doors after him straight- 
 way close, 
 
 Within what may have happened, he never would 
 disclose. 
 
 But deeply changed in spirit became he from that 
 
 day; 
 A smile was no more ever seen upon his lips to 
 
 play. 
 
 In winter and in summer, in calm or tempest's rage, 
 He never more neglected his silent pilgrimage. 
 
 He heard the scorn and laughter of the worldly and 
 
 the gay, 
 And yet it was not therefore his hair grew early 
 
 grey; 
 But one might hear him often, sighing in grief of 
 
 heart, 
 " Believers who have seen not their's is the blessed 
 
 part ! " 
 
 From the Norwegian of Munch.
 
 164 MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 
 
 -J-Q # * * * 
 
 When down the stream the swan is softly gliding, 
 Then think I, O my silent friend ! on thee, 
 
 And on the dream thou in thy soul art hiding, 
 But which one day thou wilt confide to me. 
 
 When in the sky the fires of night are gleaming, 
 Then think I, O my hidden hope ! on thee, 
 
 And on the fire that from thine eye is beaming, 
 And on the glance that hath enraptured me. 
 
 The pallid moon is rising while day faileth, 
 So riseth too my longing after thee : 
 
 Now onward, like a phantom ship, she saileth, 
 Ah ! think I, hath death power to rescue me ? 
 
 For gladly would I die before the morrow, 
 If in the grave I should recover thee ; 
 
 But heaven itself would be a house of sorrow, 
 If thou wert not united there with me." 
 
 Prom the Danish of Professor Hauch. 
 THE END.