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'FRIDTHJOF'S SAGA;- 
 
 A NORSE ROMANCE, 
 
 ESAIAS TEGNER, 
 
 Bishop of WexicJ. 
 
 TRANSLATED FROM THE SWEDISH 
 
 THOMAS A. E. HOLCOMB AND MARTHA A, LYON HOLCOMB. 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 
 S. C. GRIGGS AND COMPANY. 
 
 LONDON: TRUBNER & CO. 
 
 1877. 
 
COPYKIGHT, 1876, 
 
 By S. C. GRIGGS AND COMPANY. 
 
 KXIOHT & LEONARD, PRINTERS, CHICAGO. 
 Klecirolypod by 
 
 A. Zeese & Co., Chicago. 
 

 ]SrOTE BY THE TEAJ^SLATOES. 
 
 TEGNER'S poem, "Fridthjof's Saga," has been printed 
 in Sweden in many large editions and in almost every 
 possible style. It ha& been illustrated, and it has been set to 
 music. It has been translated into nearly all the modern 
 European languages. Moreover it has been rendered into 
 English by eighteen different translators, and has been twice 
 reprinted in America. Bayard Taylor edited an American 
 edition of a translation by Rev. William L. Blackley of Dub- 
 lin, and published it about ten years ago. Professor R. B. 
 Anderson has just published in his " Viking Tales," a trans- 
 lation made by Professor George Stephens of Copenhagen, 
 and which received the sanction of Bishop Tegner himself. 
 
 And yet we venture to add another, and present here the 
 first complete Ameincan translation. Mr. Taylor said in his 
 preface to Blackley's version that there had never been an 
 English Fridthjof's Saga which was satisfactory to Swedes. 
 This is probably owing to the fact that the Swedes have be- 
 come so familiar with its original measures and so accustomed 
 to its peculiar rhythm, that they cannot willingly dispense 
 with any part of the form which Tegner gave it. Several of 
 the metres employed by him were unknown to Swedish 
 readers until they appeared in this poem. Tegner's experi- 
 ment of introducing them was a successful one ; and they are 
 now, in the minds of Swedes, as much a part of the work as 
 
 ^/7.=?-3 
 
IV NOTE BY THE TRANSLATORS. 
 
 the story itself. The feminine rhymes, occurring in fifteen 
 of the twenty-four cantos, are so melodious that no one who 
 had heard the original, even if he did not understand a word 
 of it, could be quite satisfied with a version which does not 
 reproduce them. The feminine rhymes, and the alliteration 
 of Canto XXI, have presented obstacles which no single 
 translation has hitherto overcome. 
 
 The original measures, the feminine rhymes and the allit- 
 eration of " Ring's Drapa," are, in our estimation, essential 
 features of a good rendering of the poem, and if we have done 
 our work well we do not fear that any one will think there 
 are too many translations. 
 
 For a fuller history of "Fridthjof's Saga'' than can be 
 given in this note, we refer the reader to Anderson's " Viking 
 Tales," where the sagas on which this story is founded appear 
 in full. 
 
 The preparation of this translation has been a liome work 
 which has brightened for us the firelight of many a pleasant 
 evening. We publish it in full faith that it will have a like 
 happy effect in whatever home it may be read. 
 
 October, 1876. 
 
CONTEJ^^TS. 
 
 CANTO I. 
 Fridthjof and Ingeborg, - .... 1 
 
 CANTO II. 
 King Bele and Tiiorstp:tn, . . . . lo 
 
 CANTO III. 
 Fridtiijop's Inheritance, - - - - - 18 
 
 CANTO IV. 
 Fridtiijop's Courtship, . . . . . 36 
 
 CANTO V. 
 King Ring, - - - - - - 43 
 
 CANTO VI. 
 Fridthjop PLAys Chess, - . ... 49 
 
 CANTO VII. 
 Fridtiijop's Happiness, - - - - - 52 
 
 CANTO VIII. 
 The Parting, 62 
 
 CANTO IX. 
 Tngeborg's Lament, - .... 86 
 
 CANTO X. 
 Fridthjop at Sea, . . - . . 89 
 
 CANTO XI. 
 Fridthjop with Angantyr. - - - - - 101 
 
VI CONTENTS. 
 
 CANTO XII. 
 The Return, 
 
 CANTO XIII. 
 Balder's Funeral Pile, 
 
 CANTO XIV. 
 Fridthjof goes into Exile, 
 
 CANTO XV. 
 The Viking Code, - - . - 
 
 CANTO XVI. 
 Fridthjof and Bjorn, 
 
 CANTO XVII. 
 Fridthjof comes to King Ring, 
 
 CANTO XVIII. 
 The Ride on the Ice, 
 
 CANTO XIX. 
 Fridthjof's Temptation, 
 
 CANTO XX. 
 King Ring's Death, 
 
 CANTO XXI. 
 Ring's Drapa, - - - - 
 
 CANTO XXII. 
 The King's Election, 
 
 CANTO XXIII. 
 Fridthjof at his Father's Grave, - 
 
 CANTO XXIV. 
 The Reconciliation, 
 
 Glossary, . . . . 
 
CHARACTERS. 
 
 Bele. (Pronounced Bd'-ld.) King of Sogn, in Norway. 
 
 Helge (Ilel'-ga) and Halfdan. His sons. 
 
 Ingeborg. ( Ing'-e-horg.) His daughter. 
 
 Thorstein. (Tor'-stine.) A peasant, — friend and companion-in- 
 arms of king Bele. 
 
 Fridthjof. (Freer -ijof.) Son of Thorstein. 
 
 Hilding. Foster-father and teacher of Fuidtiijcm^' and Ingebokg. 
 
 Bjorn. (B'l/orn.) A sworn foster-brother of Fhidtiijof. 
 
 Ring. King of Ringric, in Norway. 
 
 Angantyr. (Ang'-an-teer.) Ruler of the Orkney Tshxnds. 
 
 Atle. (AV-ld.) A berserk, and one of Angantyr's warriors. 
 
 Scene — Northern Norway and the Orkney Islands. 
 
FEIDTHJOFS SAGA, 
 
 THE 
 
 A 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 FRIDTIIJOF AND INGEBORG. 
 
 IN Hilding's garden, green and fair, 
 Protected by his fostering care, 
 Two rare and stately plants were growing, 
 Unequaled grace and heauty showing. 
 
 The one a stnrdy oak tree grew. 
 With lance-like stem so straight and trne, 
 Its crown in northern tempests shaking 
 Like helmet plume in battle qnaking. 
 
 The other like a rose sprang forth 
 
 When tardy winter leaves the north, 
 
 And spring, which in the buds lies dreaming, 
 
 Still waits with gems to set them gleaming. 
 
fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Around the earth the storm-king raves, 
 The wrestUng oak its anger braves; 
 The sun dissolves frost's mantle hoary, 
 The buds reveal their hidden glory. 
 
 So they grew up in joy and glee, 
 And Fridthjof was the young oak tree; 
 Unfolding in the vale serenely, 
 The rose was Ingeborg the queenly. 
 
 Saw you those two by light of day 
 You seem in Freyja's house to stay, 
 Where bride-pairs, golden-haired, were swinging 
 Their way on rosy pinions winging. 
 
 But seeing them by moonlight pale 
 Kound dancing in the leafy vale. 
 You'd think: The elf-king now advances. 
 And leads his queen in fairy dances. 
 
 How joyful 'twas, how lovely too. 
 When first he learned his futhorc through ; 
 No kings had e'er such honor brought them 
 As when to Ingeborg he taught them. 
 
FRIDTH.rOF AND IXUEBORG. 
 
 How joyously his boat would glide 
 With those two o'er the dark blue tide ; 
 While he the driving sail was veering. 
 Her small white hands gave hearty che-ring 
 
 No bird's nest found so high a spot. 
 That he for her could find it not ; 
 The eagle's nest from clouds he sundered, 
 And eggs and young he deftly plundered. 
 
 However swift, there ran no brook, 
 But o'er it Ingeborg he took ; 
 How sweet when roaring torrents frighten, 
 To feel her soft arms round him tighten. 
 
 The first spring flowers by sunshine fed, 
 The earliest berries turning red. 
 The first of autumn's golden treasure. 
 He proffered her with eager pleasure. 
 
 5ft !fC ^ ^ TT 5r» 
 
 But quickly sped are childhood's days, — 
 There stands a youth whose ardent gaze 
 With pleading and with hope is laden, 
 And there, with budding charms, a maiden. 
 
fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Young Fridthjof followed oft the chase, 
 Which led to many a fearful place; 
 With neither spear nor lance defended. 
 The wild bear's life he quickly ended. 
 
 When, struggling, met they breast to breast, 
 The hunter won, though hardly pressed. 
 And brought the bearskin home; such prizes. 
 Think you, a maiden e'er despises? 
 
 For woman values courage rare; 
 The brave alone deserves the fair, 
 Each one the other's grace completing, 
 As brow and helmet fitly meeting. 
 
 And when in winter evenings long, 
 By firelight reading, in a song. 
 Of fair abodes in radiant heaven 
 To every god and goddess given, 
 
 He thought : " Of gold is Ing'borg's hair, 
 A net for rose and lily fair; 
 Like Freyja's bounteous golden tresses, 
 A wheat-field which the breeze caresses. 
 
FKIDTHJOF AND INGEBORG. 
 
 Fair Iduirs beauteous bosom beats 
 Beneatli the green silk's safe retreats, — 
 I know a silk whose sheen encloses 
 Light; fairies two, with buds of roses. 
 
 And Frigg's mild eyes are blue and clear 
 As heaven, when no clouds appear, — 
 But I know eyes beside whose sparkles 
 A light, blue spring day quickly darkles. 
 
 And Gerd's fair cheeks, why praise them so? 
 The northern-lights on new fall'n snow, — 
 I know of cheeks whose rosy warnings 
 Portray at once two ruddy mornings. 
 
 I know a heart affection-crowned 
 Like Nanna's, though not so renowned ; 
 And Nanna's love, in song and story, 
 Is justly reckoned Raider's glory. 
 
 For oh, what joy when death appears, 
 To have a faithful maiden's tears! 
 To prove a love so strong and tender, 
 With Hel's grim shades I'd gladly wander." 
 
FRIDTH.JOFS SAGA. 
 
 Meanwhile the princess gayly wove 
 In cloth, blue wave and greenest grove; 
 And as she sang a hero's story, 
 She also wove a hero's glory. 
 
 For soon there grew in snow-white wool 
 Bright shields from off the golden spool, 
 Here, red prevail the battle lances, 
 There, silver-stiffened armor glances. 
 
 Anon her fingers deftly trace 
 A hero, — see, 'tis Fridthjofs face; 
 And though at first almost affrighted, 
 She blushes, smiles and is delighted. 
 
 The birch tree's stem where Fridthjof went 
 Showed I and F in beauty blent; 
 As grew those runes in one, delighted. 
 So too those hearts in one united. 
 
 When Day invests the upper air, 
 The world-king with the golden hair. 
 When men to action urge each other, 
 Thev think alone of one another. 
 
FRIDTHJOF AND TNGEBORG. ' 
 
 When Night pervades the upper air, 
 The world-queen with the raven hair, 
 When stars in silence " greet each other, 
 They dream alone of one another. 
 
 " Thou Earth, who in the spring-time fair, 
 Bedeck'st with flowers thine emerald hair. 
 Give me the best; in wreaths I'll wind them. 
 And round my Fridthjof s brow will bind them/ 
 
 "Thou sea, who mak'st thy dark caves bright 
 "With myriad pearls' refulgent light, 
 Give me the best; I'll weave the clearest 
 A necklace for my Ing'borg dearest." 
 
 "Thou ornament of Odin's throne. 
 
 Eye of the world, golden sun, 
 
 Wert thou but mine, thy blazing splendor 
 
 I'd give a shield to my defender." 
 
 "Thou guide in Odin's house at night, 
 Thou pale moon with thy lovely light, 
 Wert thou but mine, thy pearly lustre 
 'Mid Ing'borg's golden hair should cluster." 
 
FRIDTHJOF 6 SAGA. 
 
 But Hilding said : " My foster-son, 
 Your reason is by love outrun ; 
 The norns are partial in bestowing 
 The blood that in her veins is flowing. 
 
 To Odin high, where bright stars shine, 
 Ascendeth her ancestral line ; 
 No hope may son of Thorstein nourish. 
 For like with like alone can flourish." 
 
 But Fridthjof smiled : " My race," he said, 
 "Goes down unto the valiant dead; 
 The forest-king I slew, and merit 
 Thereby, the honor kings inherit. 
 
 "The free-born man will never yield, 
 He owns the world's unconquered lield ; 
 For fate can bind what she has broken, 
 And hope is crowned with kingly token. 
 
 " All power is noble ; Thor presides 
 In Thrudvang, where all strength abides; 
 There worth, and not descent, is leader, — 
 The sword is e'er a valiant pleader. 
 
FKIDTHJUF A^'I> 1^^GEB0KG. 
 
 "I'd fight the world for my sweet bride, 
 Yea, though the thunder-god defied. 
 Be glad and brave, my lily, never 
 Shall mortal dare our lives to sever." 
 
10 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 KING BELE AND THOESTEIN. 
 
 KING Bele, sword-supported, in the palace stood ; 
 And with him Thorstein, Viking's sou, the peasant good. 
 His ancient war companion, grown old in glory, 
 His brow was scarred like rune-stones, his hair was hoary. 
 
 They stood, as on the mountain two temples stand 
 To honored gods devoted, now half in sand; 
 And many words of wisdom the walls are saying, 
 And holy recollections through domes are straying. 
 
 " The evening steals upon me," king Bele said, 
 " The helmet now is heavy, and stale the mead ; 
 The fate of man grows darker, hut all the clearer 
 High Valhal shines before me, as death draws nearer. 
 
 "My sons I here have summoned, and Thorstein's son; 
 For they should cling together, as we have done : 
 But I would give the eaglets some words of warning — 
 Words may in death be sleeping ere dawns the morning.'' 
 
KING BELE AND THORSTEIN. 11 
 
 Obedient to the mandate, the three advance — 
 First, Helge, dark and gloomy, with sullen glance ; 
 He dwelt amid diviners; the hand he proffered 
 Was red with blood of victims, on altars offered. 
 
 The next who came was Halfdan, a light-haired swain : 
 His countenance was noble, but weak and vain ; 
 He gaily bore a falchion, with which he gestured, J^ 
 And seemed a youthful maiden, in armor vestured. 
 
 And after them came Fridthjof, in mantle blue; 
 He was stronger than the others, and taller, too ; 
 He stood between the brothers, by contrast seeming 
 Like noon 'twixt night and morning, in splendor beaming. 
 
 " Ye sons," the king said gently, " my sun goes down ; 
 Together rule the kingdom and take the crown ; 
 For unity is power, and no endeavor, 
 While lance with ring is circled, its stem can sever. 
 
 "Let power stand as sentry on every hand, 
 And freedom bloom protected throughout the land : 
 The sword is for protection, and not for plunder, 
 And shields are locks for peasants no foe can sunder. 
 
12 FRIDTHJOF S tSAGA. 
 
 '' How foolish is the ruler his land to oppress, 
 For the people give the power which kings possess ; 
 The crown of leafy verdure which decks the mountain 
 Will wither if the sunshine dries up the fountain. 
 
 "On four gigantic pillars is heaven's throne — 
 The throne of nations resteth on law alone ; 
 Destruction waits on judgment if misdirected ; 
 By right are men ennobled and kings perfected. 
 
 "In Disarsal, Helge, the high gods dwell — 
 Not pinioned as the snail is within his shell ; 
 As far as daylight flieth, or thought's swift pinion, 
 Far as resound the echoes, is gods' dominion. 
 
 Jj^ "The offered hawk gives tokens which oft deceive. 
 Not all runes monumental can we believe; 
 But an honest heart, Helge, of pure endeavor, 
 With Odin's runes is written, misleading never. 
 
 "Be not severe, king Helge, but firm and staid: 
 The sword that bites the sharpest has the limberest blade. 
 Kings are adorned by mercy, as shields by Howers, 
 And spring can more accom))lisli than winter's powers. 
 
I 
 
 KING BELE AND THORSTEIN. 13 
 
 " A man, however mighty, deprived of friends, 
 
 Like tree of bark denuded, how soon life ends ! 
 
 But he by friends surrounded, like trees shall flourish, 
 
 Whose crowns, in groves protected, the brooklets nourish. 
 
 " Boast not ancestral wisdom ; each man alone 
 A single bowstring uses, and that his own ; 
 What matters it to any the worth that's buried? 
 By its own waves the current o'er seas is carried. 
 
 "A joyous spirit, Halfdan, advantage brings. 
 But idle talk is needless, and most, to kings; 
 Of hops, as well as honey, is mead compounded, 
 Let sports on vigor, lances on steel, be founded. 
 
 "No man has too much wisdom, though learned he be. 
 And much too little, many less learned than he; 
 To fools, though high in station, no praise is meted, 
 The wise by all are honored, though lowly seated. 
 
 '^The steadfast friend, Halfdan! of mingled blood, 
 Lives near indeed, though distant be his abode; 
 But to thy foeman's dwelling the way is weary, — 
 Though standing by thy pathway, 'tis far and dreary. 
 
14 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 " For friend choose not the lirst one that's so disposed, — 
 An empty house stands open, a full one closed; 
 Choose one, the best, Halfdan, nor seek another, 
 The world soon knows the secrets of three togetlier." 
 
 These words then Thorstein uttered in clearest tone: 
 "King Bele unto Odin goes not alone; 
 We've always stood together, whatever tried us. 
 And death, now drawing near, shall not divide us. 
 
 " Fridthjof, old age hath whispered in my rapt ear 
 Full many words of wisdom, which thou must hear. 
 Birds fly from graves to Odin, with wisdom freighted. 
 The "words by old men spoken, should not be slighted. 
 
 "First, give the high gods honor; for good or ill. 
 Storms come as well as sunshine, by Heaven's will. 
 The gods perceive the secrets in thy possession. 
 And years must make atonement for each transgression. 
 
 "Obey the king: most wisely rules one alone, 
 The eyes of night are many, day has but one. 
 The better are contented by best directed, — 
 The blade must have a handle to be perfected. 
 
KING BELE AND THORSTEIN. 
 
 "Great strength is heaven's dower; but, Fridthjof, learn 
 That power de.void of wisdom, can little earn. 
 Strong bears by one are taken, — -one man of reason; 
 Set shields to turn the sword stroke, let law stop treason. 
 
 ''A few may fear the haughty, whom all despise. 
 And with the proud in spirit, destruction lies: 
 Those once flew high, who're now on crutches creeping; 
 The winds rule fortune, weather, time of reaping. 
 
 "The day thou'lt rightly prize, whose sun has sunk, 
 Advice when it is followed, and ale when drunk. 
 The hopes of youth on shadows are often rested. 
 But strength of sword and friendship, by use are tested. 
 
 " Trust not the snow of spring-time, nor night-old ice ; 
 The serpent when he sleepeth, nor girl's advice; 
 The mind of changeful woman not long abideth, 
 And fickleness of spirit, 'neath flower-tints hideth. 
 
 "All men will surely perish with all they prize. 
 
 But one thing know I, Fridthjof, which never dies, — 
 
 And that is reputation ! therefore, ever 
 
 The noble action strive for, the good endeavor." 
 
16 fridth.tof'8 saga. 
 
 So warned the aged chieftains in the palace hall. 
 As since the skald has chanted in Havamal, 
 So passed these sayings ^ithy through generations; 
 And still from graves they whisper 'mid northern nations. 
 
 Then many words and heartfelt, these warriors found 
 To tell their lasting friendship, so wide renowned. 
 How friends till death, if fortune or frowned or slighted. 
 Like two hands clasped together they stood united. 
 
 "And back to back in battle we held the field. 
 And which way norns did threaten, they smote a shield; 
 Before you now to Valhal we old men hasten, 
 And may their fathers' spirit our children's chasten." 
 
 The king said much concerning brave Fridthjof's worth, 
 Heroic power surpassing all royal birth; 
 And much was said by Thorstein, how graces cluster 
 Round Northland's honored monarchs, with Asa-lustre. 
 
 "But hold ye fast together, ye children three. 
 
 The Northland then your conqueror shall never see; 
 
 For royalty and power, when duly ordered, 
 
 Are like a bright shield golden, by blue steel bordered. 
 
I 
 
 KING BELE AND THORSTEIN. 17 
 
 ** Salute my daughter Ing'borg, the rosebud sweet, 
 In quiet was she nurtured, as seemed meet; 
 Protect her, lest the storm-kiug, with cruel power, 
 Should fasten in his helmet my tender flower. 
 
 '• I lay on thee, king Helge, a father's care. 
 Love Ing'borg as a daughter, the jewel rare I 
 ' Restraint galls noble spirits, but gentle manner 
 1 Will lead both man and woman to right and honor. 
 
 '•But lay us now, ye children, in two mound-graves, 
 Close where the blue gulf tosses its ceaseless waves; 
 Our souls shall then forever enjoy the ringing 
 Of dirges which in breaking the waves are singing. 
 
 '' When the moon's pale beams the mountains and valleys All, 
 And midnight's dew is falling on grove and hill; 
 Then will we sit, Thorstein, above our pillows, 
 And talk about the future, across the billows. 
 
 "And now, farewell, ye children, our work is done; 
 
 Unto the Allfather gladly we hasten on, 
 
 Like weary rivers longing for sea's caressing^; 
 
 On you be Thor's and Odin's and Frey's rich blessing." 
 
18 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 III. 
 
 FEIDTHJOFS INHEKITANCE. 
 
 BURIED were Bele and Thorstein together, as they had 
 commanded ; 
 High rose their grave-mounds on each side the gulf by 
 
 the blue rolling water, 
 Death having sundered the hearts that in life were so 
 
 closely united. 
 Helge and Halfdan, by will of the people, took jointly 
 
 the kingdom 
 Left by their father; but Fridthjof, an only son, heired 
 
 alone Framne ss. 
 Took unmolested possession, and settled himself there 
 
 in quiet. 
 Stretching around him for twelve miles unbroken his 
 
 acres extended; 
 Three sides were dale, hill and mountain, the fourth 
 
 side looked out on the ocean ; 
 Crowned were the hill-tops with forests of birch-woud, 
 
 but, on their sides sloping, 
 
fridthjof's inheritance. 19 
 
 Golden corn plentiful grew, and like billows the tall rye 
 
 was waving. 
 Many in number the lakes which their mirrors held up 
 
 for the mountains; 
 Held them up, too, for the woods in whose thickets the 
 
 high-horned elks wandered, 
 Making there kingly roads, drinking from running brooks 
 
 counted by hundreds. 
 But in the valleys wide, on the smooth greensward were 
 
 quietly grazing 
 Grlossy-skinned herds, which with udders distended now 
 
 long for the milk-pail. 
 Scattered among them were myriads of white-wooled 
 
 sheep, constantly moving, 
 Looking like fleecy clouds sailing serenely across the 
 
 blue heavens. 
 Wafted now hither now thither in crowds by the winds 
 
 in the spring-time. 
 Twelve times two coursers, fierce whirlwinds, defiant 
 
 though fettered. 
 Stood in the rows of stalls, stamping and restless, the 
 
 meadow-hay chewing. 
 
20 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Knotted their long manes with red, and their hoofs 
 were with iron shoes glistening. 
 
 Standing apart was the drinking-hall, built of the choic- 
 est fir timber; 
 
 Counting ten twelves to the hundred, not five hundred 
 warriors assembled 
 
 Filled up the spacious apartment, Avhen all met to drink 
 mead at Yule-time. . 
 
 Down through the middle, from end to end, ran a 
 strong table of stone-oak. 
 
 Polished with wax and like steel shining ; carved on 
 two pillars of elm-wood. 
 
 Far at one end, Frey and Odin supported the dais of honor, 
 
 Odin with lordly look, Frey with the sun for a crest on 
 his bonnet. 
 
 'Twixt the two, on a bear-skin (black as a coal was 
 this bear-skin, 
 
 ►Scarlet the mouth, while the tips of the claws were with 
 bright silver shining), 
 
 Thorstein among his friends sat — Hospitality minister- 
 ing to Gladness. 
 
 Oft when the moon in the heavens was riding, the old 
 man related 
 
FRIDTHJOF*S INHERITANCE. 21 
 
 Wonders of foreign lands seen by him when as a viking 
 
 he journeyed, 
 Far on the waves of the Baltic, the White, and the 
 
 Northern seas tossing. 
 Mutely the company listened. Fixed were their eyes on 
 
 the speaker, 
 Even as bees upon roses ; the poet was thinking of Brage,* 
 Brage with silver beard flowing, and tongue clothed in 
 
 wisdom the choicest, 
 Sitting 'neath shadowy birches, telling a story by Mimer's 
 Unceasingly murmuring fountain, he too a saga unending. 
 Covered with straw was the floor, and upon a walled 
 
 hearth in the center, , 
 
 Constantly burned, warm and cheerful, a Are, while 
 
 down the wide chimney 
 Twinkling stars, heavenly friends, glanced upon guest 
 
 and hall, quite unforbidden. 
 Studded Avith nails were the walls, and upon them were 
 
 hanging 
 Helmets and coats-of-mail closely together ; also between 
 
 them 
 
 * Bra-ge (two syllables). 
 
22 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Here and there flashed down a sword, like a meteor 
 
 shooting at evening. 
 Brighter than helmet or sword were the sparkling shields 
 
 ranged round the chamber; 
 Bright as the face of the sun were they, clear as the 
 
 moon's disc of silver. 
 Oft as the horns needed filling, there passed round the 
 
 table a maiden ; 
 Modestly blushing she cast down her eyes, her beautiful 
 
 image 
 Mirrored appeared in the shields, and gladdened the 
 
 heart of each warrior. 
 
 Rich was the house, and the eye of the stranger, which- 
 ever way gazing, 
 
 Rested on cellar well filled, or on pantry or press over- 
 flowing. 
 
 Jewels the rarest, trophies of conquest, gleamed in pro- 
 fusion ; 
 
 Oold carved in runes with great skill, and wonderful 
 things wrought in silver. 
 
 Chief in this limitless treasure three things were most 
 of all valui'd. 
 
fridthjof's inheeitance. 2-] 
 
 First of the three was a sword, which from sire and 
 
 from grandsire descended. 
 Called Angermdil, or grief-wader, sometimes, too, brother 
 
 of lightning. 
 Far, far away in the East it was forged — so at least 
 
 says the story — 
 Tempered in fire by the dwarfs, Bjorn Bluetooth the 
 
 first one wlio bore it. 
 Bjorn lost at once both the sword and liis life in a 
 
 bravely-fought battle, 
 Southward in Groning Sound, where he struggled with 
 
 Vifil the powerful. 
 Vifil's possessions descended to Viking. 
 
 At Woolen-Acre, 
 Old and infirm, there lived a great king with a beautiful 
 
 daughter. 
 See, from the depths of the forest there cometh a giant 
 
 misshapen, 
 Higher in stature than man, a monster ferocious and 
 
 shaggy. 
 Boldly demanding a hand-to-hand combat, or kingdom 
 
 and daughter. 
 
24 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 No one, however, accepted the challenge, for none had a 
 
 weapon 
 Able his hard skull to pierce, and therefore they called 
 
 him the Iron-skull. 
 Viking, whose winters scarce fifteen had numbered, nobly 
 
 advancing, 
 Entered the fray, secure in his strong arm and good 
 
 Angervadil, 
 Cleft at one blow the hideous goblin, and rescued the 
 
 maiden. 
 Viking bequeathed the good weapon to Thorstein, his 
 
 son, and Thorstein, 
 To Odin ascended, bequeathed it to Fridthjof. Whenever 
 
 he drew it. 
 Light filled the hall as when northern lights entered, o-r 
 
 lightning flashed through it. 
 Hammered of gold was the hilt, with strange letters 'twas 
 
 covered ; 
 Wonderful mysteries were they in Northland, but known 
 
 to the peojile 
 Who dwell near the gates of the sun, where our fathers 
 
 lived ere they came hither. 
 
fridthjof's inheritakce. 25 
 
 Ftiiiit were the runes when the land was in quiet 
 
 throughout all its borders; 
 But when the followers of Hild were summoned, then 
 
 were they burning- 
 Red as the comb of a cock when he fighteth. Lost 
 
 was the warrior 
 Who met, on the field of encounter, the blade with its 
 
 red letters glowing. 
 Highly renowned was that sword, and of swords was the 
 
 chief in the Northland. 
 
 Next highly prized was a ponderous arm-ring, widely 
 
 notorious. 
 Forged by the Vulcan of northern tradition, the halting 
 
 smith Volund; 
 Three marks it weighed, and gold was the metal of 
 
 which it was fashioned ; 
 Carved were the heavens with twelve towering castles, 
 
 where dwell the immortals, — 
 Emblem of changing months, called by the poets the 
 
 sun's glorious dwelling.' 
 First there was Frey's castle Alfheim, that is the sun, 
 
 which born newly, 
 
2b fridthjof's saga. 
 
 starts once again to ascend the steep pathwa}^ of Heaven 
 
 at Yule-time. 
 There too was Sokvabek ; seated within it were Odin and 
 
 Saga 
 Drinking together their wine from a gold shell,— that 
 
 shell is the Ocean, 
 Colored with gold from the glow of the morning. Saga 
 
 is Spring-time, 
 Writ on the green of the fresh springing field, with 
 
 flowers for letters. 
 Balder, the kingly, is pictured there, throned on the sun 
 
 at midsummer. 
 Which pours from the firmament riches untold, — per'- 
 
 sonified goodness; 
 For lights are the good, radiant, resplendent, but the 
 
 evil are darkness. 
 Constantly rising the sun groweth weary; the good also 
 
 falter. 
 Giddy with walking precipitous heights; sighing they 
 
 downward 
 Sink to the land of the shades, — down tO/ Hel. That is 
 
 of Balder 
 
fridthjof's inheritance. 27 
 
 The funeral pile. Glitner, the castle of Peace, is there ; 
 
 seated 
 Within it was Forsyte,* scales in hand, meting out justice. 
 Many more pictures with these there engraven, betoken 
 
 the conflict 
 Waged against darkness, on earth and in heaven; bright 
 
 were they shining, 
 Wrought by a master's hand on the broad arm-ring. 
 
 Clustering rubies 
 Crown its high center, e'en as in summer the sun crowns 
 
 the heavens. 
 Long was the circlet a family heir-loom. On the side of 
 
 the mother 
 Traced they their pedigree back to old Volund, ancestor 
 
 mighty. 
 Once, says tradition, the jewel was stolen by robber 
 
 named Soti, 
 Roaming abroad through the seas. Long was it ere 'twas 
 
 recovered. 
 Finally (so runs the story) 'twas said that the robber 
 
 had buried 
 Himself with his ship, and his treasure, deep on the far 
 
 coast of Britain. 
 
 * For-Be-te, 
 
28 FRIDTHJOFS SAGA. 
 
 Pleasure or quiet he found not, a ghost was his irksome 
 
 companion. 
 Hearing the rumor, Thorstein with Bele the dragon ship 
 
 mounted. 
 Dashed through the foaming waves, straight to the place 
 
 of the sepuleher steering. 
 Wide as a temple's arch, or a king's gateway, bedded in 
 
 gravel. 
 Covered with grassy turf, arched to the top, the tomb 
 
 rose forbidding. 
 Light issued from it. Through a small crevice within 
 
 the closed portal. 
 Peered the two champions. There the pitched viking ship 
 Stood with its masts, its yards and its anchor. High in 
 
 the stern sheets 
 Was seated a terrible figure, clad in a mantle all flaming. 
 Furious demon scouring a blade that with blood spots 
 
 was covered. 
 Vain was his labor, naught could remove them. All his 
 
 rich booty 
 Round him was scattered, and on his arm was the ring 
 *he had stolen. 
 
fridthjof's inheritance. 29 
 
 "Go we," said Bele, "down thither and fight with the 
 
 hideous goblin, 
 Two 'gainst a spirit of fire." But Thorstein lialf angrily 
 
 answered : 
 " One against one is the rule of our fathers. I fight well 
 
 singly." 
 Long they contended which first of the two the encounter 
 
 should venture. 
 Proving the perilous journey. Bele at last took his 
 
 helmet, 
 Shaking two lots therein. Watched by the stars Thorstein 
 
 saw by their shimmer 
 His was the lot first appearing. A ])low from his javelin 
 
 of iron 
 Cleft the huge bolts and strong locks. He descended. 
 
 Did any one question 
 What was revealed in the cavern, then was he silent and 
 
 shuddered. 
 Bele at first heard strange music. It rang like the song 
 
 of a goblin ; 
 Then was a clattering noise, like the clashing of blades 
 
 in a combat, 
 
30 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Lastly {I hideous shriek, — then silence. Out staggered 
 
 Thorstein, 
 Confounded, bewildered, all pale was his face, for with 
 
 death had he battled; 
 Yet bore he the arm-ring a trophy. "'Twas dear bought," 
 
 he often said frowning; 
 " Once in my life was I frightened ; 'twas when I recovered 
 
 that arm-ring." 
 Widely renowned was that ring, and of rings was the 
 
 chief in the Northland. 
 
 Lastly the ship, called Ellide, was one of the family jewels. 
 
 Viking, so say they, returning triumphant from venture- 
 some journeys. 
 
 Sailed along coasting near Framness. There he espied on 
 a shipwreck, 
 
 Carelessly swinging, a sailor, sporting as 'twere with the 
 billows. 
 
 Noble of figure, tall in his stature, joyful his visage, 
 
 Changeable too, like the waves of the sea when they sport 
 in the sunshine, — 
 
 Blue was his mantle, golden his girdle and studded with 
 corals ; 
 
fridthjof's inheritance. 31 
 
 Sea-green his hair, but his beard was as white as the foam 
 of the ocean. 
 
 Viking his serpent steered thither to rescue the unfortunate 
 stranger, — 
 
 Took him half frozen to Framness, and there as a guest 
 entertained him. 
 
 When by his host to repose he was bidden, smiling he 
 answered: 
 
 " Fair sits the wind, and my ship which you boarded, is 
 not yet disabled; 
 
 Long ere the morning I trust she will bear me a hun- 
 dred miles seaward. 
 
 Thanks for thy bidding, 'twas well meant and kindly. 
 Ah! could I only 
 
 Leave thee a gift to remind thee of me ! but afar on the 
 ocean 
 
 Lieth my kingdom. Perhaps in the morning 'twill waft 
 thee a token." 
 
 Viking next day by the sea-shore was standing, when 
 lo ! like an eagle 
 
 Madly pursuing its prey, a dragon ship sailed into har- 
 bor. 
 
32 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Nowhere was visible sailor or captain, or even a steers- 
 man; 
 Winding 'mid rocks and through breakers, the rudder a 
 
 path sought unaided; 
 When the firm strand it was nearing, sudden, as ruled 
 
 by a spirit, 
 Reefed were the sails unassisted. Untouched by finger 
 
 of mortal. 
 The anchor sped through the clear water and fastened 
 
 its barbs in the bottom. 
 Viking gazed, speechless with wonder; the sportive 
 
 winds sang in low cadence: 
 "/Eger the rescued forgetteth no kindness, he gives thee 
 
 the dragon." 
 Kingly the gift to behold. The lieavy curved planks of 
 
 oak timber 
 Matched not together like others, but grew in one broad 
 
 piece united. 
 It stretched its huge form in the sea like a dragon, its 
 
 stem proudly lifted, 
 A stately head high in the air. Its throat with red 
 
 gold was all blazing; 
 
FRII)T11J01<"S INHERITANCE. 33 
 
 Sprinkled its belly with yellow and azure, and back of 
 
 the rudder, 
 Covered with scales of pure silver, its tail lashed the 
 
 waves in a circle. 
 Bordered with red were its inky black pinions. When 
 
 all unfolding, 
 It flew in a race with the whirlwind, and left far be- 
 hind the swift eagle. 
 When it was filled with armed warriors, you'd fancy you 
 
 were beholding 
 A citadel swimming the billows, or palace o'er ocean 
 
 wave flying. 
 Widely renowned • was that ship, and of ships was the 
 
 chief in the Northland. 
 
 All this and other vast treasures did Fridthjof receive 
 
 from his father. 
 Scarce was there^ found in the Northland any with richer 
 
 possessions. 
 Save were he heir of a kingdom, for of kings is the 
 
 wealth always greatest. 
 Though from no king he descended, yet was his mind 
 
 truly royal. 
 
34 J?'K1DTHJ0FS SAGA. 
 
 Gourfceous, noble and kind. Daily became he more 
 
 famous. 
 Twelve gray-haired champions, valorous chieftains, sat at 
 
 his table, 
 Thorstein's steel-breasted companions, whose brows were 
 
 with scars deeply furrowed. 
 Next to the warriors was seated a youth of the same 
 
 age as Fridthjof, — 
 Like a fresh rose 'mid the dry leaves of autumn ; Bjorn 
 
 was this blossom. 
 Grown up with Fridthjof, in days pf their boyhood their 
 
 blood they commingled. 
 Brothers becoming in good northern fashion, sworn to 
 
 each other 
 In joy and in grief, the survivor avenging the death of 
 
 his comrade. 
 
 In the midst of the warriors and guests who had come 
 to the funeral banquet, 
 
 Fridthjof, a sorrowing host, his eyelids with tears over- 
 flowing 
 
 Drank in accordance with ancestral usage, a skoal to 
 his father. 
 
fbidthjof's inheritance. 35 
 
 Heard the old minstrels sing loudly his praises, a thun- 
 dering drapa, 
 
 Rightfully took of his late father's seat undisputed pos- 
 session, 
 
 And sat between Odin and Frey. So sitteth Thor up 
 in Valhal. 
 
36 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 IV. 
 
 FKIDTHJOF'S COURTSHIP. 
 
 LOUD sounded the music in Fridthjof's hall, 
 His ancestors' praises sang poets all. 
 O'erwhelmed with sadness 
 Is Fridfehjof, he hears not their songs of gladness. 
 
 The earth has again donned her mantle of green 
 And dragon-ships breasting the waves are seen ; 
 But Fridthjof, pondering, 
 Is at the moon gazing or in the woods wandering. 
 
 How fortunate was he but lately, and glad, 
 For Helge and Halfdan as guests he had ; 
 And with the brothers, 
 Came Ingeborg; Fridthjof scarce saw the others. 
 
 He sat by her side and her soft hand he pressed ; 
 He felt in the pressure returned him thrice blest, 
 Enraptured gazing 
 On her whom he honored beyond all praising. 
 
fridthjof's courtship. 37 
 
 In glad conversation recalling their plays, 
 
 When life's morning dew presaged_bright future days,' 
 
 For memory truthful 
 
 Keeps life's I'osy gardens in noble minds youthful. 
 
 How fondly she greets him from dale and from park. 
 From loving names growing in white birchen bark, 
 From hills where flourish 
 The oaks which the ashes of heroes nourish. 
 
 "'Tis never so pleasant at home as here, 
 For Half dan is childish and Helge severe; 
 The kings attending 
 To nothing but prayers and praise unending. 
 
 "And no one (nor could she her blushes hide) 
 
 To whom my complainings I may confide. 
 
 The palace building, 
 
 How stifling compared with the groves of Hilding. 
 
 "The doves that we petted, and tamed and fed. 
 By hawks oft affrighted away have fled; 
 One pair remaineth, 
 Let Fridthjof take one, one Ing'borg retaineth. 
 
\ FRIDTHJOF'S SAGA. 
 
 "She'll long like another her friend to see, — 
 
 And homeward returning will fly to me: 
 
 Your message, bind it 
 
 Beneath her fleet pinion, — there none will find it." 
 
 All day they sat whispering side by side, 
 
 Nor ceased the low murmur at eventide; 
 
 So breathe in whispers 
 
 The zephyrs through lindens at twilight vespers. 
 
 But now she has gone, and his joy forsooth 
 Has gone with the maiden. The blood of youth 
 His cheek is mounting, 
 He silently sighs while the past recounting. 
 
 His grief at her absence he sent by the dove, 
 Which joyous set out with its message of love; 
 But oh! new sorrow, — 
 It stayed with its mate, nor returned on the morrow. 
 
 His conduct to Bjorn was displeasing; said he: 
 
 "What ails our young eagle, he seems to be 
 
 Like some shy sparrow, — 
 
 Has his breast or his pinion been pierced by an arrow? 
 
fridthjof's courtship. 39 
 
 "What wilt thou, Fridthjof? We have for need 
 The yellow bacon, and the good, brown mead; 
 And poets singing, 
 Their jubilant music forever ringing. 
 
 "The steeds impatiently stamp in the stalls, — 
 To the chase! to the chase! the falcon calls; 
 But Fridthjof retaineth 
 His gloom. He hunteth in clouds and complaineth. 
 
 "Ellide is restless upon the main, — 
 
 She frets and she chafes at her cable chain; 
 
 Lie still my treasure! 
 
 Our Fridthjof is peaceable. Strife is no pleasure. 
 
 "Who dies on his pallet, is dead indeed; 
 
 By the lance, as did Odin, we'll die, if need, — 
 
 And thus ensure us 
 
 A welcome to Hel, and heaven secure us." 
 
 Then Fridthjof unloos'd the dragon, — and proud, 
 With full swelling canvas, the waves she plowed, 
 And swiftly over 
 The bay to the palace she bore the lover. 
 
40 PRIDTHJOF^S SAGA. 
 
 The kings were at Bele's grave met that day, — 
 To administer justice and counsel weigh; 
 Fridthjof advances, — 
 His voice sounds afar like clashing lances. 
 
 "Ye kings, lovely Ing*borg, the people's pride, 
 I choose, from all women, to be my bride; 
 The king intended 
 Our lives thus united in one should be blended. 
 
 "He reared us together in Hilding's sight, — 
 As two forest saplings whose tops unite, — 
 A golden cover 
 Of lace bindeth Freyja the green tops over. 
 
 "My sire was a peasant, no earl nor king, — 
 Yet his memory will live while the poets sing; 
 In runic story 
 The grave-mounds are telling my ancestors' glory. 
 
 "I could easily win me a crown and land. 
 
 But choose to remain on my native strand; 
 
 In battle wielding 
 
 My sword for4he king, and the peasant shielding. 
 
fkidth.tof's courtship. 41 
 
 " On king Bcle's grave we are standing now, 
 He hears every word in the grave below, 
 With nie he pleadeth, — 
 A dead father's counsel a wise son heedeth." 
 
 Tlien Helge uprose, and replied with scorn, 
 
 "Our sister was not for a peasant born, 
 
 To kings 'tis given 
 
 To strive for our Ingeborg, daughter of heaven. 
 
 "You l)oastfully call yourself chief of swords, — 
 Win men by violence, women by words; 
 Boast not of slaughter. 
 For arrogance winneth not Odin's daughter. 
 
 "My kingdom doth not seek protection from thee, 
 I shield it myself. My man wouldst thou be, — 
 A situation 
 Among my domestics befits thy station." 
 
 "Thy servant! no, never!" was Fridthjof's reply, 
 "My father had never a master, — shall I? 
 From thy silver dwelling 
 Now fly, Angervadil, the insult repelling." 
 
42 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 In sunshine now glitters the blue steel blade, — 
 
 Displaying its letters in flaming red. 
 
 "My good sword loyal, 
 
 Thy lineage at least," said Fridthjof, "is royal. 
 
 "And were it not now for the-high grave's renown. 
 Eight here would I hew thee, swarthy king, down ; 
 Yet will I teach thee 
 To come not again where my sword can reach thee." 
 
 So saying, he severed at one fell blow 
 
 The gold shield of Helge which hung on a bough. 
 
 It fell asunder, — 
 
 Its clang on the grave-mound was echoed under. 
 
 "Well done, Angervadil! lie still and dream 
 Of high achievements, — meanwhile the gleam 
 Of rune-fires paling! 
 And now we'll go home o'er the blue waters sailing." 
 
KING RING, 43 
 
 V. 
 
 KING RING. 
 
 KING RING moved his gold-stool back. Then up- 
 rose 
 Champion and dreamer, — 
 For where in the North does such goodness repose? 
 His word o'erflows 
 
 With the wisdom which dwells in god Mimer. 
 
 Like the groves of the peaceful gods was his land, — 
 
 War's sable pinion 
 Cast not a shadow where on every hand 
 Flowers expand 
 
 Through the length of his quiet dominion. 
 
 Here Justice alone on the judgment-seat 
 
 With Right presided; 
 And Peace every year paid its tribute meet, — 
 While golden wheat 
 
 With plenty the harvest provided. 
 
44 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 And swarthy-prowed ships to tliis favored shore, 
 
 With snowy pinions 
 The products of numberless nations bore, — 
 A varied store 
 
 Of riches for fortune's rich minions. 
 
 Here freedom and peace did in concord dwell. 
 
 Kindly united; 
 And all loved their father, the king, full well, 
 For each might tell 
 
 His mind in the thing,* — none were slighted. 
 
 Supreme in the Northland through tliirty years 
 
 His reign extended ; 
 Contented each went to his daily cares; ^ 
 
 At evening prayers 
 
 The king's name in blessings ascended. 
 
 King Ring moved his gold-stool back. From the board 
 
 All there assembled 
 Arose to attend on the royal word, — 
 Renowned where heard; 
 
 But he sighed, and in accents that trembled, 
 
 * See t,'low8ary. 
 
KING RING. 
 
 He said: "My lost queen is in Folkvaug*-liall 
 
 On purple seated; 
 But here on her grave is a grassy pall, 
 While breathe o'er all 
 
 The flowers witli sweet odor freighted. 
 
 "So queenly, so honored, so good and so fair, 
 
 There's not anotlier. 
 Immortal she dwelleth in Vallial's care, . 
 But the people's prayer. 
 
 The cliildren's desire, is a mother. 
 
 "King Bele oft sat as a guest at my side 
 
 Wiien winter ended; 
 The daughter he left I would clioose for my bride. 
 Her father's pride, 
 
 In whose cheeks rose and lily are blended. 
 
 "I know she is young, and in youth sublime 
 
 Would gather flowers; 
 My flower is past and my early prime; 
 My locks has Time 
 
 Besprinkled with snowy showers. 
 
46 fkiuthjof's saga. 
 
 Oh, could she but honor the withered tree 
 
 Which age has blighted; 
 And could she a friend to the motherless be, 
 Then should you see 
 
 To the throne Spring by Autumn invited. 
 
 "Take gold from my coffers, take jewels rare, 
 
 Unstinted measure; 
 Let minstrels attending the way prepare 
 To win the fair, — 
 
 For song heralds wooing and pleasure." 
 
 With gold and petitions, a noisy throng. 
 
 The young men speeded; 
 And minstrels and skalds, in procession long, 
 With hero-song 
 
 To the sons of King Bele proceeded. 
 
 The feast, where with wassail they drink and sing, 
 
 For three days lasted, [bring 
 
 But they sought the fourth morning what answer they'd 
 
 From Helge king, — 
 
 For now their return must be hasted. 
 
KING RING. 47 
 
 In the grove Helge offered both bird and beast, — 
 
 A sacred duty; 
 Asked counsel of vala, consulted the priest 
 What answer was best 
 
 For the queen of affection and beauty. 
 
 The offerings and vala and priest denied 
 
 The wished-for token; 
 And Helge, affrighted by signs he'd tried, 
 With "No," replied. 
 
 For men must obey when the gods have spoken. 
 
 But merry king Halfdan laughed gayly, and said, 
 
 "The feast is ended, 
 King Gray-beard himself should have come instead, 
 I'd glad have led 
 
 His beast, and his mounting attended." 
 
 Indignant the embassy went away, 
 
 Nor longer tarried ; 
 "King Gi ay-beard his honor 11 avenge one day," 
 Is Ring heard to say, 
 
 When to him the curt message is carried. 
 
48 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 He strikes his bright shield hanging high on a bough,- 
 
 His weapon seizes; 
 And many a dragon is hurrying now, 
 With blood-red prow, 
 
 And helmet plumes wave in the breezes. 
 
 The tidings flew swiftly to Helge king, 
 
 Who answered slowly: 
 "The strife will be bloody, for mighty is Ring; 
 My sister bring 
 
 To the temple of Balder, the holy." 
 
 There sitteth the loving one, full of woes. 
 
 Though safe abiding; 
 She weeps, while with silk and with gold she sews; 
 A tear o'erflows, — 
 
 The dew 'mid the lilies is hiding. 
 
FIUDTHJOF PLAYS CHESS. 49 
 
 VI. 
 
 FEIDTHJOF PLAYS CHESS. 
 
 BJORN and Fridthjof chess were playing 
 On a board, whose squares displaying 
 Gold and silver deftly fitted, 
 
 Skill and beauty both combined. 
 Then stepped Hilding in. "Come nigher," 
 Fridthjof said, "and sit thee higher 
 'Till our game shall be completed, — 
 Foster-father kind." 
 
 Hilding answered: "From the palace 
 I am come to you for solace. 
 Evil are the times at pi-esent. 
 You are all the people's hope." 
 Fridthjof said: "The foe encroaches, 
 Danger, Bjorn, your king approaches; 
 You can save him by a peasant. — 
 He is nothing, give him up." 
 
50 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 "Fridthjof, anger kings no longer, 
 Lo, the eagle's ' young grow stronger ; 
 Ring may thwart their weak endeavor, 
 Thou wilt surely find it hard." 
 '^Bjorn, I see you storm the tower, 
 All in vain your threatening power 
 'Gainst the castle is; it ever 
 Safety seeks behind its guard." 
 
 "Ing'borg sits in Balder's dwelling, 
 Grief her constant tears compelling; 
 
 She should make thee seize thy armor 
 She with tearful eyes of blue." 
 "Vain you strive my queen to capture. 
 Dear from childhood's days of rapture; 
 
 Best of all, there's naught shall harm her 
 Come what may, to her I'm true." 
 
 "Fridthjof, art thou still unheeding ; 
 All thy foster-father's pleading? 
 For thy foolish game art ready 
 I should go without a word?" 
 
FRIDTHJOF PLAYS CHESS. 
 
 Fridthjof then arises, laying 
 Hilding's hand in his, and saying: 
 "My resolve is firm and steady. 
 And my answer you have heard. 
 
 "Go to Bele's sons and warn them. 
 Peasants love not those who scorn them ; 
 To their power I bid defiance, 
 Their behests will not obey." 
 "In thy chosen way abide thee, 
 For thy wrath I can not chide thee; 
 Odin must be our reliance," 
 
 Hilding said, and went his way. 
 
52 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 VII. 
 
 FRIDTHJOFS HAPPmESS. 
 
 KING Bele's sons may go requesting 
 From dale to dale the peasants' aid, 
 In Balder's grove my world is resting, 
 
 For them I will not draw my blade. 
 Then on king's vengeance or earth's sadness, 
 
 I will no longer look or think, 
 But only will the high gods' gladness, 
 From out one cup with Ing'borg drink. 
 
 While yet the hazy sunshine sendeth 
 
 Its purple rays on flowers at rest, 
 Like rosy gpssa<mer which lendeth 
 
 An added charm to Ing'borg's breast, 
 With sighs along the strand I wander, 
 
 My soul with longing all aflame, 
 Upon the sand I gaze and ponder 
 
 And with my sword write Ing'borg's name. 
 
FRIDTHJOFS HAPPINESS. 53 
 
 How slowly go the lonesome hours! 
 
 Thou Delling's son, why stayest thou ? 
 Hast thou not seen our mountain bowers, 
 
 ■ Our lakes and islands until now? 
 Dwells there in western halls no maiden 
 
 Who waits since morn first kissed the sea, 
 Upon thy breast her joys to unladen, 
 
 Whose whole of life is love and thee? 
 
 At last thy footsteps grow uncertain, 
 Thy weary journey thou must close, 
 
 Now evening draws the rosy curtain. 
 Behind whose folds the gods repose. 
 
 The brooks and breezes to each other 
 In softest whispers love express; 
 
 ! welcome Night, of gods the mother. 
 With pearls upon thy wedding dress. 
 
 The stars are gliding like a lover 
 
 On tiptoe to a maiden true; 
 Ellidel fly the deep gulf over. 
 
 Roll on, roll on, ye billows blue. 
 
54 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Yon sacred grove a temple hideth, 
 Good Baldei-'s temple, doubly dear, 
 
 For there love's goddess safe abideth, 
 Unto the gods our course we steer. 
 
 Thy shores I tread with joyous measure, 
 
 I kiss thy brown cheek, smiling earth, 
 , And all ye little flowers, with treasure 
 
 Of white and red, that edge my path. 
 1 hail thee, moon, with pale light streaming 
 
 On temple-grove and flowers at rest, 
 How beautiful thou sitfcest dreaming 
 
 Like Saga at a wedding feast. 
 
 To speak with flowers, 0, brook, who taught thee 
 
 The feeling in my heart a guest? 
 Ye northern nightingales, where caught ye 
 
 The wailing stolen from my breast? 
 With evening's red the fairies playing, 
 
 In clouds my Ing'borg's form disclose. 
 But Freyja, jealousy displaying, 
 
 Away the image quickly blows. 
 
fridthjof's happiness. 55 
 
 Though changing clouds lose her resemblance, 
 
 Like radiant hope herself appears. 
 As true as childhood's sweet remembrance. 
 
 She comes, my love's reward she bears. 
 Come, loved one, come, and let me press thee, 
 
 Unto the heart that holds thee dear, 
 My soul's desire, through life I'll bless thee. 
 
 Come to my arms, and rest thee here. 
 
 Frail as the lily's stem so slender. 
 
 Yet like spring roses fresh and fair. 
 As Freyja's troth-plight, warm and tender, 
 
 Thou as the will of gods art pure. 
 Kiss me, and let my burning passion 
 
 Kindle thy soul to perfect bliss. 
 Of earth and heaven I lose the vision. 
 
 Enraptured by thy melting kiss. 
 
 Fear not, for here can come no stranger. 
 Without stands Bjorn, his sword in hand. 
 
 His champions guarding us from danger, 
 If need be, can the world withstand; 
 
56 fkidthjof's saga 
 
 And I, if fighting for my treasure, 
 Whose form I on my bosom bear, 
 
 To Valhal now would go with pleasure, 
 Could'st thou be my valkyrie there. 
 
 And why fear Balder's fierce resentment, 
 
 The pious god to whom we pray ? 
 He looks on us with calm contentment. 
 
 For, loving, we his law obey. 
 The god whose brow with sunshine beameth, 
 
 With whom all truth abideth sure, 
 His love unto his Nanna seemeth. 
 
 Like mine to thee, so warm, so pure. 
 
 There stands his image, not indignant. 
 
 But mild and soft as sunset ray, 
 Upon this shrine of god benignant, 
 
 My heart a sacrifice I lay. 
 Together let us kneel before him. 
 
 No better off*ering can be found 
 Than two fond hearts which both adore him, 
 
 With love like his together bound. 
 
FKlDTHJar'S HAPPINESS. 57 
 
 Scorn not my love, my blossom cherished, 
 
 Which more to heaven than earth belongs, 
 In heaven itself that love was nourished. 
 
 And for that glorious home it longs. 
 Oh! that my weary soul releasing, 
 
 The gods would take me up above; 
 Triumphantly, with joy unceasing, 
 
 I'd go, embraced by my dear love. 
 
 When bugle-notes the champions rally, 
 
 From out the silver gates they ride; 
 But I alone join not the sally, 
 
 I linger gladly by thy side. 
 When Valhal's maidens pass me, smiling, 
 
 The mead-horn with its rim of gold; 
 Thee, only thee, my love beguiling, 
 
 My tender, loving arms enfold. 
 
 A leafy cottage near the meadow 
 
 I'd build us by the dark-blue sea, 
 And there we'd rest us 'neath the shadow 
 
 Of many a golden-fruited tree; 
 
58 FRIDTHJOFS-SAGA. 
 
 And when bright Valhal's sun each morning, 
 With his clear torch "in splendor rose, — 
 
 We'd hasten to the gods returning. 
 Yet longing for our home's repose. 
 
 Thy golden locks, with sunshine flushing, 
 
 Wreathed with a starry crown should be; 
 So my pale lily, rosy blushing. 
 
 In Vingolf-hall should dance with me. 
 Then, by my love from danger guarded, 
 
 I'd with thee to our home repair, — 
 Where singeth Brage, silver-bearded, 
 
 Our wedding song each evening fair. 
 
 How sweet the evening song-bird's vesper! 
 
 It Cometh forth from Valhal's shore; 
 How soft the moon-beams' gentle whisper, 
 
 From wliere the dead live evermore! 
 They tell of light and love unbroken, 
 
 In homes devoid of care and pain; 
 Where joyous words alone are spoken. 
 
 There thou my love shalt ever reign. 
 
nUDTHJOFS HAPPINESS. 59 
 
 Oh, weep not, love, those tears regretful, 
 
 ' While through my heart the life-blood streams ; 
 
 But sweetly sleep, — of grief forgetful 
 
 May love and Fridthjof fill thy dreams. 
 Oh! when thine arms thou foldest round me, 
 
 When thy dear eyes but look on me. 
 How quickly J)reaks the spell that bound me. 
 
 How turn my thoughts from heaven to thee! 
 
 " List to the lark's melodious numbers." 
 Nay, 'tis a dove his love-song sings. 
 
 The lark on yonder hillock slumbers. 
 Beside his mate with folded wings. 
 
 How happy they, always together, 
 
 As free their life as wings that bear 
 
 Through cheerless storm or sunny weather, 
 Above the cloudy, that happy pair. 
 
 "See, daybreak comes." Nay, but ascended 
 From some far beacon is the light; 
 
 Our happy talk is not yet ended, 
 Nor yet so soon the lovely night. 
 
60 FKlDTHJOFfi SAGA. 
 
 Bright morning star, sleep till to-morrow, 
 And when night cometh, slumber still, 
 
 Your waking brings to Fridthjof sorrow, — 
 So sleep till doomsday, if you will. 
 
 Vain hope! No longer earth reposes, 
 
 The morning breeze new pleasure seeks; 
 
 Already bud the eastern roses, 
 As fresh as those on Ing'borg's cheeks. 
 
 I hear the winged songsters twitter, 
 
 A thoughtless throng in the opening sky ; 
 
 All life's astir, the wavelets glitter. 
 And lover must with shadows fly. 
 
 Ah! there he comes, in glory beaming; 
 
 Forgive, golden sun, my prayer. 
 How beautiful, in splendor gleaming! 
 
 I feel — I know a god is near. 
 Oh! wlio could, in thy path advancing, 
 
 With equal grace and power tread, 
 All hearts with light and joy entrancing, 
 
 A life like thine victorious lead ! 
 
fridthjof's happiness. 61 
 
 Here, 'neath thy watchful eye I leave her — 
 
 My peerless beauty of the North ! 
 Let not the rough world's troubles grieve her, 
 
 Thy likeness on the green-clad earth. 
 Her soul is pure as rays of morning, 
 
 Her eyes as blue as thine own sky, 
 The same rich tints thy crown adorning 
 
 Among her golden tresses lie. 
 
 Farewell, my love, be not forgetful, 
 
 Some longer night again we'll meet; 
 I, lingering, kiss thy brow, regretful, 
 
 One kiss I give thy lips so sweet. 
 Sleep now, beloved ; in thy slumber. 
 
 May dreams of me thy bosom swell, 
 At mid-day wake, and with me number 
 
 Each absent hour; farewell, farewell. 
 
G2 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 THE PARTING. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 THE day breaks clear, and Fridthjof cometh not, 
 Thougli yesterday the council was proclaimed 
 At Bale's grave. The place was rightly chosen, 
 His daughter's fate should be determined there. 
 How many supplications hath it cost me. 
 How many tears by Freyja counted o'er, 
 To melt the ice of hate around Fridthjof's heart. 
 And gain a promise from his haughty lips 
 To give his hand in reconciliation. 
 Alas ! how hard is man ! And for liis honor. 
 So calleth he his pride, he counts it not, 
 Or lightly counts it, if he rudely break. 
 Of true and faithful hearts one more or less. 
 But wretched woman, leaning on his breast, 
 Is like the moss-growth blooming on the cliff, — 
 With faded tints, it difficultly holds 
 It«elf unnoticed fast unto the rock, 
 
THE PARTING. 60 
 
 Is only nourished by the dews of night. 
 
 But yesterday, indeed, my fate was fixed, 
 
 And now the evening sun hath set upon it, 
 
 Still Fridthjof cometh not. The pallid stars 
 
 Die one by one, and sadly disappear, 
 
 And with each one of them a hope is quenched 
 
 And goes from out my heart unto its grave. 
 
 Ah! wherefore still to hope? Valhal's gods 
 
 No longer love me; I've offended them. 
 
 And Balder, 'neath whose shelter I reside, 
 
 Is wroth with me, because a human love 
 
 Is too unholy for the sight of gods. 
 
 And earthly joy must never risk itself 
 
 Beneath the temple-arch in which the grave. 
 
 The haughty powers have fixed their dwelling-place. 
 
 And yet what fault is mine? and wherefore frowns 
 
 The pious god upon a maiden's love? 
 
 Is it not pure as Urd's bright sparkling fount, 
 
 And innocent as Gefjon's morning dream? 
 
 The shining sun doth never turn away 
 
 From loving ones, its pure and watchful eyes. 
 
 And daylight's widow, starry night, doth hear 
 
 With gladness, in her sorrow, all their vows. 
 
04 fridtiijof's saga. 
 
 Tliat which is worthy under heaven's vault, 
 
 Can that be guilty 'neath the temple's dome? 
 
 I love my Fridtiijof. Oh! through all the past, 
 
 As far as memory runs, I loved him well, — 
 
 A holy feeling twin-born with my soul, 
 
 I know not whence it came, nor comprehend 
 
 The dismal thought that it was ever gone. 
 
 As fruit is timely set about the stone 
 
 And groweth up, and round about it all 
 
 In summer sunshine wraps its cloth of gold. 
 
 So, too, indeed, have I maturing grown 
 
 About this stone, and my existence is 
 
 Of my affection but the outer shell. 
 
 Forgive me. Balder! With a faithful heart 
 
 Thy hall I sought, and with a faithful one 
 
 Will I go hence; Til take it with me now 
 
 Out over Bifrost-bridge, and place myself 
 
 With all my love before great Valhal's gods. 
 
 And there my love, like them an Asa-child, 
 
 Shall see itself reflected in the shields. 
 
 And fly with loosened dove-wings through the blue 
 
 Unending space unto the Allfather's bosom. 
 
 From whence it came. Oh! wherefore is the frown, 
 
THE PARTING. 65 
 
 In morning's twilight, on thy brow so fair? 
 
 There floweth in my veins, as flows in thine. 
 
 Old Odin's blood. What wilt thou, kinsman dear? 
 
 My ardent love I cannot offer thee. 
 
 Nor would I offer it, worth all thy joys ; 
 
 But I can offer thee my life's delight,— 
 
 Can cast it from me as the stately queen 
 
 Her mantle flings aside, and still remains 
 
 Her queenly self But my resolve is taken. 
 
 And Valhal high shall never be ashamed 
 
 To own me kindred. I will meet my fate 
 
 As meets the hero his. Ah! here he comes! 
 
 How wild he seems, how pale ! 'Tis done, 'tis done ! 
 
 My angry norn she comes beside him now; 
 
 Be strong, my soul! At last I welcome thee.. 
 
 Our fate is fixed; 'tis plain to read it where 
 
 Upon thy brow it stands. 
 
 FRIDTH.TOF. 
 
 And stand not there 
 As well, the blood-red runes, which speak of shame, 
 And scorn and banishment? 
 
OG fridthjof's saga. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Oh, Fridthjof, think! 
 Relate what passed, for I have long foreseen 
 The worst, and am prepared for all. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 I found the council at our fathers' graves. 
 
 Around the grassy mounds, shield meeting sliield. 
 
 Stood many Northland sons with swords in liand, 
 
 One circle standing close within another 
 
 Unto the top. Upon the judgment seat, 
 
 A thunder cloud, thy brother Helge sat,- 
 
 A pallid headsman with a dusky look. 
 
 And next to him, a seeming grown up child. 
 
 Sat Halfdan, — thoughtless, playing with his sword. 
 
 Then I arose, and said: "War waiting stands 
 
 Within thy borders, beating on the shield,^ 
 
 Thy kingdom now, king Helge, is in peril ; 
 
 Give me thy sister, and I'll give to thee 
 
 Mine arm, it may be useful in this strife. 
 
 Between us let ill will forgotten be, — 
 
 I would not cherish it 'gainst Ing'borg's brother. 
 
THE PARTING. 67 
 
 To reason listen, king, and save at once 
 
 Thy golden crown, thy purest sister's heart. 
 
 Here is my hand. By Asa-Thor, I swear, 
 
 I'll never offer it again to thee." 
 
 An uproar shook the thing. A thousand swords 
 
 Approval hammered on a thousand shields. 
 
 The clang of weapons flew to heaven, which heard 
 
 With joy the assent of freemen to the right. 
 
 "To him give Ingeborg, the slender lily, 
 
 Most beautiful our dales have ever grown; 
 
 No better sword our favored land can boast, — 
 
 To him give Ingeborg/> Our foster-father. 
 
 The reverend Hilding, with his silver-beard, 
 
 Stood forth and spoke in words of wisdom full, 
 
 Short apothegms, as keen as sharpened swords. 
 
 And Halfdan, too, from off the royal seat 
 
 Arose, with pleading words and pleading looks, — 
 
 But it w as all \w vf iin ; each prayer was wasted, — 
 
 Like sunshine lavished on a barren rock, 
 
 No growth alluring from his stony heart. 
 
 King Helge's sullen countenance was like 
 
 His heart, — a pale-faced "No" to human prayers. 
 
 "A peasant's son," said he, contemptuously. 
 
68 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 • "Could Ing'borg gain, but who profanes the temple 
 Ill-suited seems to holy ValhaFs' daughter. 
 Hast thou not, Fridthjof, broken Balder's peace? 
 Hast thou not seen my sister in his temple 
 When day had hid itself from your communion ? 
 Say yes, or no ! " A deafening shout resounded 
 From all those rings of men: "Say no, say no, 
 We take thee at thy word, we sue for thee, — 
 Thou son of Thorstein, equal to a king; 
 Say no, say no, and Ingeborg is thine!" 
 *'My life's delight hangs on a feeble word," 
 Said I, "but fear it not, king Helge! 
 I would not lie myself to Valhal's joy. 
 Much less to earth's. Thy sister I have seen, 
 Have talked with her beneath the temple's night, 
 But Haider's peace I have not therefore broken." 
 They let me say no more. Abhorrent cries 
 Flew througR the thing, and those who nearest stood 
 Drew back as from a pestilent disease ; 
 And when I looked around, their superstition 
 Had palsied every tongue, and blanched each cheek 
 So lately glowing with expectant joy. 
 And then king Helge triumphed. With a voice 
 
THE PARTING. 69" 
 
 As sad, as awful as the ghostly vala*s 
 
 In Vegtam's song, wlien she for Odin sung 
 
 Of asas' fate and grim Hel's victory, 
 
 So sad he spoke : " Though banishment or death 
 
 I could decree, by our ancestral laws 
 
 Against tliis crime, yet I'll be mild as Balder, 
 
 Whose sacred dwelling thou hast so profaned. 
 
 The western sea a wreath of islands holds. 
 
 Where Angantyr, the earl, is governor. 
 
 As long as Bele lived the earl each year 
 
 His tribute paid, but ceased when Bele died. 
 
 Go o'er the sea and drive this tribute in; 
 
 This penance thy audacity demands. 
 
 'Tis said," sneered he, with meanest mockery, 
 
 "That Angantyr hard-fisted is, and broods 
 
 Like dragon Fafner o'er his gold : but who 
 
 Can stand 'gainst our new Sigurd, Fafner's bane ? 
 
 Exploits more manly must thou undertake 
 
 Than luring maidens under Balder's roof. 
 
 When summer comes shall we expect you here 
 
 With all tliy honor, first of all the tribute. 
 
 If not, thou art to everv man a felon. 
 
70 FRIDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 And during life art outlawed through the land." 
 His judgment rendered, he dissolved the thing. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 And your decision ? 
 
 FKIDTHJOF. 
 
 Have I aught to choose ? 
 Is not mine honor bound by his decree ? 
 And that will I redeem though Angantyr 
 His paltry gold doth hide in Nastrand's flood. 
 To-day will I depart. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 And Ing'borg leave ? 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Nay, nay, I leave thee not, thou goest too. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Impossible ! 
 
 FRIDTH.TOF. 
 
 0! hear me, ere thou answerest. 
 Thy crafty brother seemeth to forget, 
 
THE PARTING. 71 
 
 That Angantyr was my dear father's friend, 
 
 As well as Bele's. Perhaps he'll give 
 
 Without constraint what I demand; if not 
 
 A worthy advocate, a sharp one too, 
 
 Have I. 'Tis always ready at my side. 
 
 The gold he covets I'll to Helge send, 
 
 And tlius will I from sacrificial knife 
 
 Of this crowned hypocrite redeem us both. 
 
 But we, my beauteous Ingeborg, will spread 
 
 O'er seas unknown Ellide's willing sail, — 
 
 She'll kindly bear us to a friendlier strand 
 
 Where exiled love may safe asylum find. 
 
 What is the North to me? And what a race. 
 
 Which pales at every word of priest or king, 
 
 Whose shameless hands would pluck the living rose 
 
 'From out the sanctuary of my heart .^ 
 
 So, Freyja help, it shall not prosper tliem! 
 
 The wretched slave is bound unto the turf 
 
 Where he was born, but I will still be free, 
 
 Free as the mountain winds. A little earth 
 
 From Bele's grave and from my father's taken, 
 
 Can find a place upon our ship, and that 
 
 Is all of fatherland tliat we can need. 
 
72 feidthjof's saga. 
 
 My loved one, there another sun is found 
 Than that which pales above these hills of snow, 
 And there another sky, more bright than this; 
 And milder stars with god-like glance adorned. 
 Look down therefrom in balmy summer nights 
 On lovers wandering in the laurel groves. 
 My father, Thorstein, Viking's son, in wars 
 Had journeyed far, and oft I've heard him tell, 
 By fireside light in winter evenings long, 
 About the Grecian sea with islands filled, — 
 Fresh groves of green in brightly shining waves. 
 A powerful race once had its dwelling there, — 
 And holy gods the marble temples graced. 
 But now they stand deserted; grasses thrive 
 In paths left desolate, and fioAvers grow 
 From out the runes that tell of ancient lore ; 
 The slender columns stand like budding trees 
 Entwined by graceful stems of southern vines. 
 Thi'oughout the year the earth spontaneous yields, 
 In unsown harvests, all that men require. 
 There golden apples glow between the leaves. 
 And blushing grapes from every bough hang down 
 And, ripening, swell luxurious as thy lips. 
 
THE PARTING. 73 
 
 There, Ing'borg, there we'll build us near the wave 
 
 A little North, more beautiful than this; 
 
 And with our ever faithful love we'll fill 
 
 The radiant temple vaults, and thus delight 
 
 With human fondness the forgotten gods. 
 
 And when, with loosened sheets (no storms are there) 
 
 The sailor idly floats along our isle 
 
 In twilight's glow, and turns his joyous glance 
 
 From rosy-colored ripples to the strand, — 
 
 Upon the temple's threshold shall he see 
 
 A second Freyja, Aphrodite called 
 
 In southern tongue, and he shall wonder at 
 
 The golden locks, seen flowing in the breeze, 
 
 And eyes which brighter gleam than southern skies. 
 
 And one by one around her groweth up 
 
 A little temple-dwelling race of fairies, 
 
 With cheeks where you. might see the south had set, 
 
 In Northern snowdrifts, freshly blooming roses. 
 
 Ah! Ingeborg, how beautiful, how near. 
 
 Stands earthly happiness to faithful hearts; 
 
 If they are brave enough to seize it when disposed, 
 
 It follows willingly, and builds for them 
 
 A Vingolf even here beneath the clouds. 
 
74 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 come, let's haste away, each spoken word 
 A moment shorter makes our waiting joy. 
 Come, alFs prepared! Ellide stretches now 
 Her shadowy eagle wings for eager flight, — 
 And freshly blowing winds now guide the way 
 Henceforth from this inconstant land forever. 
 Why tarriest thou ? 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 I cannot follow thee. 
 
 Not follow me? 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Ah! Fridthjof, thou art blest! 
 Thou followest none, but always in the front, — 
 The stem of thy good dragon ship, dost place 
 Thy will beside the helm, to steer the way 
 With steady hand above the wrathful waves. 
 How widely different the case with me! 
 My cruel fate is held in other's hands, 
 Which loosen not the prey although it bleed; 
 
THE PARTING. 
 
 And sacrifice, lament and lonesome pining, 
 Is all king Bele's daughter knows of freedom. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Art thou not free, if so thou wiliest? In the grave 
 Thy father sits. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 No, Helge is my father, 
 Is in my father's stead; on his consent 
 My hand depends, and Ing'borg will not steal 
 Her happiness, however near it stands. 
 Ah ! what would woman be if she cut loose 
 The sacred band with wliich the Allfather binds 
 Unto the stronger power her gentle being ? 
 The water-lily pale resembles her; 
 It rises with the wave and with it falls, 
 The sailor's keel goes forward over it 
 And marks it not although it cut the stem. 
 Such is indeed her fate! And yet the flower, 
 As long as clings the root unto the sand. 
 Its growth increases, borrowing color pure 
 From its pale sister stars which shine above, — 
 Itself a star upon the waters blue. 
 
76 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But rudely broken loose, ifc ceaseless drives, 
 A withered leaf along deserted waves. 
 Last night, — that was indeed a fearful night, 
 An unrewarded watch I kept for thee, 
 ^ And children of the night, the serious thoughts. 
 With raven locks went tlironging closely by 
 My ever watchful, burning, tearful eyes ; 
 And Balder, too, the bloodless god looked down 
 On me with frowning glances full of threats. 
 Last night I pondered o'er my wretched fate. 
 My resolution's taken ; I remain 
 Obedient victim at my brother's altar. 
 Yet it is well I did not hear thee then, 
 With fabled islands floating in the clouds 
 Where evening's glowing twilights always show 
 A flowery world of peace and happy love. 
 Who knows how weak one is ? My childhood dreams 
 Though silent long, with joy rise up again, 
 And whisper in my anxious ear with voice 
 Familiar as a sister's kindly tones, 
 As tender as a lover's ardent praise. 
 I hear ye not! ah, no, I hear ye not, 
 Alluring accents once so fondly loved! 
 
THE PARTING. 77 
 
 A child of Northland cannot elsewhere dwell; 
 
 Too pale am I for those bright summer roses; — 
 
 Too colorless my mind for that deep glow ; 
 
 The scorching sun would quite consume me there. 
 
 Of anxious longing full, my eyes would seek 
 
 The northern star which always watchful stands 
 
 A heavenly sentry o'er our fathers' graves. 
 
 My noble Fridthjof shall not now desert 
 
 The cherished land that he was born to guard; 
 
 He shall not fling away his honored name 
 
 To gain so poor a thing, a maiden's love. 
 
 A life where spins the sun from year to year. 
 
 And where each day is ever like the next — 
 
 A beauteous but unending sameness, is 
 
 For woman only, but for manly souls. 
 
 And most for thine, it's quiet, weary dullness. 
 
 Thou thrivest best where storms are raging round. 
 
 On foaming pacers o'er the heaving sea. 
 
 And on thy tossing plank, come life or death, 
 
 Thou mayest fight with peril for thine honor. 
 
 The beauteous desert thou dost paint, would be 
 
 A grave for high achievements, not yet born; 
 
 And like thy shield, with rust would be dissolved, 
 
78 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Thine independent mind. It shall not be! 
 I will not steal away my Fridthjof's name 
 From poet's storied song; I will not quench 
 My hero's glory in its morning dawn. 
 Be wise, my Fridthjof ; let us yield unto 
 The haughty norn ; let us rescue yet 
 Our cherished honor from this wreck of life; 
 Our happiness we cannot save, 'tis gone. 
 And separate we must! 
 
 FKIDTHJOF. 
 
 And wherefore must ? 
 Because a sleepless night disturbed thy mind? 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Because my honor must be saved, and thine. 
 
 FKIDTHJOF. 
 
 A woman's honor rests on manly love. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Not long loves he whom he cannot respect. 
 
 FKIDTHJOF. 
 
 Respect is not by fickle fancy gained. 
 
THE PARTING. 79 
 
 INGEBORG. ^ ^^_ 
 
 OF THE 
 
 A sense of justice is a noble fanctj-U U'lVERSlTY 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. '^'^^^iFOE'Sl^- 
 
 Our love strove not with justice yesterday. 
 
 INGEBOEG. 
 
 Nor love to-day, but all the more our flight. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Necessity commands our flight, — Oh, come ! 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 What's right and noble, that's necessity. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 High rides the sun and time is fleeting by. 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 Ah, me, it has gone by, gone by forever! 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Consider well. Is that thy last resolve? 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 I have considered well ; it is my last. 
 
80 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 fkidthjof. 
 Farewell then, fare thee well, king Helge's sister. 
 
 INGEBOEG. 
 
 Oh, Fridthjofl Fridthjof! must we separate thus? 
 
 Hast thou indeed no friendly glance to give 
 
 Thy childhood's friend ; no kindly hand to reach 
 
 To the unfortunate, once so beloved? 
 
 Think'st thou I stand on roses here, and turn 
 
 Away with smiles my happiness for life? 
 
 And that I pangless tear from out my breast 
 
 A hope that hath with my affections grown ? 
 
 Oh ! wert thou not my heart's own morning dream ? 
 
 Each joy that I have known was Fridthjof named, 
 
 And all of life that great or noble seemed, 
 
 Did Fridthjof's likeness take before mine eyes. 
 
 Bedim the image not: oh, do not meet 
 
 With cruelty the weak one offering up 
 
 The dearest thing upon the face of earth, 
 
 The dearest thing that ValhaPs gods can give! 
 
 That' offering, Fridthjof, is severe enough, 
 
 And words of consolation well deserves. 
 
 I know thou lovest me — that I have known 
 
THE PARTING. 81 
 
 E'er since my being first began to dawn; 
 
 And Ing'borg's thoughts will surely follow thee 
 
 For years to come wherever thou may'st go. 
 
 The clang of warlike weapons deadens grief. 
 
 'Tis blown away upon the wild, wild waves, 
 
 Nor ventures to return when champions all 
 
 Their victory celebrate with drinking horn. 
 
 Yet sometimes, then, when in the peace of night, 
 
 Thy thoughts review again forgotten days, 
 
 There will among them glide an image pale, 
 
 Thou knowest well; it fondly greeteth thee 
 
 From regions dear; it is the image of 
 
 The virgin pale in Balder's holy grove. 
 
 Thou must not drive it thence away, although 
 
 It looketh sorrowful, but whisper kind 
 
 Into its ear a friendly word; the winds 
 
 Of night on faithful wings will bear it me; 
 
 One comfort yet, I have none else beside. 
 
 For me there's naught to dissipate my grief; 
 
 In all surrounding me it hath a tongue; 
 
 The holy temple vaults speak but of thee; 
 
 The temple's God, which should all threatening seem, 
 
 Thy likeness takes when shines the streaming moon. 
 
82 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Behold the sea — there swam thy keel through foam 
 
 To her who on the strand awaited thee; 
 
 Behold the woods — there stand so many stems 
 
 With Ing'borg's runes engraven in the bark; 
 
 Now grows the bark and wears away my name, 
 
 And that betokens death, the sagas say. 
 
 I ask the day when last it saw thy form, 
 
 I ask the night, but both are silent still; 
 
 And e'en the sea which bears thee, gives reply 
 
 But with a solemn sigh along the shore. 
 
 With evening's ruddy glow I'll send to thee 
 
 A greeting, when it sinks into thy waves. 
 
 And heaven's long ship, the fleeting cloud, shall take 
 
 On board the wail of the abandoned one. 
 
 So shall I sit within my virgin bower, 
 
 In mourning clad, of all life's joy bereft, 
 
 And broken lilies sew into the cloth, ^ 
 
 Until the Spring its cloth doth weave, and sew 
 
 It full of better lilies on my grave. 
 
 And when I sadly take the harp to sing 
 
 Unending sorrow in profoundest tones. 
 
 Then burst the burning tears as now — 
 
THE PARTING. 83 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Thou conqilerest, Bele's daughter, weep no more! 
 
 Forgive my wrath, it was alone my sorrow 
 
 Which for a moment took a wrathful dress, — 
 
 A wrathful dress it cannot long endure. 
 
 Thou art my kindest norn, my Ingeborg. 
 
 A noble mind best teaches what is noble. 
 
 Necessity's real wisdom cannot have 
 
 A fairer, better advocate than thou. 
 
 Thou beauteous vala with the rosy lips! 
 
 I yield indeed unto necessity; 
 
 I part with thee but part not with my hope ; 
 
 I'll take it with me over western waves, 
 
 I'll take it with me to the gates of death. 
 
 The nearest spring-day sees me here again ; 
 
 King Helge, so I hope, shall see me too. 
 
 Then from my promise freed, his bidding done, 
 
 The calumny against me, too, atoned. 
 
 Then I'll request thee, — nay but I'll demand 
 
 In open council and with naked swords, 
 
 x\nd not of Helge but of Northland's sons, 
 
 Who only can dispose a princess' hand; 
 
 I have a word for him who dare refuse. 
 
84 FKIDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 Farewell till then ; be true, forget me not, 
 And take, in memory of our childhood's love, 
 My arm-ring here, a beauteous Volund-work, 
 With heaven's wonders graven in the gold; 
 The best of wonders is a faithful heart. 
 How well it suits thine arm so snowy-white — 
 A glow-worm coiled around the lily's stem! 
 Farewell, my bride, my loved one, fare thee well. 
 Ere many moons our mournful lot will change. 
 
 [He goes.] 
 
 INGEBORG. 
 
 How glad, how trusting, and of hope how full! 
 He sets the glittering point of his good sword 
 Against the norns, and says: "Ye must retreat!" 
 Thou wretched Fridthjof, the norns will ne'er retreat; 
 They go their way and laugh at Angervadil. 
 How little knowest thou my gloomy brother. 
 Thy brave, heroic temper fathoms not 
 The awful depths of his, nor understands 
 The hate that in his envious bosom burns. 
 His sistei-'s hand he'll never give to thee; 
 He'd sooner give his crown, pour out his life, 
 Of me an offering make to Odin old. 
 
THE PARTING. 
 
 Or to old Ring, whom now he fights against. 
 Wherever I may look, no hope is found, — 
 Yet am I glad hope lives within thy breast. 
 In secret will I keep my poor heart's wound. 
 And pray that all the good gods follow thee. 
 Here on thine arm-ring can I reckon up 
 Each separate month of all this lonesome sorrow. 
 In two, four, six, — then can'st thou come again, 
 But can'st not find again^ thine Ingeborg. 
 
86 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 IX. 
 
 IJSTGEBORG'S LAMENT. 
 
 AUTUMN has come; 
 Storming now heaveth the deep sea with foam, 
 Yet would I gratefully lie there, 
 Willingly die there. 
 
 Long gleamed his sail, 
 
 Flying to westward before the fierce gale; 
 
 Fortunate, Fridthjof to follow 
 
 O'er the wild billow. 
 
 • 
 
 Swell not so high. 
 
 Billows of blue with your deafening cry! 
 Stars lend assistance, a shining 
 Pathway defining. 
 
 With the spring doves 
 
 Fridthjof will come, but the maiden he loves 
 Cannot in hall or dell meet him, 
 Lovingly greet him. 
 
ingeboug's lament. 87 
 
 Buried she sleeps, 
 
 Dead for her love's sake, or bleeding she weeps, 
 
 Heart-broken, given by her brother 
 
 Unto another. 
 
 Falcon he left, 
 
 Mine shalt thou be, winged hunter bereft; 
 I for thy owner will heed thee, 
 Lovingly feed thee. 
 
 Here on his hand, 
 
 'Broidering I'll picture thee on the cloth's rand. 
 
 Silvery pinions I'll give thee. 
 
 Golden claws weave thee. 
 
 Once, it is said, 
 
 Freyja with falcon-wings north and south sped, 
 
 Seeking for Oder, her lover. 
 
 All the world over. 
 
 Vainly I seek 
 
 Wings of the falcon, for mortals too weak. 
 
 Only in passing death's portal 
 
 Soareth a mortal. 
 
88 FRIDTHJOFS SAGA. 
 
 Sit here with me, 
 
 Beautiful hunter and look at the sea; — 
 Longing and looking forever 
 Bringeth him never. 
 
 Dead shall I be, 
 
 When Fridthjof comes again over the sea; 
 
 Bear thou my love for his weeping, 
 
 I shall be sleeping. 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 89 
 
 X. 
 
 FKIDTHJOF AT SEA. 
 
 ON shore king Helge stood, 
 By turns he sang and prayed, 
 And in embittered mood 
 Besought the goblins' aid. 
 
 Seel the heavens with darkness toiling, 
 
 Empty space with thunders bcTom, 
 Lo, the furious waves are boiling, 
 
 Ocean's surface hid with foam. 
 Lightnings now the clouds are streaking. 
 
 Here and there a bloody rand, 
 All the sea-fowls now are shrieking, 
 
 Hasting to the safer strand. 
 
 " Hard's the weather, brothers ! 
 Hear the stormy pinions 
 Flapping in the distance, 
 Yet we do not pale. 
 
 8 
 
90 fbidthjof's saga. 
 
 Sit within the temple, 
 Think on me with longing, 
 Beauteous in thy weeping. 
 Beauteous Ingeborg." • 
 
 'Gainst Ellide's stem. 
 
 Two goblins warfare made. 
 
 One was wind-cold Ham, 
 One was snowy Heyd. 
 
 Now the storm-wind wildly drifts them 
 
 O'er the deep, and madly down; 
 Now it beating, whirling lifts them. 
 
 Upward where the heavens frown. 
 All the powers of evil coming, 
 
 Eiding on the billows' top, 
 From the bottomless, the foaming, 
 
 From the wide graves up. 
 
 " Brighter was the journey 
 By the pale moon's glimmer, 
 Over mirrored waters 
 Unto Balder's grove; 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 91 
 
 Warmer was it, nearer 
 Ing'borg's heart reposing; 
 Whiter than the sea-foam 
 Swelled her bosom fair." 
 
 Solund island fair 
 
 Above the waves so white! 
 Stiller seas are there, , 
 
 Harbors safe invite. 
 
 But the bold sea-rover feareth 
 
 Less upon the trusted oak, 
 Mans the helm himself, and jeereth 
 
 At the wild wind's sportive stroke. 
 Tighter now the sail he fastens, 
 
 Fleeter o'er the water skims, 
 Straight to westward fearless hastens. 
 
 Goes where'er the billow swims. 
 
 '^Fighting for a moment 
 With the storm delighteth; 
 Storm and Northman prosper 
 Well upon the wave. 
 
92 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Ingeborg would redden 
 Should her sea-eagle fly with 
 Slackened wings, afl'righted 
 By a passing breeze." 
 
 Higher rise the waves, 
 
 Deeper furrows plow, 
 Cordage madly raves, 
 
 Creak both keel and prow. 
 
 Waves whichever way contending, 
 
 With or 'gainst Ellide's form. 
 Meet good timbered sides, defending 
 
 Menaced ship, defying storm. 
 Like an evening meteor sweeping. 
 
 Joyful glides she through the night, 
 Like an Alpine roebuck leaping 
 
 Over precipice and height. 
 
 "Better was it kissing 
 Her in Balder's temple. 
 Than to stand here tasting 
 Salt-foam as it whirls. 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 93 
 
 Better 'twas embracing 
 Bele's royal daughter 
 Than to stand here gripping 
 Fast the rudder's helm. 
 
 From the cold sky's field 
 
 Snows intense prevail, 
 And on deck and shield 
 
 Rattling storms of hail. 
 
 Lo, o'er all the vessel flying 
 
 Night has placed her sable pall, 
 As in rooms where dead are lying, 
 
 (rloomy darkness covers all. 
 Wave implacable now lashes 
 
 Toward his doom the sailor brave 
 White-gray as with sifted ashes 
 
 Frightful yawns a boundless grave. 
 
 "Pillows Ran is making, 
 Luring us to quiet; 
 Thine I know are waiting, 
 Ingeborg, for me. 
 
94 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Faithful men are plying 
 Oars of good Ellide; 
 Gods the keel have made us, 
 Bear us yet awhile." 
 
 See the sea advance, 
 
 Seeking now a wreck, 
 Ere the eye can glance. 
 
 Clears the starboard deck. 
 
 Fridthjof's sinewy arm adorning, 
 
 Shone a massive golden ring, 
 Bright as rays of early morning, 
 
 'Twas the gift of Bele, king. 
 This in many pieces broken, — 
 
 Made by dwarfs with skillful art, 
 Gives to all on board a token. 
 
 Every man receives a part. 
 
 "Gold is good to carry 
 When you go a-wooing, 
 Empty-handed no one 
 Comes to sea-blue Ran. 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 95 
 
 Cold is she to kisses, 
 Fleetli from embraces, 
 But the sea-bride yieldeth 
 Met with shining gold." 
 
 Now with threatenings new 
 
 Falls the frozen storm, 
 Rends his sail in two. 
 
 Snaps the brittle arm. 
 
 O'er Ellide's side prevailing 
 
 Entering rolls the mountain wave, 
 Men of giant strength are baling, 
 
 'Gainst the sea make battle brave. 
 Fridthjof cannot fail discerning 
 
 That he carries death on board; 
 Then above the billows storming 
 
 Rises his commanding word. 
 
 "Bjorn, attend the rudder, 
 Grip it with a bear's paw; 
 Valhal's holy powers 
 Never sent such storm. 
 
96 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Goblins rule the voyage ; 
 Coward Helge chanted 
 Safety o'er the waters; 
 I will up and see." 
 
 Like a bird he flew 
 
 Up the icy spar, 
 Sat on high to view 
 
 Fiendish goblins war. 
 
 See, before Ellide gliding. 
 
 Like an island floating free, 
 
 Sea-whale on whose back are riding. 
 Loathsome goblins of the sea. 
 
 Heyd a snowy pelt doth cover. 
 Figure like a polar bear; 
 
 Ham hath wings which, waving hover 
 .r^'^^^ Eagle-like in stormy air. 
 
 "Now, Ellide, ready! 
 Show if hero temper 
 Dwells within your banded 
 Convex breast of oak. 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 97 
 
 Listen to my order; 
 Are you Valhal's daughter? 
 Strike with keel of copper, 
 Gore the conjured whale!" 
 
 Brave Ellide hears 
 
 Fridthjof s proud behest. 
 
 With a spring she rears 
 
 'Gainst the monster's breast. 
 
 From the wound a stream is driving, 
 
 To the skies 'tis quickly sped, 
 Now the wounded monster diving. 
 
 Roaring seeks his miry bed. 
 Fridthjof s giant strength then casteth 
 
 Lances at the goblins bold, 
 One in Ice-bear's bosom fasteneth. 
 
 One Storm-eagle's breast doth hold. 
 
 "Bravely done, Ellide! 
 Not so quickly riseth 
 Helge's magic dragon 
 Up from out the mire 
 
FRIDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 Ham and Heyd no longer 
 Rule the sea together; 
 Bitter is it biting 
 'Gainst the dark-blue steel." 
 
 Quickly disappears 
 
 Storm from sea and land, 
 Gentle wavelet steers 
 
 Toward the nearing strand. 
 
 All at once the sun advances, 
 
 Like a king doth he unveil, 
 All enlivens, all entrances, 
 
 Ship and billow, mount and dale. 
 Last rays, gleaming now like amber. 
 
 Tops of clifiF and forest bound. 
 Now each sailor well remembers 
 
 The emerald shores of Efje Sound. 
 
 "Ingeborg, pale maiden. 
 Prayers sent unto Valhal; 
 Lily-white she bowed her 
 Knees on sacred gold^ 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT SEA. 
 
 Light-blue eyes in weeping, 
 Breast of swan's down, sighing, 
 Moved the hearts of asas; 
 
 Let us give them thanks. 
 
 Now Ellide leaks, 
 
 Faithful dragon ship. 
 Shallow water seeks, — 
 
 Wearied of the trip. 
 
 Still more tired by labor dreary, 
 
 Fridthjof's men desire the land; 
 But enfeebled, faint and weary. 
 
 Sword-supported, scarce can stand. 
 Bjorn, on powerful shoulders, beareth 
 
 Four of them and safely lands; 
 Fridthjof, too, the labor shareth, 
 
 Eight sets round the burning brands. 
 
 "Do not blush, pale heroes! 
 Waves are sturdy vikings; 
 Hard indeed is fighting 
 'Gainst the ocean's bride. 
 
100 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 See, there comes the mead-horn, 
 Gold the feet that bear it, 
 Warm your frozen members; 
 Skoal to Ingeborg! 
 
FKIDTIIJOF WITH ANGANTYR. 101 
 
 XL 
 
 FRIDTHJOF WITH ANGANTYE. 
 
 'rpiS now to tell the story 
 A How in his fir-wood hall, 
 Sat Angantyr, the hoary, 
 
 And drank with champions all. 
 He, joyous and light-hearted, 
 
 Looked out to where the sun 
 Behind the waves departed. 
 
 Just like a golden swan. 
 
 Outside the hall's commotion 
 
 Old Halvard watched, — indeed 
 Not only watched the ocean. 
 
 But also watched his mead. 
 His custom, seldom broken. 
 
 Was, quick the horn to drain, 
 And ere a word was spoken, 
 
 To thrust it in again. 
 
102 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But now he threw it; striding 
 
 Into the hall he spake : 
 "I see the billows riding 
 
 A' ship, whose timbers shake ; 
 I see some sailors dying 
 
 Already on the strand, 
 And two strong giants, trying 
 
 To bring the rest to land." 
 
 O'er waves no longer foaming. 
 
 The noble earl looked out: 
 ''That is Ellide coming. 
 
 And Fridthjof too, no doubt; 
 His step, so firm and steady. 
 
 Bespeaks him Thorstein's son 
 Such brow, and smile so ready. 
 
 In Northland there is none." 
 
 Then viking Atle sturdy 
 
 Sprang up at one swift bound; 
 
 Black-bearded berserk, bloody. 
 And fiercely looked around. 
 
FRIDTHJOf WITH ANGANTYR. 103 
 
 "Now, I will prove," he thunders, 
 
 "What rumor means by this, 
 That all blades Fridthjof sunders. 
 
 And never sues for peace." 
 
 And with the doughty viking, 
 
 His twelve best champions start, 
 And in the air sharp striking. 
 
 They brandish sword and dart. 
 They storm the strand, where by it 
 
 The weary dragon lay; 
 But Fridthjof, sitting nigh it. 
 
 Looks ready for the fray. 
 
 " Quite easy could I fell thee," 
 
 The noisy Atle cries; 
 "No one comes here, I tell thee. 
 
 But either fights or flies. 
 If peace thou ask'st, believe me, — 
 
 I fight, but am no churl, — 
 In friendship I'll receive thee, 
 
 And lead thee to the earl." 
 
104 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 "Although I'm scarcely rested," 
 
 Is Fridthjofs sharp reply, 
 " Our good swords must be tested, 
 
 Before^ for peace I cry/' 
 Then swift the sun-brown fighter 
 
 His flashing sword-blade swung, 
 Bright glowed the runes and brighter 
 
 On Angervadil's tongue. 
 
 K 
 
 Blows fell without cessation, 
 • Now deadly blows like rain, 
 And now in quick rotation 
 
 Each shield is cleft in twain. 
 Unhurt, with wrath unspoken 
 
 They stand within the ring, — 
 Now Atle's sword is broken 
 
 And Fridthjofs sword is king. 
 
 Said he: "A swordless foeman 
 
 I've no desire to slay; 
 But if you will, as yeomen, 
 
 We'll try another way." 
 
FRIDTHJOF WITH ANGANTYR. 105 
 
 As waves 'gainst waves are pushing, 
 
 And' breaking crest on crest, 
 So on each other rushing, 
 
 They wrestled breast to breast. 
 
 They fought like two bears trying 
 
 Their strength on crust of snow. 
 Or, as o'er mad waves flying 
 
 The eagle meets his foe. 
 The firm earth trembled round them, 
 
 Though based on solid rock. 
 And oaks, though strong roots bound them. 
 
 Could scarce withstand the shock. 
 
 Their brows with sweat were beaded. 
 
 Their breasts heaved with a sound. 
 The brush and stones unheeded, 
 
 They scattered all around. 
 The twelve in expectation 
 
 Stood quaking on the sand ; 
 Eenowned through every nation 
 
 That struggle on the strand, y/ 
 
106 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But Fridthjof was the stronger, 
 
 He felled his foe at last, 
 And said with fiery anger. 
 
 His knee on Atle's breast: 
 "Had I my good sword ready. 
 
 Thou berserk blackbeard, now 
 Thy miserable body 
 
 I'd straightway plunge it through." 
 
 "Go bring it! Who'll prevent thee?" 
 
 Is generous Atle's cry, 
 "And if it will content thee, 
 
 As now I'll quiet lie. 
 Why should it make me sorrow? 
 
 For all must Valhal see; 
 I go to-day — to-morrow 
 
 Perhaps thy turn will be." 
 
 Then Fridthjof quick returning. 
 Desired to end the fray; 
 
 Raised Angervadil burning, — 
 But Atle quiet lay. 
 
FRIDTHJOF WITH ANGANTYE. 107 
 
 The falling blade ne'er harmed him, 
 For Fridthjof struck the sand; 
 
 Such courage had disarmed him, 
 He took brave Atle's hand. 
 
 With gleeful admonition 
 
 Old Halvard swung his staff: 
 " For your ,battle-meal potation 
 
 There's nothing here to quaff; 
 Upon the board hot-smoking 
 
 The silver dishes glow; 
 A cold meal is provoking, 
 
 And thirst annoys me so." 
 
 Appeased, with friendly feeling, 
 
 The portals they pass through, 
 And here from floor to ceiling, 
 
 To Fridthjof all was new. 
 Rough planks well matched together 
 
 Lined not the spacious hall, 
 But 'broidered golden leather 
 
 Was stretched along the wall. 
 
108 fridtujof's saga. 
 
 The center was not littered 
 
 By mortared hearthstone wide; 
 A marble fireplace glittered, 
 
 Built up against the side. 
 No smoke 'mid rafters flitted, 
 
 No roof with soot spread o'er; 
 Glass panes the windows fitted, 
 
 A lock secured the door. 
 
 No wooden torches crackling, 
 
 Illumed the champions' feast. 
 But waxen candles, sparkling. 
 
 In silver sconces placed. 
 A roasted stag, well larded, 
 
 The table's center graced; 
 Gold bands his raised hoof guarded. 
 
 With flowers his horns were dressed. 
 
 Beside each champion sitting, 
 A youthful maiden stood, — 
 
 An evening star, bright flitting. 
 Behind a stormy cloud 
 
, FREDTHJOF WITH ANGANTYR. 109 
 
 The blue eyes beamed, in showers 
 
 The gold-brown tresses flowed, 
 Complete as sculptured flowers 
 
 The little rose-lips glowed. 
 
 On silver stool, high mounted, 
 
 Sat Angantyr, the old; 
 His helm shot rays uncounted. 
 
 His corselet was of gold. 
 His mantle, rich and splendid, 
 
 With golden stars was strewn, — 
 And where the purple ended, 
 
 The spotless ermine shone. 
 
 Three steps the earl descended; 
 
 To Fridthjof genially 
 He said, with hand extended: 
 
 "Come higher, sit by me. 
 Of horns I've emptied many 
 
 With Thorstein in his day; 
 His son, more famed than any, 
 
 Shall not sit far away." 
 
no fridthjof's saga. 
 
 He filled each goblet brimming 
 
 With wine from Sicily, — 
 Like sparks of fire 'twas gleaming, 
 
 And foaming like the sea. 
 " Welcome ! " exclaimed the speaker, 
 
 "My friend's most worthy son! 
 To Thorstein fill a beaker, — 
 
 And drink now, every one!" 
 
 Now woke the harpstring's slumbers, 
 
 A skald from Morven's hills, 
 In GauFs melodious numbers, 
 
 Sad hero-songs he trills. 
 But Thorstein's praise was chanted 
 
 In old Norwayan tongue; 
 His noble deeds were vaunted, 
 
 His daring valor sung. 
 
 The earl asked much concerning 
 His friends of days gone by; 
 
 In words replete with learning 
 Young Fridthjof made reply. 
 
^. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF WITH ANGANTYfi. Ul 
 
 A judgment given blindly, 
 
 Swift accusation brings, 
 He spoke like Saga, kindly. 
 
 Remembering holy things. 
 
 And when he there recounted 
 
 How Helge goblins sent. 
 Which first the blue waves mounted. 
 
 Then, conquered, downward went. 
 The champions cheered him loudly, 
 
 And Angantyr the same, — 
 In high approval, proudly. 
 
 They echoed Fridthjof s name. 
 
 But when he spoke in anguish. 
 
 Of Ing'borg in her bloom, 
 How she was left to languish. 
 
 Her heart with grief overcome, — 
 Each maiden's cheek was burning. 
 
 Each bosom sore distressed; 
 And to her lover turning. 
 
 His faithful hand she pressed. 
 
112 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 His embassy to mention 
 
 He ventured by and by; 
 The earl gave pleased attention, 
 
 And then he made reply: 
 " I ne'er was tributary ; 
 
 King Bele's health, maybe. 
 To drink was customary, 
 
 But from his law we're free. 
 
 " His sons, I do not know them ; 
 
 If tribute they demand. 
 Custom the way will show them. 
 
 We'll meet them on the strand. 
 And see who best is reckoned; 
 
 But Thorstein was my friend." 
 His daughter then he beckoned, 
 
 Who sat quite near at hand. 
 
 Then rose the maiden tender. 
 From stool all golden bound. 
 
 Her waist is trim and slender, 
 Her bosom full and round. 
 
FRIDTHJOF WITH AX^ANTYR. 11^ 
 
 Each dimpled cheek encloses 
 
 An Astrild, roguish sprite, 
 As when on opening roses, 
 
 The butterflies alight. 
 
 She hastened to her bower, 
 
 A green silk purse she brought, 
 With bird and tree and flower 
 
 And beast 'twas deftly wrought; 
 On seas were white-winged vessels, 
 
 Beneath the silver moon. 
 Of gold were all the tassels. 
 
 The clasp with rubies shone. 
 
 She placed the dainty treasure 
 
 Within her father's hand; 
 He filled it, brimming measure, 
 
 With coin from foreign land. 
 "This welcome gift is only 
 
 A tribute to a friend; 
 And now the winter lonely 
 
 Consent with us to spend. 
 
114 fi^dthjof's saga. 
 
 True courage knows no danger, 
 
 But Heyd and Ham, I fear. 
 Revived await the ranger, 
 
 And winter storms are here. 
 All foes the deep is hiding, 
 
 Ellide may not shun. 
 And many whales are riding 
 
 The waves, though* conquered one.' 
 
 With jesting and potation 
 
 The hours till day were spent, 
 Without inebriation 
 
 The wine-cup gladness lent. 
 A brimming skoal was given 
 
 To Angantyr at last; 
 So Fridthjof in this haven 
 
 The cheerful winter passed. 
 
THE RETURN* 115 
 
 XII. 
 
 THE EETURN. 
 
 "VTOW spring is breathing in skies of blue, 
 -^^ And earth her carpet has wove anew, 
 And Fridthjof grateful his kind host leaving 
 Again the billowy plain is cleaving. 
 And gayly speeding through silver-spray. 
 His black swan ploweth her sunny way. 
 The western breezes that spring is bringing, 
 Like nightingales- in the sails are singing. 
 And ^ger's daughters in veils of blue 
 About the rudder their sports pursue. 
 Ah, how delightful when safely clearing 
 A foreign land, to be homeward steering! 
 When memory pictures the smoke that curled 
 Above one's hearthstone, his childhood's world. 
 The fount where playing his swift feet hurried, 
 The honored graves where his dead are buried. 
 He thinks of her who perchance may be 
 On high cliffs standing to watch the sea. 
 
ik; 
 
 Six days he sailed on his way returning, 
 The seventh a strip of blue discerning 
 Low down the horizon, he neared it fast, 
 Saw rock and islet and land at last. 
 That land is his ; from the waves advancing, 
 He sees green forests in sunlight dancing. 
 He hears the roar of the foaming streams, 
 Can trace each cliff which with granite gleams. 
 Salutes the headland and sound, then glideth 
 Along by the groves where his Ing'borg bideth. 
 Thinks how last summer each evening fair, 
 With her beside him he wandered there. 
 "Where is she? Guesses she not her lover 
 Is near her, safely the blue waves over? 
 Perhaps, removed from her Balder's care, 
 She strikes the harp in the palace, where 
 Her grief she'd lessen, her needle plying." 
 
 Then sudden rises his falcon, flying 
 From temple turret, then downward flits 
 Tq Fridthjof's shoulder, and there he sits. 
 As was his wont, of his love to assure him. 
 From Fridthjofs shoulder can none allure him, 
 
THE RETURK. 117 
 
 He scratches fast with his gold-tipped claws, 
 He gives no quiet, he makes no pause. 
 To Fridthjof s .ear now his beak he bendeth, 
 Perchance some loved one a message sendeth ; 
 Is it Ingeborg? Wildly his pulses bound, 
 But none interprets the broken sound. 
 
 Ellide gayly the headland rounding. 
 
 Skips lightly on, like a roebuck bounding. 
 
 Familiar waters surround the prow 
 
 Where happy Fridthjof is standing now. 
 
 He rubs his eyes and his hand he places 
 
 Above his brow to discern the traces 
 
 Of home so dear; but he looks in vain, — 
 
 Of Framness ashes alone remain. 
 
 The naked chimney stands lone and dreary, 
 
 Like warriors' bones of their grave-mounds weary; 
 
 The garden place is a blackened floor, 
 
 The ashes whirl round the wasted shore. 
 
 In bitter mood from his ship he hasteth, 
 
 Around the ruins his eyes he casteth. 
 
 His father's dwelling, his childhood's pride. 
 
 Then faithful Bran, with the shaggy hide, 
 
118 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Comes running toward him, each moment faster, — 
 Of forest bears had he oft been master; 
 How high he springs in his ghidsome glee, 
 How leaps with pleasure his friend to see. 
 The milk-white steed he so oft had ridden 
 Comes bounding up from the valley hidden, 
 With swan-like neck and the frame of a hind 
 And gold mane floating upon the wind. 
 He curves his neck and h6 stamps while standing, 
 His food from Fridthjof 's own hand demanding ; 
 But Fridthjof, poorer by far than they, 
 Has nought to give them, — he turns away. 
 
 • Unsheltered, sorrowful stands the rover; 
 
 He looks at the meadow and grove burnt over, — 
 
 Of Hilding's coming quite unaware. 
 
 His foster-father with silver hair. 
 
 "At what I see I can scarcely wonder. 
 
 When eagles flit then their nests are plunder. 
 
 'Tis Helge's deed lest the land be wroth. 
 
 So well he keeps his crowning oath! 
 
 To hate mankind and to gods be loyal, 
 
 While blackened homes mark his progress royal! 
 
THE RETURN. 119 
 
 More grief it gives me and less of pain; 
 
 But where does my Ingeborg meanwhile remain ? " 
 
 " The word I bear," Hilding said in sadness, 
 
 "I fear will bring you but little gladness. 
 
 You scarce had sailed when king Ring came on, 
 
 Five shields I counted against our one. 
 
 In Disar-dale did we prove our- valor, — 
 
 The river foamed with a crimson color. 
 
 King Halfdan's jest and his laugh arose, 
 
 So too the sound of his manly blows. C 
 
 My shield I held as a buckler o'er him. 
 
 Well pleased with fruits his bravery bore him. 
 
 Not long indeed did the battle, last. 
 
 King Helge yielded, and flying fast. 
 
 Though asa-blood in his veins was welling, 
 
 In passing Framness he fired the dwelling. 
 
 Before the brothers the choice was placed. 
 
 To give their sister to Ring, disgraced, 
 
 (By her alone could his wrongs be righted), 
 
 Or give their throne for his offer slighted. 
 
 Then hither and thither the messengers hied, 
 
 But now has Ring carried home his bride." 
 
120 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 "0 woman, woman!" said Fridthjof, scorning, 
 
 "Old Loke's thought should have been a warning; 
 
 His thought a lie, was in woman's form, 
 
 To man he sent it his heart to warm, 
 
 A blue-eyed lie that with tears alarms us, 
 
 Forever cheats and forever charms us ; 
 
 A rose-cheeked lie with bust defined, 
 
 Of spring-ice virtue and faith like wind; 
 
 From out whose heart folly often glances, 
 
 On whose fresh lips basest falsehood dances. 
 
 And yet how dear to my heart was she! 
 
 And dear as ever she still must be. 
 
 My wife I've called her since in the wildwood. 
 
 We played together in happy childhood. 
 
 Of high achievement if e'er I thought. 
 
 Her love alone was the prize I sought; 
 
 As stems which grow from one root together, 
 
 If Thor strikes one then thej both will wither; 
 
 If one its vesture of emerald shows, 
 
 The other mantles with green its boughs. 
 
 Our lives in joy and in grief thus blended, 
 
 I cannot think of the union ended. 
 
 But I'm alone. 0, thou noble Var 
 
THE RETURN. ' 121 
 
 "Who wanderest over the earth afar, 
 
 To record on gold every vow that's spoken, 
 
 Forego thy pastime, the vows are broken. 
 
 The tablet filled with but falsest lies, 
 
 The faithful gold 'gainst the insult cries. 
 
 Of Balder's Nanna Fve oft been dreaming. 
 
 But truth in mortals is only seeming. 
 
 In faithfulness can no heart rejoice 
 
 Since falsehood borrows my Ingeborg's voice, — 
 
 A voice like wind which o'er fl.ower fields strayeth 
 
 Or harp-strings' music when Brage playeth. 
 
 I'll list no more when the harp is tried, 
 
 I will not think of my faithless bride; 
 
 Where storms are raging there will I follow. 
 
 Till blood thou drinkest, thou ocean billow. 
 
 Where swords sow seeds for pale death to reap, 
 
 On mount or vale I my vigil keep. 
 
 If king I meet and to combat dare him 
 
 I smile to think how my sword shall spare him. 
 
 But if in battle a youth I meet, 
 
 With heart enamored and visions sweet. 
 
 Deluded fool who on faith relieth, 
 
 I'll hew him down e'er the vision flveth. 
 
122 FRlDTHJOr'S SAGA. 
 
 Will kindly slay him ere yet he be 
 Deceived, disgraced and betrayed like me." 
 
 "The blood that's youthful no boundaries heedeth,' 
 
 Old Hilding said, "how much it needeth 
 
 The cooling touch of the snows of age. 
 
 You wrong the maid with your senseless rage. 
 
 My foster-daughter beware of blaming 
 
 For adverse fortune which, heaven ordaining, 
 
 The wrathful norns upon men below 
 
 Hurl down, for none can escape the blow. 
 
 Like silent Vidar, no outward token 
 
 The maiden gave that her heart was broken. 
 
 Her grief was mute as in southern grove 
 
 The voiceless woe of the widowed dove. 
 
 To me alone who her childhood guided 
 
 Was all the pain she endured confided. 
 
 As dives the sea-fowl with wounded breast 
 
 Lest daylight's eye should upon it rest, 
 
 And there remaineth with life-blood flowing, 
 
 No sign of weakness or misery showing, 
 
 So she in darkness her sutfering bore. 
 
 And only I saw her anguish sore. 
 
THE RETURK. . 123 
 
 She often said: 'I am but an offering 
 
 For Bele's kingdom; who talks of suffering I 
 
 The snow-drop fragrant, with leaf and vine 
 
 To deck the victim in wreaths they twine. 
 
 How sweet to die and escape from anguish ! 
 
 But no, in pain must I live and languish ; 
 
 For Balder's wrath will no rest allow 
 
 My aching heart and my throbbing brow. 
 
 But tell to no one my secret sorrow, 
 
 rd rather suffer than pity borrow; 
 
 King Bele's daughter her fate may dare,— 
 
 But kindly greeting to Fridthjof bear.' 
 
 The wedding day with its footsteps fateful 
 
 Arrived at last. 0, the day most hateful! 
 
 To the temple marched in procession sad, 
 
 The white-robed virgins and men steel-clad; 
 
 A bard dejected the train was guiding, 
 
 Tlie pale bride followed, a black steed riding 
 
 As pale was she as the wraith which sits 
 
 On a storm-cloud black, when the lightning flits. 
 
 Fi-om off the saddle I quietly took her. 
 
 Nor at the temple door forsook her; 
 
 But led her up to the altar, where 
 
124 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 0- 
 
 Her vows she uttered in accents clear, 
 ^he wept and prayed, on good Balder calling, 
 While down her cheeks were the tear-drops falling. 
 When Helge saw on her arm your band, 
 He tore it off with an angry hand; 
 On Balder's image now hangs the jewel. 
 My wrath burst forth at this act so cruel; 
 My sword was by me, I drew it forth, — 
 King Helge then was but little worth. 
 ' Let be,' said Ing'borg, in acceuts broken, 
 'My brother might surely have spared this token; 
 How much one suffers ere death sets free, — 
 The Allfather judgeth 'twixt him and me.'" 
 
 "The Allfather judgeth," said Fridthjof slowly, 
 "I too would give him my judgment lowly. 
 Is't not now mid-summer, Balder's feast? 
 And in the temple the crowned priest, — 
 The king, who sold the maiden tender? 
 Ah! yes, my judgment I fain would render." 
 
balder's funeral pile. 125 
 
 XIII. 
 BALDER'S FUNERAL PILE. 
 
 MIDNIGHT'S sun on the mountain lay, 
 Blood-red was its gleaming; 
 It was not night nor was it day, 
 But just between them seeming. 
 
 Balder's bale-fire, symbol bright, 
 On sacred hearth was burning, — 
 
 Soon is quenched its wasted light, . 
 Hoder's rei^n returning. 
 
 Priests around the temple wall 
 Burning brands were grasping; 
 
 Silver-bearded, old men all, — 
 
 Their hard hands flint knives clasping. 
 
 The crowned king stands the altar near; 
 
 Hark! the midnight soundeth, — 
 With clash of weapons, sharp and clear. 
 
 The sacred grove resoundeth. 
 
126 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 "Bjorn, stand fast by yonder door, 
 
 No one must pass under, 
 Whosoe'er would cross the floor, 
 
 Cleave his skull asunder." 
 
 Helge paled; he knew too well 
 Whose that voice so ringing. 
 
 Forth stood Fridthjof ; his fierce words fell 
 Like autumn storm winds singing. 
 
 " Here's the ordered tribute ; it came 
 Safe through the tempest's rattl^; 
 
 Take it; then here by Balder's flame, 
 For life or death we'll battle. 
 
 " Shields behind us, our bosoms free. 
 
 Fair the fight be reckoned; 
 As king, the first blow belongs to thee. 
 
 Mind thou, mine's the second. 
 
 "Caught at last is the wily fox, 
 
 Vain all thought of flying; 
 Think of her with the golden locks. 
 
 Of Framness wasted lying." 
 
balder's funeral pile. 127 
 
 Thus he spake, and the purse he'd brought, 
 
 Forth he quickly drew it, 
 Careless of the mischief wrought,. 
 
 In Helge's face he threw it. 
 
 Darkness swam before the eyes 
 
 Of asas' kinsman sainted; 
 Blood gushed forth, he could not rise, 
 
 But near his altar fainted. 
 
 "With the gold you as tribute claim. 
 
 Are you overpowered? 
 None shall Anger vadil blame 
 
 For felling such a coward. 
 
 " Silence, priests with altar-knives, 
 
 Moonshine princes, quiet! 
 Else my sword may drink your lives; 
 
 Thirsting 'tis to try it. 
 
 " Holy Balder, thy wrath forbear, 
 
 Nor 'gainst me enrol it; 
 But the arm-ring which you wear, 
 
 Yonder craven stole it. 
 
128 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 "Not for thee did Volund old 
 
 Work its fair dimensions; 
 The maiden wept, but the thief was bold; 
 
 Away, such false pretensions." 
 
 Bravely drew he; together fast 
 Arm and ring seemed growing; 
 
 Angered Balder, when loosed at last. 
 Fell 'mid the embers glowing. 
 
 Hark! each flame, as it leaps on high, 
 
 A golden tooth resembles; 
 Bjorn, all pale, stands the doorway nigh, 
 
 Fridthjof, anxious, trembles. 
 
 "Open, Bjorn, let the people go. 
 
 By watchmen unimpeded; 
 The temple burns; throw water, throw 
 
 The ocean full, if needed." 
 
 Now a chain is knit to the strand. 
 Not a link is missing; 
 •Flies the billow from hand to hand 
 Against the fire-brands hissing. 
 
balder's funeral pile. 129 
 
 Fridthjof sits like the god of rain 
 
 High o'er beam and water, 
 Gives to all his orders plain, 
 
 Calm amid the slaughter. 
 
 Vain! the fire has the upper hand, 
 
 Smoke-clouds dense are growing, 
 Gold falls fast on the red-hot sand, 
 
 Silver streams are flowing. 
 
 All is lost! to the half-burned hall 
 
 A fire-red cock is clinging, 
 He sits and crows on the roof-peak tall. 
 
 His loosened pinions swinging. 
 
 The wind-blown flame mounts the vaulted sky, 
 
 Everything it levels, 
 Balder's grove is summer dry. 
 
 The hungry fire-king revels. 
 
 Fiercely leaping from height to height 
 
 Aiming yet still higher; 
 0, what wild and terrific light ! 
 
 Strong is^Balder's pyre! 
 
130 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Hark, it crackles ! the roots now burn, 
 The tops are fiery showers; 
 
 Muspel's ruddy children spurn 
 Man's mere human powers. 
 
 A fire-sea billows in Balder's grove, 
 Strandless breaks and hisses, 
 
 The sun is up, but bay and cove 
 Mirror flaming abysses. 
 
 Soon in smoldering ashes lay 
 Grove and temple's adorning; 
 
 Sadly then Fridthjof turned away, — 
 Wept in the light of morning. 
 
FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 131 
 
 XIY. 
 FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 
 
 ON deck at night 
 In summer bright 
 Silt Fridthjof grieving; 
 Like billows heaving, 
 Now wrath, now grief. 
 In his heart was chief; 
 And shoreward turning 
 Saw fires still burning. 
 
 "Thou temple reek 
 Fly up and seek 
 High Valhal's towers ; 
 The White God's powers 
 Call down on me 
 With wrath's decree. 
 And tell, swift bounding, 
 The vault resounding, 
 
132 FRIDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 The temple burned 
 To dust is turned; 
 The imaged glory 
 But lives in story. 
 Quick burned the god 
 Like common wood. 
 The grove protected 
 Nor once neglected 
 Since men swords bore 
 Is now no more; 
 By fire the slaying 
 Not time's decaying. 
 Forget no word 
 Thou hast seen or heard, 
 In Balder's dwelling 
 The story telling, 
 Thou message cloud 
 Of gods the shroud. 
 Long live in story 
 King Helge's glory, 
 Who exiled me 
 From him and thee, 
 My father's nation. 
 
FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 133 
 
 We'll roam creation 
 
 Where blue is king, 
 
 Where wild waves sing. 
 
 Thou canst not rest thee 
 
 Ellide, haste thee; 
 
 Earth's farthest bound 
 
 We'll sail around. 
 
 Soon thou'lt be rocking, 
 
 The sea-foam mocking. 
 
 My dragon good; 
 
 A drop of blood 
 
 Will nothing hinder 
 
 As on we wander. 
 
 In fiercest storm 
 
 Art thou ray home; — 
 
 The one I cherished 
 
 By Helge perished. 
 
 Thou art my North 
 
 My foster-earth, — 
 
 The other leaving 
 
 I wander grieving ; 
 
 My bride caressed 
 
 In black robes dressed : 
 
134 
 
 The one in lustre 
 I could not trust her. 
 
 Thou ocean free, 
 Unknown to thee 
 Is king oppressive, 
 Untrue, aggressive. 
 Thy king is he 
 Among the free 
 Who trembles never 
 How high soever. 
 With wrath oppressed, 
 Heaves thy white breast. 
 Blue fields are charming 
 And not alarming; 
 There heroes plow 
 With keel and bow, 
 And blood-rain showers 
 In oaken bowers. 
 The good steel blade 
 Is seed-corn made. 
 The fields bring yearly 
 Not honor merely, 
 
FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 135 
 
 But gold as well. 
 
 Oh, kindly swell, 
 
 Thou ocean billow! 
 
 Thee will I follow. 
 
 My father's grave 
 
 Calm waters lave 
 
 (How still he sleepeth 
 
 Where green grass creepeth). 
 
 Mine blue shall be^ 
 
 Flecked like the sea; 
 
 Forever floating, 
 
 On tempest gloating, 
 
 And fathoms deep 
 
 Draw men to sleep; 
 
 To me thou'rt given 
 
 For life a haven ; 
 
 My grave thou'lt be, 
 
 Thou ocean free!" 
 
 Thus inly burning 
 Sang Fridthjof, turning 
 His prow so true 
 From seas he knew, 
 
136 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 And slowly creeping 
 'Mid rocks still keeping 
 Their faithful ward 
 O'er shallow fjord. 
 But vengeance watcheth; 
 King Helge fetcheth 
 Ten dragons out. 
 The people shout, 
 With breath abated: 
 " The king is fated ; 
 He offers fight, 
 We scorn his might; 
 Though heaven-descended, 
 His reign is ended; 
 From earth we know 
 He now must go. 
 The blood god-given 
 Now longs for heaven." 
 
 Scarce was it spoke 
 Ere keels of oak 
 By unseen power 
 Began to lower; 
 
FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO, EXILE. 131 
 
 Then on and on 
 
 Are downward drawn 
 
 'To Ran's safe keeping. 
 
 King Helge, leaping, 
 
 Is glad to swim 
 
 From the sinking stem. 
 
 And BJorn, none blaming, 
 
 Laughed loud, exclaiming: 
 
 "Thou asa-blood. 
 
 The art was good; 
 
 No one detected. 
 
 Or e'en suspected, 
 
 I bored so quick, — 
 
 A worthy trick! 
 
 May waves enfold them 
 
 And Ran still hold them 
 
 As heretofore. 
 
 It grieves me sore 
 
 That Helge misses 
 
 False Ran's cold kisses." 
 
 In wrathful mood 
 King Helge stood 
 
138 peidthjof's saga. 
 
 From death delivered; 
 
 His round bow quivered, 
 
 Though made of steel, 
 
 As toward the shoal 
 
 So hard he drew it. 
 
 Though scarce he knew it. 
 
 It clanging broke. 
 
 Then Fridthjof spoke, 
 
 His lance well aiming, 
 
 While loud exclaiming: 
 
 " A death-bird here. 
 
 Enchained I bear; 
 
 If once set flying, 
 
 Then low is lying 
 
 Thy coward head. 
 
 By Loke led 
 
 Thy fear abuseth; 
 
 My lance refuseth 
 
 A coward's blood; 
 
 It is too good 
 
 For food so craven ; 
 
 Its worth be graven 
 
 On funeral stone, 
 
FRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 139 
 
 But not upon 
 A name which beareth 
 The stain thine weareth. 
 One exploit brave 
 Sank 'neath the wave; 
 The next one failed thee, 
 Nor aught availed thee; 
 Thy bow rust broke, 
 Not thou. The stroke, 
 When I aspire, 
 Is set much higlier, 
 As thou mayst see 
 'Tis far from thee." 
 
 His carved oar limber 
 "Was fir-tree timber, — 
 A mast-fir tall, 
 From Grudbrand's dale. 
 Taking another, 
 With both together 
 He rowed amain ; 
 Like arrowy cane 
 
140 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Or steel blade brilliant 
 Were the oars resiliant. 
 
 The sun climbs up 
 The mountain slope, 
 The winds, advancing 
 From land, to dancing 
 In morning's light 
 
 The waves invite. 
 
 Where foam-crest swimmeth 
 
 Ellide skimmeth 
 
 On joyous wings; 
 
 But Fridthjof sings: 
 
 " Thou front of creation, 
 
 Exalted North! 
 I have no station 
 
 On thy green eartli. 
 Thy lineage sharing 
 
 My pride doth swell, 
 Thou home of daring! 
 
 Farewell, farewell! 
 
PRIDTHJOF GOES INTO EXILE. 141 
 
 Farewell thou royal 
 
 Valhalla-throne! 
 Thou night's-eye loyal, 
 
 Midsummer sun! 
 Thou sky unclouded 
 
 As hero's soul! 
 Thou vault star-crowded! 
 
 Farewell, farewell! 
 
 Ye mountain ranges 
 
 Where honor dwells, 
 Creation's changes 
 
 Your rune-face tells. 
 Ye lakes and highlands 
 
 I knew so well, 
 Ye rocks and islands. 
 
 Farewell, farewell! 
 
 Farewell ye grave-mounds 
 Where the linden showers 
 
 Near azure wave-bounds 
 The dust of flowers! 
 
142 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But time revealeth 
 And judge th well 
 
 What Qarth concealeth; 
 Farewell, farewell! 
 
 Farewell ye bowers,- 
 
 Beneath whose shade 
 So many hours 
 
 By brooks I've played; 
 Ye friends of childhood, 
 
 Ye meant me well, 
 I love your wild wood; 
 
 Farewell, farewell! 
 
 My love is cheated. 
 
 My home is burned, 
 My shame completed, 
 
 I'm exiled, spurned. 
 From land appealing 
 
 To ocean's swell, 
 Life's joyous feeling. 
 
 Farewell, farewell I 
 
THE VIKING CODE. 143 
 
 XV. 
 
 THE YIKmG CODE. 
 
 VrOW he floated around on the desolate sea, like a 
 -^^ prey-seeking falcon he rode, 
 
 To the champions on board he gave justice and law; 
 wilt thou hear now the sea-viking's code? 
 
 "Make no tent on thy ship, never sleep in a house, for 
 
 a foe within doors you may view; 
 On his shield sleeps the vijiing; his sword in his hand, 
 
 and his tent is the heavenly blue. 
 
 " See how short is the shaft of the hammer of Thor, but 
 an ell's length the sword blade of Frey; 
 
 'Tis enough, for your weapon will ne'er be too short if 
 you dare near the enemy stay. 
 
 "When the storm rageth fierce, hoist the^sail to the top, — 
 how merry the storm-king appears; 
 
 Let her drive ! let her drive ! better founder than strike, 
 for who strikes is a slave to his fears. 
 
144 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 " Never take on thy vessel the land-sheltered maid ; were 
 
 she Freyja herself she'd ensnare ; 
 For the dimples she wears are but pitfalls for men, and 
 
 a net is her free flowing hair. 
 
 "Wine is Allfather's drink, and the cup is allowed if you 
 
 only can use it with sense ; 
 He who falls on tlie land may arise, — who falls here lie 
 
 to Ran, the sleep-giving, goes hence. 
 
 "If a merchant sail by, you must shelter his ship, but 
 the weak will not tribute withhold; 
 
 You are king of the waves, he a slave to his gains ; and 
 your steel is as good as his gold. 
 
 " Let your goods be divided by lot or by dice, how it 
 
 falls you may never complain ; 
 But the sea-king himself takes no part in the lots, — he 
 
 considers the honor his gain. 
 
 "If a viking-ship come, there is grappling and strife. 
 
 and the fight 'neath the shields will rejoice; 
 If you yield but a pace you are parted from us; 'tis the 
 
 law, you may act by your choice. 
 
THE VIKING COt)£. 145 
 
 "If you win, be content; he who praying for peace 
 yields his sword, is no longer a foe; 
 
 " Prayer's a Valhalla-child, hear the suppliant voice ; he's 
 a coward who answereth no. 
 
 "Wounds are viking's reward, and the pride of the man 
 on whose breast or whose forehead they stand; 
 
 Let them bleed on unbound till the close of the day, if 
 you wish to be one of our band." 
 
 Thus his law was enrolled, — and his name, every day, 
 
 through all foreign coasts grew renowned; 
 For his like was not seen on the blue-rolling sea, nor the 
 valor his champions crowned. 
 
 Then he sat by the rudder and sullenly gazed in the 
 
 depths of the blue rocking tide; 
 "Thou art deep; in thy depths thriveth peace, it may 
 
 be, but it thriveth not here where we ride. 
 
 "Is the White Grod enraged? Let him take up his sword, 
 
 I will fall if it thus is designed ; 
 But he sits in the skies, and the thoughts he sends 
 
 down which forever are clouding my mind." 
 
 13 
 
146 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 When the conflict came on, then his spirit arose like an 
 
 eagle refreshed for its flight; 
 
 And his brow it was clear, and his voice it rang high, — 
 
 like the thunderer first in the fight. 
 
 So from conquest to conquest unbroken he went, and 
 was safe o'er the high, foaming grave; 
 
 And he saw in the south many islands and rocks, till 
 he came to the calm Grecian wave. 
 
 When he saw the green groves that stand out from the 
 waves, and the temple before him uprose. 
 
 What he thought Freyja knows, and the poet knows too, 
 and the lover, he knows, ah ! he knows ! 
 
 "Here we ought to have dwelt, here's the island and 
 grove, here the fane as my father set forth. 
 
 It was here, it was here I invited my love, but the cruel 
 one staid in the North. 
 
 "Surely peace has its home in those blissful gree^i dales, — 
 
 in the colonnades, memory's words; 
 Like the whisper of love are the murmuring founts, and 
 
 a bride-song the voice of the birds. 
 
THE VIKING CODE. 147 
 
 " Where is Ingeborg now ? Hath forgotten me quite for 
 the gray-haired and withered old king? 
 
 I can never forget, but my life I would give, if one sight 
 of my love it would bring. 
 
 " Now three years have passed by since the land I beheld 
 
 where heroic achievement prevails; 
 Tower the honored mounts yet to the heavenly blue ? is 
 
 it green in my forefathers' dales ? 
 
 "On the grave where my father is laid I once planted 
 
 a tree; can it be it lives now? 
 And who cares for the weakling? Thou earth give it 
 
 moisture, and dew, kindly heaven, give thou. 
 
 "But why linger I longer on far distant waves, taking 
 
 tribute and striking men down? 
 For my soul but despises the glittering gold, and I've 
 
 gained quite enough of renown. 
 
 "There's a flag on the mast and it points to the North, 
 in the North is the land I hold dear; 
 
 I will follow the course of the heavenly winds, and back 
 to the Northland I'll steer." 
 
148 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 rPJDTIIJOF AND BJORN. 
 
 FEIDTHJOF. 
 
 BJORN, I am weary of riding the sea, 
 Turbulent traps are the billowy fountains; 
 Northland's firm earth and her long cherished moun- 
 tains, 
 Wondrous attractions, are calling to me. 
 Happy is he by his land unrejected, 
 No one denies him his father's green grave; 
 Too long, alas, have I wandered dejected. 
 Outlawed, afloat on this wilderness wave. 
 
 B,TORN. 
 
 Good is the sea, your complaining you squander, 
 Freedom and joy on the sea flourish best; 
 He never knoweth effeminate rest, 
 
 Who on the billows delighteth to wander. 
 When I am old, to the green growing land 
 
 I too will cling, with the grass for my pillow; 
 
FRIDTHJOF AND BJORN. 149 
 
 Now I will drink and will fight with free hand, 
 Now I'll enjoy my own sorrow-free billow. 
 
 FKIDTHJOF. 
 
 Now hath the ice indeed chased us to land, 
 
 Close round our keel are the stiffened waves dozing; 
 
 Let me not waste the long winter reposing 
 Here among rocks on this desolate strand. 
 
 Let me once more keep the Yule banquet olden, 
 Guest of king Ring and the bride of my choice ; 
 
 Let me once more see those waving locks golden, 
 Hear the sweet tones of that well-beloved voice. 
 
 BJORN. 
 
 Good! to king Ring it shall be my glad duty, 
 
 Something to teach of a wronged' viking's power ; 
 
 Fire we the palace at midnight's still hour, 
 Scorch the old graybeard and bear off tlie beauty. 
 
 Or, being viking you may think it right 
 Honor to grant the old man by a duel ; 
 
 Challenge him out on the ice for a fight, — 
 Whatever you will, only waiting is cruel. 
 
150 FRIDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 FRIDTIIJOF. 
 
 Speak not of firebrands, to war give no thought, — 
 
 Peace would I bear to the king, and not terror; 
 
 Ring nor his partner committed the error — 
 Heavenly vengeance my punishment sought. 
 
 Little of hope is now left worth the telling. 
 Only farewell would I take of my dear, — 
 
 Final farewell! When the green buds are swelling, 
 Sooner it may be, you'll see Fridthjof here. 
 
 BJORN. 
 
 Fridthjof, 'tis time for your folly's abating; 
 
 Sigh and lament for a false woman's loss ! 
 
 Earth is, alas, but too full of such dross ; 
 One may be lost, still a thousand are waiting. 
 
 Say but the word, of such goods I will bring 
 Quickly a cargo, — the Southland can spare them, 
 
 Red as the rose, mild as lambs in the spring ; 
 Then we'll cast lots, or as brothers we'll share them. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Bjorn, you're as frank and as joyous as Frey, 
 
 Bold to wage war and with wisdom advising; 
 
 1^ 
 
FRIDTHJOF AND 13J0RN. 151 
 
 Odin and Thor you ne'er think of despising,— 
 Freyjg,, the heavenly, you dare to gainsay. 
 
 Let us not question her power supernal. 
 Rather beware lest we waken her ire; 
 
 Onee, though now slumbering, the sparkle eternal 
 Mortals and gods shall enkindle to fire. 
 
 BJORN. 
 
 Go not alone, lest return be prevented. 
 
 FEIDTH.TOF. 
 
 Singly I go not, my sword goes with me. 
 
 BJOEN. 
 
 Hagbert, remember, was hanged to a tree. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF. 
 
 Who can be taken, to hang has consented. 
 
 BJORN. 
 
 Fallest thou, then, on thy murderer fell 
 Carve I the blood-eagle, vengeance bestowing. 
 
 FRIDTH.JOF. 
 
 Needless, fond Bjorn, he'll not hear the cock crowing 
 Longer than I do. Farewell, fare thee well. 
 
152 
 
 XVII. 
 FRIDTHJOF COMES TO KING RING. 
 
 KING King in state was seated at Yule-time drinking 
 mead, 
 And with him sat his consort, so white and rosy red; 
 They seemed like Spring and Autumn, when both to- 
 gether seen, — 
 The king was chilly Autumn, fresh Spring the fair young 
 queen. 
 
 A man, unknown, there entered within the spacious hall, 
 From head to foot enveloped, a bear-skin covering all; 
 And though by staff supported, and bent with age and 
 
 care, 
 He stood 'a head the taller than any champion there. 
 
 He chose for seat to rest him a bench beside the door, — 
 'Tis now the poor man's station, as 'twas in days of yore; 
 The courtiers all laughed loudly, with many a gibe and 
 
 jest. 
 And with the finger pointed to him in bear-skin dressed. 
 
FRIDTHJOF COMES TO KING RING. 153 
 
 The stranger's eyes flashed lightning which made his 
 anger felt, 
 
 And quick a young man seizing with one hand, by the belt, 
 
 Both up and down he turned him ; then ceased the glee- 
 ful din, 
 
 For all the rest were silent, — so you and I had been. 
 
 "What causes such an uproar? who dares disturb our 
 
 peace ? 
 Old man, come here and answer, and let the tumult cease; 
 Your name, your place, your errand; come, answer if 
 
 you can." 
 Thus spake the angered monarch to the half-concealed 
 
 old man. 
 
 "You ask me many questions, I'll answer every one: 
 My name (I will not give it) belongs to me alone; 
 My birthplace was misfortune, my heritage is want, — 
 I hither came but lately from wolf so fierce and gaunt. 
 
 "In youth I rode a dragon upon the waters blue. 
 Its wings were stout, and gayly and safely too it flew; 
 But crippled n,ow and frozen, it leaves the land no more. 
 And I, grown old and weary, burn salt upon the shore. 
 
154 FIIIDTHJOF'S SAGA. 
 
 "I came to see thy wisdom, renowned so far and wide; 
 And when they met me rudely (for scorn I'll not abide), 
 One idiot by the girdle I grasped, and turned him round, 
 For that I beg your pardon, — though now he's safe and 
 sound." 
 
 ''Thy words are wisely chosen," said Ring, "I must agree; 
 The aged should be honored, come sit thee here by me ; 
 Slip off these false disguises and let thy form appear, — 
 Disguise is foe to pleasure, and pleasure ruleth here." 
 
 The guest now loosed the bearskin, — it fell from off his 
 
 head. 
 Where stood old age decrepit, each saw a youth instead, — 
 From off whose noble forehead, and round whose shoulders 
 
 brave. 
 The light locks fell and floated in many a golden wave. 
 
 In azure velvet mantle, he then stood forth erect, 
 His belt a silver girdle with forest beasts bedecked, — 
 Embossed by cunning workman, each figure deftly traced, 
 And round and round the hero they each the other 
 chased. 
 
FRIDTHJOF COMES TO KING RING. 155 
 
 A massive golden circlet his sinewy arm displayed ; 
 His battle-sword hung by him as though the lightning 
 
 stayed ; 
 A hero glance about him he cast from time to time, 
 And stood as Balder beauteous, as Asa-Thor sublime. 
 
 Surprised, the queen's cheeks quickly with changing color 
 glow, 
 
 As northern lights so ruddy paint fields of driven snow; 
 ■^ As two twin water lilies, alarmed by tempest's swell, 
 i Stand swinging on the billow, her bosom rose and fell. 
 
 The horn a shrill blast sounded, then silence reigned 
 
 throughout; 
 The hour for vows was coming, and Frey's boar now 
 
 they brought; 
 His mouth contained an apple, wreaths on his neck were 
 
 laid. 
 His four knees bent beneath him upon a silver cade. 
 
 King Ring, his gray locks flowing, arose and straight- 
 way now 
 
 The boar's head gently touching, he thus declared his 
 vow : 
 
156 FRIDTHJOFS SAGA. 
 
 "I swear to conquer Fridthjof, the champion in war, 
 So help me Frey and Odin, and likewise mighty Thor." 
 
 Then with a smile defiant uprose the stranger tall, 
 A look of wrath heroic spread o'er his features all, — 
 He smote with sword the table till through the hall it 
 
 rang ; 
 And up from oaken benches the steel-clad warriors sprang. 
 
 "And now, sir king, please listen while I my vow shall 
 
 tell,— 
 Young Fridthjof is my kinsman, and so I know him well; 
 'Gainst all the world I'll shield him, I give you here my 
 
 word, 
 So help me now my norn, and likewise my good sword." 
 
 The king then laughed. "Right daring, methinks, your 
 
 speech," said he, 
 "But in this Northland palace shall all fair words be free; 
 My queen, fill him a bumper of wine, the very best, — 
 I hope that through the winter he'll here remain our guest." 
 
 The queen then took the goblet, before her it was placed, — 
 A rare and costly jewel, which once the ure's head graced; 
 
FRIDTHJOF COMES TO KIKG KlKG. 157 
 
 It stood on feet of silver, and on its golden bands 
 Were runes of high achievement, engraved by skillful hands. 
 
 Witli downcast eyes she reached him the goblet, brimming 
 
 filled,— 
 But with a hand so trembling that wine thereon was 
 
 spilled ; 
 As evening's shades so ruddy upon the lilies glow. 
 So gleamed the drops of ruby on hand as white as snow. 
 
 The guest the horn accepted with reverential bow, — 
 Not two men could have drained it, as men are reckoned 
 
 now, — 
 Without an instant's waiting the strong man, at a draught. 
 The lovely queen to honor, the brimming ruby quaffed. 
 
 The skald at table seated, his waiting harp brought forth, 
 And sang a heartfelt story of true love in the North, — 
 Of Hagbert and of Signe; and at the deep tones' peal 
 Each warrior's heart was melted, though clad his breast 
 in steel. 
 
 He sang of Valhal's mansions, of heroes' blest reward, 
 Of ancient deeds of valor, on fields of wave and sward; 
 
158 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Th<3n grasped each: hand its sword-hilt, then flashed each 
 
 eye i^te^t,-:^.; , 
 And. quickly round , tlie table the foaming mead-horn 
 
 went. ' 
 
 And lively was the drinking within that royal hall, — 
 An honest Yule carousal engaged the champions all; 
 The sleep that followed after no care or anger stained; 
 But Ring, the ag^d monarch, with Ingeborg remained. 
 
THE RIDE ON THE ICE. 159 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 THE RIDE ON TH 
 
 KING RING to a banquet his queeu would take, 
 The ice hke a mirror o'erspread the lake. 
 
 "Go not on the ice," said the stranger bold, 
 
 "It may break, and the bath is too deep and cold." 
 
 "The king," answered Ring, "is not easily drowned. 
 Whoever is fearful let him go round." 
 
 The stranger was angered and sullen frowned, — 
 Then quickly his skates to his feet he bound. 
 
 The sledge-horse sets out, he is strong and free, — 
 His nostrils are flaming, so glad is he. 
 
 "Strike out," cried the monarch, "my charger good, 
 And show if you are of the Sleipner blood." 
 
 As swift as a storm on the sea his speed ; 
 
 The prayers of the queen does the king not heed. 
 
160 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 The stranger in mail on his skates is not still, 
 But passes them swiftly whenever he will. 
 
 He writes many runes on the ice besides, — 
 And over her name lovely Ingeborg rides. 
 
 They swiftly speed onward, the lake to span, 
 But under them lurketh the treacherous Ran. 
 
 Her silvery roof in a trice she breaks. 
 
 And catches the sled in the hole she makes. 
 
 The cheeks of the beautiful queen turn pale; 
 Then comes like a whirlwind the skater in mail. 
 
 He buries his skate in the ice, to clasp 
 The steed's flowing mane in his iron grasp. 
 
 With one single effort his arm he swings. 
 And charger and sled to the firm ice brings. 
 
 "That stroke," said Ring, "was a noble one, — 
 Not Fridthjof, the strong, could have better done. 
 
 So they all returned to the house of the king, — 
 The stranger remaining until the spring. 
 
pridthjof's temptation. 161 
 
 XIX. 
 
 FEIDTHJOF'S TEMPTATION. 
 
 SPRING is coming, song-birds twitter, woods are leafing, 
 smiles the sun ; 
 Dancing downward, toward the ocean, see the loosened 
 
 rivers run; 
 Glowing like the cheeks of Frejja, from the buds the 
 
 roses ope, — 
 Hearts of men to life awaken, full of courage, love' and 
 hope. 
 
 Ho! the chase! the aged monarch with his queen will 
 
 go to-day; 
 Now in crowds the court assembles, waiting in confused 
 
 array, — 
 Bows are clanging, quivers rattling, steeds impatient paw 
 
 the ground; 
 Hooded falcons, wildly shrieking, make the echoing hills 
 
 resound. 
 
 14 
 
162 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 See! the queen appears! Poor Fridthjof, do not thither 
 
 cast your eye; ^ 
 
 Sits she on her milk-white palfrey like a star in spring's 
 
 clear sky, — 
 Half a Freyja, half a Rota, — lovelier far than either one, — 
 From her dainty hat of purple, plumes are waving in the 
 
 sun. 
 
 Look not on those eyes so heavenly, — of those golden 
 
 locks beware! 
 Oh! take care! that form is supple, full that bosom, oh! 
 
 take care! 
 Look not where, the rose and lily shifting hues alternate 
 
 fling; 
 Listen not to those loved accents, sighing like the winds 
 
 of spring. 
 
 Now the hunting troop is ready. Hark, through hills 
 
 and valleys all 
 Sounds the horn, the falcon loosened straight ascends to 
 
 Odin's hall; 
 Forest denizens in terror haste to seek their cavern-homes ; 
 But, with spear outstretched before her, each valkyrie 
 
 swiftly comes. 
 
fridthjof's temptation. 163 
 
 Aged Ring no longer follows where the eager hunter flies ; 
 By his side alone rides Fridthjof, silent, grave, with 
 
 downcast eyes. 
 Darkest thoughts, and full of anguish, stir within his 
 
 sorrowing breast, 
 And wherever he may wander, liaunting voices banish rest. 
 
 "Oh, the sea! why did I leave it? thus to my own peril 
 
 blind! 
 Sorrow thrives not on the billow, scattered 'tis by every 
 
 wind. 
 Broods the viking? — danger cometh bidding him the 
 
 lance prepare; 
 Vanish then all sad reflections, blinded by the weapon's 
 
 glare. 
 
 "Here, a longing, past describing, flaps its wings about 
 my brow. 
 
 And like one asleep and dreaming, to and fro I wan- 
 der now ; 
 
 Balder's precincts I remember, nor forget the oath she 
 gave,— 
 
 'Twas the gods, not she who broke it, — gods relentless 
 as the grave. 
 
164 
 
 " For they hate the race of mortals, on their joy with 
 anger look, 
 
 So to deck cold winter's hosom, they my tender rose-bud 
 took ; 
 
 What does Winter with my blossom ? Can he under- 
 stand its worth ? 
 
 Nay, but bud and stem and leaflet, clothes in ice with 
 frosty breath." 
 
 4 Thus bewailed he. Soon they came into a dark and 
 lonesome dell. 
 
 Gloomy, crowded 'twixt two mountains; o'er it densest 
 shadows fell. 
 
 Then the monarch halted, saying: "See how lovely, fresh 
 and deep! 
 
 I am weary and would rest me, fain would have a mo- 
 ment's sleep." 
 
 "Sleep not here, for hard and chilly is the ground, 
 
 king, indeed; 
 Up, thy sleep will not refresh thee, let me back the 
 
 monarch, lead." 
 " Like the other gods, sleep cometh unexpected. Does 
 
 my guest," 
 
pridthjof'b temptation. 165 
 
 Said the king with feeble accents, "grudge his host a 
 moment's rest ? " 
 
 Fridthjof then took off his mantle, and outspread it 
 
 'neath a tree, 
 And the king, in trusting friendship, laid his head on 
 
 Fridthjof 's knee; 
 Soon he slept as sleeps the hero after battle's rude alarms. 
 On his shield, or as an infant cradled in his mother's 
 
 arms. ^ \ 
 
 As he slumbers, hark! there singeth from a branch a 
 
 coal-black bird; 
 " Hasten, Fridthjof, slay the gray-beard, free your mind 
 
 by discord stirred ; 
 ake the queen, she's thine by promise; thee the bridal 
 
 kiss she gave. 
 Human eyes do not behold thee ; deep and silent is the 
 
 grave." 
 
 Fridthjof listens ; hark ! there singeth from a branch a 
 
 snow-white bird: 
 " Though no human eye behold thee, Odin sees and 
 
 hears each word; 
 
166 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Coward, wilt thou murder slumber ? Slay an old de- 
 fenceless man ? 
 
 "Win what else, the crown of heroes is not won by such 
 a plan." 
 
 p 
 
 So sang both the birds, but Fridthjof, snatching up his 
 
 battle-blade. 
 Flung it from him with a shudder, far into the gloomy 
 
 glade. 
 Black-bird flew away to Nastrand, airily the other one, 
 Singing, sweetly as a harp-tone, straightway mounted 
 
 toward the sun. 
 
 Suddenly the old man wakens. "Much that sleep was 
 worth to me; 
 
 Guarded by a brave man's weapon, sleep is sweet beneath 
 a tree. 
 
 Yet I do not see your weapon; where has fled the light- 
 ning's twin ? 
 
 What has parted you who never in your lives have 
 parted been?" 
 
 "Little matters it," said Fridthjof, "'tis not. hard to find 
 a sword ; 
 
FRIDTH.TOF's TEMPTATION". 167 
 
 Sharp its tongue, king, and never speaks for peace a 
 
 single word ; 
 Haunted 'tis by evil spirit, black, from Niflheim it 
 
 roams. 
 Sleep is here in danger from it, seeking silver locks it %| 
 
 comes." 
 
 "I, youth, have not been sleeping, but to prove you 
 
 have I tried ; 
 Man or sword a wise man testeth, ere in them he can 
 
 confide. 
 You are Fridthjof; since you entered first my hall I've 
 
 known you well ; 
 Ring, though old, at once detected what his guest would 
 
 fain conceal. 
 
 "Wherefore, thus into my dwelling, crept you nameless, 
 
 in disguise ? 
 Wherefore but to cheat and rob me, and my bride bear 
 
 off a prize? 
 Honor, Fridthjof, sits not nameless, hospitality's rude 
 
 guest ; 
 Bright its shield as sun at noonday, on its face all eyes 
 
 may rest. 
 
168 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 " Fame had told us of a Fridthjof, whom both men and 
 
 gods revere; 
 Shields he cleft and temples wasted, bold and brave, 
 
 without a fear. 
 Soon with war-shield, so I reasoned, lie will come against 
 
 my land; 
 And he came, but clad in tatters, beggar's staff within 
 
 his hand. 
 
 •• Wherefore now cast down your eyelids ? Once, like you, 
 
 I too was young; 
 From the first is life a struggle, and fresh youth its 
 
 Berserk-gang. 
 Hardly pressed and tried it must be, that its onset 
 
 triumph not; 
 I have proved you and forgiven, I have pitied and forgot. 
 
 "Now am I grown old and weary, in the grave shall rest 
 
 me soon. 
 Therefore take, youth, my kingdom, take my queen, 
 
 she is thine own ; 
 Be my son, till then remaining still my guest as heretofore. 
 Swordless champion shall protect me and our feud exist 
 
 no more." 
 
FRIDTHJOF'S TEMPTATION. 169 
 
 "As a thief," said Fridthjof sadly, "came I not, king, 
 
 to thee; 
 Had 1 wished thy qaeen to capture, tell me, who had 
 
 hindered me? 
 But my bride, tliough lost forever, wished I to behold 
 
 once more; 
 Fool was I! anew I kindled flames which were half 
 
 quenched before. 
 
 " In thy halls too long I've tarried ; here I must no longer 
 
 stay. 
 Gods unreconciled their anger rest upon me day by day; 
 Balder, with the light locks flowing, loveth all mankind 
 
 but one; 
 Only I am now rejected; see, he hateth me alone! 
 
 "Yes, I set on fire his temple. Fane-profaner call they me. 
 Children shriek when I am mentioned, joy and gladness 
 
 from me flee; 
 Northland casteth out the lost one, and in anger cries — 
 
 depart ! 
 In my native land I'm outlawed, I am outlawed in my 
 
 heart. 
 
170 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 "I will seek for peace no longer on the earth, so green 
 
 and sweet, 
 Trees no more their shade afford me, burns the ground 
 
 beneath my feet. 
 Ingeborg I've lost forever ; she, my bride, accepted Ring, 
 From my life the sun has vanished, night and noonday 
 
 darkness bring. 
 
 "Therefore hence to ocean's billow! Out, away my dragon 
 
 good, 
 Bathe again thy pitch-black bosom in the briny boiling 
 
 flood ; 
 Wave in clouds thine inky pinions, let the sea a path 
 
 prepare, 
 Fly as far as star can guide us, far as conquered billows 
 
 bear. 
 
 "Let me hear the rolling thunder, let me hear the light- 
 ning's voice; 
 
 When it thunders all around me, Fridthjof's heart will 
 then rejoice; 
 
 Clang of shields and rain of arrows! Let the sea the 
 battle fill ; 
 
 Purified, Pll then fall gladly, reconciled to heaven's will." 
 
KING ring's death. 171 
 
 XX. 
 
 KING RING'S DEATH. 
 
 GOLDEN mane flowing, 
 Skinfaxe duteous 
 Draweth the spring sun more bright than before; 
 Morning beams glowing 
 Doubly as beauteous, 
 Sport in the hall; — there's a knock at the door. 
 
 Though his heart grieveth, 
 Enters the stranger; 
 Pale sits the king, while the queen's gentle breast 
 Billow-like heaveth; 
 Singeth the ranger 
 A song of departure, with sorrow oppressed. 
 
 "Bathes now the billow 
 Winged steed flying, 
 Sea-horse is longing to flee from the strand; 
 Glad will he follow 
 
172 feidthjof's saga. 
 
 Him who is hieing 
 Far from his home and his well beloved land. 
 
 " The arm-ring I give thee, 
 Ing'borg, receive it. 
 Holiest memories with it remain. 
 Ne'er let it leave thee; 
 Fridthjof, believe it 
 Truly forgives. Thou'lt not see him again. 
 
 "No more beholding 
 
 The smoke's upward motion 
 Northland I'll see. Truly man is a slave ; 
 Fate is unyielding; 
 Far on the ocean 
 There is my fatherland, there is my grave, 
 
 *' When in your roaming 
 Stars the vault cover, 
 Go not with Ingeborg down to the strand ; 
 Lest in the gloaming 
 You should discover 
 Fridthjof. the outlawed cast up on tlie sand." 
 
KiUfG ring's death. 173 
 
 "Sad is the hearing," 
 Ring said, replying, 
 " When a man moans like a weak maiden's sigh. 
 Valhal is n earing, 
 
 E'en now the sighing 
 Death song I hear. Every mortal must die. 
 
 "No one can frighten, 
 Or hy complaining 
 Change the allotment the norns have set down ; 
 Sorrow thou'lt lighten 
 
 O'er the land reigning, — 
 Take thou my queen, for my son guard the crown. 
 
 "True is it spoken. 
 Loved and respected 
 Peaceful I've reigned, over mountain -and vale; 
 Yet have I broken 
 
 Shields, unprotected. 
 Landward and seaward, without turning pale. 
 
 "Now shall the bleeding 
 Geirs-odd relieve me, — 
 
174 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Dying in bed ill befits Northland's kings ; 
 Not worth my heeding, 
 
 Death shall receive me, — 
 Lite's pain is equal to that which death brings." 
 
 Then carved he rightly 
 Letters all glowing, — 
 Death runes to Odin on arm and on chest; 
 Shine now so brightly 
 Blood-drops o'erflowing, 
 Dyeing the silvery hair on his breast. 
 
 "Bring for my drinking 
 
 The horn with wine flowing-; 
 Skoal to thy honor, thou land of my birth! 
 Minds deeply thinking. 
 
 Harvest fields growing, — 
 Peaceful exploits have I loved on the earth. 
 
 "Vain amid slaughter 
 Bloody and daring, 
 Sought I for peace, — she fled in dismay. 
 Now 4he mild daughter 
 
KING RING'S DEATH. 175 
 
 Of heaven appearing, 
 Beckons me hence to Valhal away. 
 
 " Hail ye immortals ! 
 
 Sons of high heaven! 
 Earth disappears; Gjallarhorn to a feast 
 Opens the portals; 
 By the gods given, 
 Blessedness crowns as a helmet the guest ! " 
 
 Speaking intently, 
 
 Ing'borg's hand loyal, 
 Also his son's, and his friend's, too, he pressed; 
 Eyelids close gently, — 
 Spirit so royal 
 Flies with a sigh to the Allfather's breast. 
 
176 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 XXI. 
 KING'S DRAPA. 
 
 SEPULTURED sits he, 
 Sovereign descended, 
 Battle sword by him, 
 Buckler on arm ; 
 Chafes his good charger 
 Champing impatient, 
 Pawing with gold-hoof 
 The gate of the grave. 
 
 Ring, great in riches, 
 Rideth o'er Bi frost ; 
 Bends with its burden, 
 Bridge of the gods. 
 Wide for his welcome 
 Valhal it opens, 
 Hands to the hero 
 Heaven extends. 
 
ring's drapa. 177 
 
 Absent is Asa-Thor, 
 Active in warfare. 
 Beckoned by Odin 
 The beaker is brought; 
 Frey the king graces 
 With garlands of grain-ears, 
 Blossoms the bluest 
 Binds Frigg therein. 
 
 Graspeth the gold-string, 
 Gray-bearded Brage, 
 Stiller now sigheth 
 The song than before; 
 Freyja the faithful, 
 Fondly reclining, 
 Bends o'er the board and 
 Burneth to hear. 
 
 "Sing high the smiting 
 Of sword upon helmet, , 
 Boisterous billows. 
 Bloody for aye ; 
 Power, the gift of 
 Gods ever gracious, 
 
178 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Bitter as berserk 
 Biting the shield. 
 
 " Hence was the hero-king, 
 Heaven-born dear to us, 
 Showing his shield 
 A shelter for peace. 
 Power's embodiment 
 Plainly impersonate, 
 Soared like a sacrifice- 
 Smoke to the sky. 
 
 "Words full of wisdom 
 Wise Odin chooseth 
 Sitting with Saga 
 Solivabek's maid. 
 Such, too, the saying 
 Spoke by the monarch, 
 Fair as of Mimer 
 Flows the clear fount. 
 
 "Forsete faithful 
 All feuds adjusteth, 
 Sitting serenely 
 
ring's drapa. 179 
 
 By the side of Urd's spring; 
 Thus high enthroned 
 Thou, king beloved, 
 Potently pleadest 
 For peace in the land. 
 
 " Niggard in nothing, 
 Near and far strewed he 
 Beauty and blessing, 
 Bought with his gold ; 
 Gave he most gladly 
 Guerdon unstinted, 
 Sadness he solaced. 
 Suffering relieved. 
 
 " Welcome, thou wisest 
 Winner of Valhal! 
 Long thou'lt be lauded, 
 Loved of the North. 
 Brage, the bearded, 
 Bears thee the mead-horn, 
 Favored of fortune. 
 Friend from below." 
 
180 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 THE KING'S ELECTION. 
 
 TO thing! to th 
 The cry arose. 
 
 thing ! " from dale to hill 
 
 "King Ring is dead; his place to fill 
 A king we'll choose." 
 
 From off the wall the peasant moves 
 
 His steel sword blue; 
 Its edge his practiced finger proves, 
 
 It biteth true. 
 
 The boys admire in pleased surprise 
 
 The gleaming blue ; 
 To lift the sword one vainly tries, 
 
 It needeth two. 
 
 The daughter scours the helmet clean, 
 
 Bright shall it be, 
 And blushes, in its silvery sheen 
 
 Her face to see. 
 
THE king's election. 181 
 
 At last he takes his shield so round, 
 
 A sun in blood ; 
 " Hail ! iron man, so strong and sound, 
 
 Tiiou peasant good ! 
 
 Renown and power wiiich nations wield 
 
 From thee they draw. 
 In war thou art thy country's shield, 
 
 In peace its law." 
 
 The assembly met, while sounding high 
 
 Were arms and shields. 
 In open thing, 'neath heaven's sky, 
 
 In fair green fields. 
 
 Upon the thing-stone Fridthjof stands. 
 
 And with him there 
 A little one with shining bands 
 
 Of golden hair. 
 
 Then rose the cry on every hand : 
 
 " Too small indeed 
 The king's son is to rule our land, 
 
 Our wars to lead." 
 
182 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But Fridthjof on his shield raised up 
 
 The little boy: 
 "Ye Norsemen, here behold your hope, 
 
 Your king, your joy. 
 
 "High Odin's race embodied here 
 
 In image see, 
 As much at home 'mid shield and spear, 
 
 As fish in sea. 
 
 "I swear my lance and sword to set 
 
 Round land and throne, 
 And with the father's coronet 
 
 To crown the son. 
 
 "The oath I make to Baldei''s son* 
 
 Of high renown, 
 And if I fail, may he not shun 
 
 To strike me down." 
 
 The boy sat on the shield so high 
 
 As 'twere a throne. 
 Undaunted as the eaglet's eye 
 
 Looks toward the sun. 
 
 * Foruete. 
 
THE king's election. 183 
 
 At last impatient grew his blood, 
 
 And to the ground, 
 The cliild leaped down and fearless stood ; — 
 
 A kingly bound ! 
 
 Then rose the cry from all the thing: 
 
 " We of the North, 
 We choose hut thee, be like king Ring, 
 
 Thou shield-borne youth. 
 
 "And Fridthj of shall a guardian be, 
 
 Thy youth to guide; 
 His mother, earl, we give to thee, 
 
 To be thy bride." 
 
 But Fridthjof frowned: "To-day," said he, 
 
 "Election make, 
 But not a bridal ; leave to me 
 
 A bride to take. 
 
 " To Balder's temple I'll repair, 
 
 I go to see 
 The norns who are already there 
 
 Awaiting me. 
 
184 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 "With them a council I have willed, 
 
 The shield-maids true, — 
 Beneath the tree of time they build, 
 
 Above it too. 
 
 "Against me Balder's anger sore 
 
 Doth still abide; 
 He took, he only can restore 
 
 My cherished bride." 
 
 Saluting then the monarch new. 
 
 He kissed his brow. 
 And o*er the broom -heath passed from view, 
 
 Silent and slow. 
 
FKIDTHJOF AT Hlti FATHEK's GRAVE. 185 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 FRIDTHJOF AT HIS FATHER'S GRAVE. 
 
 " TJ OW brightly smiles the sun, so friendly seeming, 
 
 ^^ As swift from branch to branch its soft rays glide! 
 Allfather's light within the dew-drop gleaming, 
 
 Is clear and pure as in the ocean wide. 
 Seel all the mountain tops with red are streaming, — 
 
 From Balder's altar flows the bloody tide; 
 In night will shortly sink the world's commotion, 
 As sinks the golden shield beneath the ocean. 
 
 " Yet let me first behold those Avell known places, 
 My childhood friends that I have loved so well ; 
 
 The same sweet beauty still the valley graces, 
 The same birds yet alight in wood and dell ; 
 
 The same blue wave the stable rock embraces, — 
 Oh, would I ne'er had tried its treacherous swell! 
 
 It always speaks of fame and high endeavor, 
 
 But far from home it bears tliee on forever. 
 
 16 
 
186 FRTDTHJOF S SAGA. 
 
 "I know thee, stream, whose waters erst were freighted 
 With swimmer bold, who with thy billows fought I 
 
 I know thee, too, thou vale where oft we plighted 
 Eternal faith I Alas! earth hold4s it not! 
 
 Ye. birchen trees, whose bark I carved delighted 
 With many runes, .still wedded to the spot 
 
 Your white stems stand, crown-capped with sunshine 
 golden. 
 
 All save myself unchanged since days now olden. 
 
 "Is all unchanged? Where, then, is Framness' dwelling, 
 And Balder's temple on the sacred shore? 
 
 At thought of childhood's dales my heart is swelling, 
 But fire and sword devoured them, they're no more. 
 
 Of human vengeance, of God's wrath their telling 
 To wanderers over blackened field and floor; 
 
 Thou pious pilgrim, come not here to ponder. 
 
 For forest beasts in Balder's grove now wander. 
 
 "With Nidhug's curse each human life is teeming, — 
 The cruel tempter from the land of shade. 
 
 He hates the asa-light with glory beaming 
 On hero's ])row and on liis sliinini^: blade; 
 
FRIDTHJOF AT HIS FATHER'S GRAVE. 187 
 
 Each coward deed, each act of wrathful seeming, 
 
 Is his, a tribute unto darkness paid; 
 He wins when temples burn and gods are slighted. 
 He claps his coal-black hands and laughs delighted. 
 
 "Is there no expiation, radiant heaven? 
 
 Thou blue-eyed god, dost thou no penance take? 
 Man pardons man who has for pardon striven, 
 
 When men atone the gods their wrath forsake; 
 By thee, the mildest one, I'm unforgiven ; — 
 
 Command, and any sacrifice I'll make ; 
 No will had Fridthjof in the temple's burning ; 
 Oh I stainless make his shield, thine anger turning. 
 
 "Thy burden take away, I cannot bear it, 
 
 The dark wood's music in my soul doth cry. 
 
 A moment's fault ! cannot a life repair it, — 
 
 An upright life ? Then hear my contrite sigh ! 
 
 If Thor's fierce bolt should strike, I still would dare it: 
 Nor shrink to meet the look of Hel's pale eye. 
 
 Thou pious god, who moonlight glances bendest, 
 
 'Tis thee I fear, and vengeance which thou sendest 
 
188 fridth.tof's saga. 
 
 "My father's grave is here. The hero sleepeth; — 
 Alas! whence he has gone none ever roam; 
 
 A starry tent his home,, no more he weepeth, 
 
 Where shields rejoice and brimming mead-horns foam 
 
 Thou asa-guest, from heaven look down where keepeth 
 His weary watch thy child. father, come I 
 
 I bring not runes nor charms, but l)ending lowly 
 
 Would learn to appease pale Balder holy. 
 
 "Still silent is the grave? Ah yes, and cruel. 
 
 A sword roused Angantyr within his grave; 
 A sword is naught, — Tirfing a trifling jewel 
 
 Compared with what I ask. A sword the brave 
 Can gain on battle field or in a duel, — 
 
 Forgiveness from the asas' home I ci-sive; 
 Bear thou my plea, my sorrowing look to heaven, 
 No rest have noble minds if unforgiven. 
 
 "Thou'rt silent, father! Hear the waves resounding, 
 And send thy loving word by their sweet cry ; 
 
 Now flies the storm, on its swift pinions bounding, 
 0, whisper to me as it flieth by ; 
 
FRIDTHJOf AT HIS FATHER'S GRAVE. 189 
 
 See golden rings the western sky surrounding, 
 
 Let them the message give which words deny. 
 No sign or answer for thy son forsaken ? 
 How poor indeed are those whom death lias taken ! " 
 
 The sun is quenched. The evening breeze is stealing 
 
 Upon earth's children witli its lullaby, 
 And sunset tints in myriad circles wheeling 
 
 Around the brim of heaven's rosy sky, 
 O'er hill and dale their azure hues revealing, 
 
 A vision now of Valhal passeth by ; 
 Then unexpected comes with rustling motion. 
 An image, gold and flames from western ocean. 
 
 A wondrous Hagring now the heavens covers, 
 
 (The name that Valhal gives hath lovelier sound). 
 
 And over Balder's grove it gently hovers, — 
 A golden chaplet set in emerald ground ; 
 
 Resplendence everywhere the eye discovers, 
 Such lustre mortals ne'er before had found. 
 
 It stops and sinks to earth, not disappearing, — 
 
 But where the temple stood, a temple rearinsr. 
 
196 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 An imaged Breidablik its wall upreareth, 
 
 (So burnished silver on the cliff had shone), 
 
 Each pillar cut of deep blue steel appeareth, 
 The, altar is a single precious stone, 
 
 A power unseen the vaulted roof upbeareth, — 
 A winter sky with sparkling stars o'erstrewn ; 
 
 And there with golden crowns and robes befitting, 
 
 Of azure splendor, ValhaFs gods are sitting. 
 
 With rune- writ shields, the maids of fateful power, 
 The noble norns, within the portal stand, — 
 
 Three rosebuds springing in a single flower, 
 A grave and yet a fascinating band; 
 
 While Urd is pointing to the ruined tower, — 
 
 The new one Skuld doth greet with welcome hand 
 
 But scarce restored is Fridthjof, filled with blended 
 
 Delight and wonder, ere the scene is ended. 
 
 "From you, Time's maidens, comes illumination,— 
 Thine, hero-father, is the token good ; 
 
 The wasted shrine I'll build on sure foundation, 
 In beauty shall it stand where erst it stood; 
 
I 
 
 FRIDTHJOF AT HIS FATHER'S GBAVE. 191 
 
 How excellent to thus make expiation, 
 
 By peaceful deeds to atone for actions rude I 
 The outcast still may hope who sues in meekness,— 
 The White God softens, and forgives his weakness. 
 
 "All hail, ye myriad stars in splendor heamingi 
 With joy I watch you silent tread the skies; 
 
 And welcome, Northern-lights, above me streaming,— 
 No more a flaming temple to mine eyes; 
 
 Grow green, gravel and from the wave bright gleaming 
 Thou wondrous melody again arise. 
 
 ril sleep upon my shield, and dream how heaven 
 
 Forgets the faults its mercy hath forgiven. 
 
192 fkidthjof's saga. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 THE RECONCILIATION. 
 
 /^OMPLETED now was Balder's temple. Not enclosed 
 yj As heretofore with fence of wood ; of hammered steel. 
 With golden knobs upon each bar, was built the fence 
 Round Balder's ground. Like steel-clad champions! 
 
 ranged for war, 
 With halberds and with golden helms, there stood it now 
 On guard around the sanctuary of the god. 
 Of giant stones alone the massive wall was built, 
 And joined with active skill, — a noble giant work 
 For all eternity (as is Upsala's shrine,) 
 Where Norseland saw its Valhal in an earthly mold. 
 It stood there in its grandeur on the mountain cliff, 
 And mirrored in the ocean wave its lofty brow. 
 While round about it, like a zone of beauteous flowers, 
 Far stretched the dale of Balder with its sighing groves. 
 Its song of birds, a home where peace might reign supreme. 
 High rose the copper-bolted portal, and within 
 Two colonnades supported on strong omoplates 
 
THE RECONCILIATION. 193 
 
 The vaulted canopy, and beautiful it hung 
 
 Above the temple, like a concave shield of gold. 
 
 At farthest end stood Balder's altar. It was hewn 
 
 From one huge block of northern granite; round it coiled 
 
 A graven serpent, covered o'er with written runes, — 
 
 Profoundest thoughts from Vala and from Havamal; 
 
 But in the wall above was left an open space, — 
 
 A dark blue ground all filled with golden stars; and there 
 
 A silver image sat — the pious god — as calm 
 
 And mild as sits the silver moon in heaven's blue. 
 
 Thus seemed the finished shrine. In couples entered now 
 
 Twelve temple virgins, clad in robes of silver gauze, >^ 
 
 With roses glowing on their cheeks, and roses in 
 
 Their guileless hearts. Before the image of the god, 
 
 Around the altar newly consecrate they danced, 
 
 As light spring winds above the flowing fountains flit. 
 
 As dance the forest elves amid the waving grass, 
 
 While yet the morning dew, like pearls, lies glittering there. 
 
 And while they danced they joyful sang a sacred song 
 
 Of pious Balder, and how dearly he was loved • 
 
 By every being; how he fell 'neath Hoder's dart. 
 
 And earth and sea and heaven wept. Yet sounded not 
 
 The song as though 'twere uttered by a human voice, 
 
 IT 
 
194 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But as a tone from Breidablik, from Balder's home ; 
 Or like the thought of lover to a lonely maid 
 When pipes the quail his deep notes in the hush of night, 
 And over northern birches falls the moonlight soft. 
 Enraptured Fridthjof stood ; he leaned upon his sword, 
 And gazed upon the dance. Sweet childhood's memories 
 
 thronged 
 His vision by, — an innocent and pleasant folk, 
 With smiling eyes reflecting heaven's blue, with heads 
 Surrounded by a halo of bright locks, they waved 
 A kindly salutation to their childhood's friend. 
 Then sank the bloody shadow of his viking life, 
 With all its conflicts, all its perilous exploits, 
 Down into night, and in his fancy stood he forth 
 A flower-crowned monument above their grave. 
 And ever, as the song increased, his spirit soared 
 From earthly dales below to Valaskjalf above ; 
 Then melted human hate and human vengeance, too, 
 As melts the icy coat of mail from off" the cliff, 
 When shines the sun in spring. A sea of quiet peace, 
 Of silent ecstasy, possessed his hero-soul ; 
 It was as if he felt the heart of nature beat 
 Against his own; as if, deep moved, he fain would fold 
 
THE KECOXCILIATION. 195 
 
 Creation in his brotherly embrace, and be at peace 
 With every living creature seen of God. 
 Then came into the temple Balder's priest most high, 
 Not young and beauteous as the god, but tall in form, 
 With heavenly mildness beaming in his noble face, 
 While down about his girdle flowed his silver beard. 
 An unused reverence possessed proud Fridthjof's heart; 
 The eagle wings upon his helmet meekly drooped 
 Before the aged man, who thus spoke words of peace : 
 "Son Fridthjof, welcome hither — I've expected thee; 
 The strong man gladly roves around the earth and sea, 
 A berserk-like, who pallid bites the shield's hard edge, 
 But weary grown, and thoughtful, wanders home at last. 
 The powerful Thor went many times to Jotunheim, — 
 But spite his belt divine and gloves of finest steel, 
 Still sits the Utgard-Loke on his lofty throne ; 
 For evil is itself a power, and will not yield, — 
 And piety not joined with power is children's play; 
 'Tis like the sunbeams on the breast of ^ger thrown, — 
 An image faint, which falls and rises with the wave, 
 Foundationless and insecure, devoid of trust. 
 But power not joined with virtue eats itself away. 
 As rust the buried sword. 'Tis life's unchecked carouse; 
 
196 kridthjof's saga. 
 
 The heron of oblivion hovers o'er the cup, 
 
 And wlien the drinker wakes, he blushes for his deed. 
 
 All power is from the earth of Ymer's body formed; 
 
 Wild waves and flowing waters are the veins therein, 
 
 From various metals are its tough strong sinews forged. 
 
 And yet 'tis empty, desolate, unfruitful, till 
 
 The sun its light and warmth, heaven's piety, sends down. 
 
 Then spring the grass and flowers a web of many hues; 
 
 The tree lifts up its crown and knits its golden fruit, — 
 
 And man and beast are nourished at the mother's breast. 
 
 'Tis thus with every child of Ask. Opposing weights 
 
 Has Odin laid within the scales of human life, — 
 
 And when they balance true, then even stands the beam ; 
 
 And heavenly piety and earthly. power they're called. 
 
 The power of Thor is great whene'er about his loins, 
 
 Immovable, he girds the belt of strength and strikes. 
 
 Indeed is Odin wise, when TTrd's clear silver fount 
 
 He looketh down, and birds swift flying come to bring 
 
 The asas' father tidings from the world's extreme: 
 
 Yet both turned pale, the radiance of their starry crowns 
 
 Was half extinguished when the pious Balder fell, — 
 
 The band was he of all the diadems of heaven. 
 
 Then withered on the tree of time its splendid crown, 
 
THE RECOXCILIATION. 197 
 
 And Nidhug gnawed upon its root; then were loosed 
 The powers of aged night. The Midgard serpent flung 
 Toward heaven its poison-swollen tail, and Fenris howled, 
 And Surt's swift fire-sword flashing gleamed from Muspel- 
 
 heim. 
 Since then wlierever thou mayest look the strife goes on, 
 A war throughout creation. In Vallial crows 
 The cock with golden comb. Upon and 'neath the earth 
 The blood- red cock to battle calls. There once was peace 
 Not only where gods dwell, but also on the earth ; 
 In man's as in the high gods' thoughts was peace. 
 Whatever has happened here below has also chanced 
 In greater measure there; humanity is but 
 An image frail of heaven ; it is as Valhal's light 
 Reflected in the shield of Saga writ with runes. 
 Its Balder hath each heart. Remember'st thou ihe time 
 When dwelt within thy breast sweet peace a guest, and life 
 As joyful seemed, as heavenly calm, as song bird's dream 
 When summer night-winds to and fro so gently wave 
 Each fragrant blossom sleeping in its bed of green ? 
 Then holy Balder still abode in thy pure soul, 
 Thou asa-son, thou wandering image of high heaven. 
 For childhood Balder is not dead, and Hela gives 
 
198 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 Again her prey as often as a child is born. 
 
 With Balder also groweth up in every soul 
 
 His brother Hoder, blind, the child of night; for blind 
 
 At birth is evil always, like the young of bears, and niglit 
 
 Its mantle, but the good of earth rejoice in light. 
 
 The tempter, busy Loke, always ready stands 
 
 To guide the blind one's murderous hand. The missile oft 
 
 To Valhal's love is sent, to Balder's tender breast. 
 
 Then Hate awakes and Violence upon its prey 
 
 Springs forth ; the hungry sword-wolf prowls o'er hill and 
 
 dale, 
 And fiercest dragons wild swim o'er the bloody waves. 
 For this meek Piety a powerless shadow sits 
 One dead among the dead, and with him pallid Hel, 
 And in its ashes Balder's sanctuary lies. 
 So too the asa's life on high prefigures that 
 Mere human life below, and both are but the thoughts, 
 The silent thoughts of Odin which can never change. 
 What hath been, what shall be, that the song profound 
 Of Vala knows, — Time's lullaby, its drapa too. 
 Creation's annals have a melody the same, 
 And man may hear his own life's history therein. 
 Dost com])rehend or not? 'Tis Vala asketh thee. 
 
THE RECONCILIATION. 199 
 
 Thou seek'st atonement; know'st thou what atonement is? 
 
 Oh, Fridthjof, look me in the eye and turn not pale! 
 
 Round earth a mediator goes, his name is Death. 
 
 A spark translucent, from eternity, is time; 
 
 All earthly life is but the refuse from Allfather's throne; 
 
 Atonement is to there return all puritied. 
 
 The lofty asas fall themselves, and Ragnarok 
 
 The day of their atonement is, a bloody day 
 
 On Vigrid's hundred miles of plain ; there will they fall, 
 
 But fall not unavenged, for there the evil die 
 
 Forever, but the fallen good arise again, 
 
 Refined, from out the flaming pyre to higher life. 
 
 'Tis true the star-crown, pale and withered, falleth down 
 
 From heaven's temple ; earth too. sinks beneath the sea, 
 
 But brighter is it born again, and joyous lifts 
 
 Its flower crowned head from out the seething waves, — 
 
 And new created stars pursue with god-like glance 
 
 Their silent pathway round about the new-born earth. 
 
 But on the green hill-slopes will Balder govern then 
 
 The new-born asas, and a human race renewed. 
 
 The golden tablets filled with runes, lost long ago, 
 
 In Time's fresh morning, then are found amid the grass 
 
 On Ida's plain, by Valhal's children reconciled. 
 
200 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 The fallen good in death are only tried by fire; 
 It is atonement made, a birth to higher life, 
 Which, purified, flies back to him from whom it came, 
 And plays a guileless child upon its father's knee. 
 Alas! that all the best is found beyond the grave, — 
 That gate of green which Gimle opens ; vile is all, 
 Contaminated all that dwells beneath the stars. 
 And yet there is atonement found in life itself, — 
 A humble prelude to the peace of heaven above. 
 'Tis like the broken chords the minstrel strikes upon 
 The harp, when he with skillful fingers wakes the song 
 The tone attuning with a gentle hand, before 
 With firmer touch he grasps the golden strings, — 
 Grand memories of old alluring from their grave, 
 While Valhal's splendor streameth on enraptured eyes. 
 For earth, indeed, is only heaven's shadow, life 
 The grounds in front of Balder's temple in tlie sky. 
 The people sacrifice unto the gods; the steed 
 Bedecked with gold and purple is an offering made. 
 A token this with meaning most profound, — for blood 
 Tints red tlie morning light of each atonement day. 
 But signs are not the substance, they can not atone,— 
 Thine own transgressions no one can amend for thee. 
 
THE RECONCILIATION. 201 
 
 In Odin's breast divine the dead are reconciled; 
 Atonement for the living lies in their own hearts. 
 One offering, I know, unto the gods more dear 
 Than smoke of victims. 'Tis the sacrifice of thine 
 Own vengeance, and thy heart's untamed and bitter hate. 
 Canst thou not silence them, and canst thou not forgive, 
 
 youth? What wilt thou then in Balder's sacred house? 
 With what intent hast thou this holy temple reared? 
 With stones is Balder not appeased. Atonement dwells 
 Below, as up above, alone where dwelleth peace. 
 
 With all thy foes and with thyself be reconciled, 
 The light-haired god will then be reconciled with thee. 
 They have a Balder in the south, — the virgin's son, 
 Who by the AUfather wise was sent to explain the runes 
 Upon the norns' black shield rand, — unexplained before^ 
 His battle-cry was peace, his conquering sword was love; 
 And bhimeless sat the dove upon his silver lielm. 
 He holy lived and taught, he died and he forgave, — 
 And under distant palms his grave in sunlight lies. 
 From dale to dale his followers wander, it is said. 
 And melting hardened hearts, and laying hand in hand, 
 Establish peace upon the reconciled eartli. 
 
 1 do not know tlie doctrine well, but dimly luive I 
 
202 FEIDTHJOF'b SAGA. 
 
 In my better moments guessed what it may mean, — 
 And every human heart at times divines as well. 
 I know the time will come when it will lightly wave 
 Its white dove-pinions over all our northern hills; 
 But tHat day come, the North will be no more to us; 
 The oaks will sigh above our long-forgotten graves. 
 Oh, fortunate and blessed race! Ye who shall drink 
 The sparkling beaker of that light, 1 bid you hail ! 
 It will be well if it can drive away the cloud 
 Whose humid covering hitherto has veiled life's sun. 
 But scorn not us, who, in sincerity, have sought 
 With uuaverted gaze to find the light divine. 
 The AUfather is but one, though many herald him. 
 
 " Thou hatesfc fiele's sons. And wherefore hatest thou ? 
 Because to thee, a yeoman's son, they did not choose 
 To give theii^ sister, who belongs to Seming's race, — 
 The noble son of all- wise Odin. Their descent extends 
 To Valhal's throne, — and pride of birth is tlieirs. 
 Thou sayest that birth on fortune, not on worth, depends. 
 Of merit all his own, youth, is no one proud, — 
 But only of his fortune; for tiie best of things 
 Are only God's good gifts to man. Art thou not proud 
 
THE RECONCILIATIOJS". 203 
 
 Of thy heroic deeds, of thy superior strength ? 
 
 Who gave thee thy great strength? Did Asa-Thor not 
 
 knit 
 Thy sinewy arms as firm and close as oaken boughs ? 
 And is it not God's spirit high which joyous beats 
 Within the citadel of thine arched breast? Is not 
 The lightning God's which flashes in thy fiery eyes? 
 Beside thine infant cradle sang the haughty norns 
 The prince-song of thy life; for that thy merit is 
 No whit the greater than the king's son's for his birth. 
 Lest thy pride be condemned another's censure not. 
 King Helge now is fallen." 
 
 Here broke Fridthjof in: 
 "King Helge fallen? When and where?" 
 
 "Thou canst but know 
 That while tliou here wert building, he was on the march 
 Among the Finnish mountains. On a lonely crag 
 There stood an ancient shrine, — to Jumala 'twas built 
 Abandoned long ago, — the door was now fast closed ; 
 But just above the portal still there stood a strange 
 Old image of the god, now tottering to its fall. 
 
204 fridthjof's saga. 
 
 But no one dare approach, for there a saying rife 
 Among the people went from age to age, that he 
 Who first the temple sought should Jumala behold. 
 This Helge heard, and, blinded by his furious wrath, 
 Went up the rained steps against the hated god, — 
 Intent to cast the temple down. When there arrived 
 The gate was closed, — the key fast rusted in the lock. 
 Then grasping both the door-posts, hard and fierce he 
 
 shook 
 The rotten pillars. All at once, with horrid crash, 
 Down fell the ponderous image, crushing in its fall 
 The Valhal-son. And thus he Jumala beheld. 
 A messenger last night arrived the tidings bore. 
 Now Halfdan sits alone on Bele's throne. To him 
 Thy hand extend, to heaven thy vengeance sacrifice. 
 That offering Balder asks, and I, his priest, require 
 In token that the peaceful god thou mockest not. 
 If thou refuse, this temple then is built in vain. 
 And vainly have I spoken." 
 
 Then stepped Halfdan in, 
 Across the copper threshold, and with doubtful look 
 He stood aloof from him he feared and silence kept. 
 
THE KECONCILIATION. 205 
 
 Then Fridtlijof loosed the breastplate-hater from his side, 
 Against the altar placed his shield's bright golden orb, 
 And weaponless approached his silent waiting foe. 
 "In such a strife," said Fridthjof, in a' kindly voice, 
 •'The noblest he who offers first his hand for peace." 
 King Halfdan blushed, then off he drew his glove of steel. 
 And hands long separated met in friendly clasp, — 
 A hearty hand-shake, steadfast as the mountain's base. 
 And then the aged priest revoked the ban which on 
 The outlawed temple-violater long had lain. 
 'Twas scarce dissolved ere entered Ingeborg, attired 
 In bridal robes and ermine mantle, with her maids, — 
 So glides the moon, whom stars attend, in heaven's vault ; 
 With tear-drops in her lovely eyes, she fell upon 
 Her brother's neck; but he, with deep emotion, laid 
 His sister, grown more dear, on Fridthjof 's faithful breast; 
 And o'er the altar of the god she gave her hand 
 To him, her childhood's early friend, her heart's beloved. 
 
GLOSSAEY. 
 
 For such explanations as are not found in fhe original notes we are chiefly, 
 indebted to Prof. R. B. Anderson, of the University of Wisconsin, and to his 
 valuable work, Norse Mythology. We are also under obligations to Mrs. E. 
 llasselqvist, of the Augustana College of Rock Island, Illinois. 
 
 ^GER. The god of the stormy sea. 
 /Eger's bosom. The sea. 
 Alkiietm (elf -home). Frey's dwelling-. 
 
 Angantyr. a champion who was slain in a duel by Hjalmar the 
 vigilant, and was buried with his sword Tirfing. His daughter 
 Hervar called upon her dead lather for the sword, and, accord- 
 ing to the story, was answered. See Canto XXI JI. 
 Angervadil (grief -wader). Fridthjof's sword. 
 Asa. Uod. It is used as a prefix, as Asa-Thor, Asa-Loke, etc. 
 Asa-sons. A people who came from Asia and settled the North, 
 
 and who claimed descent from the gods. 
 AsGARD. Home of the gods. 
 Ask. The first man. 
 AsTRTLD. Cupid. 
 
 Balder (the best). The mildest, the wisest and the most eloquent 
 of the gods. He is the god of innocence, the White God. 
 " Balder dies in nature when the woods are stripped of their foli- 
 age, when the flowers fade and the storms of winter howl. Balder 
 dies in the spiritual world when the good are led away from the 
 paths of virtue, when the soul becomes dark and gloomy, forget- 
 ting its heavenly origin. Balder returns in nature when the gen- 
 tle winds of spring stir the air, when the nightingale's high note 
 is heard in the heavens, and the flowers are unlocked to paint 
 the laughing soil, when light takes the place of gloom and dark- 
 
208 GLOSSARY. 
 
 ness. Balder returns in the spiritual world when the lost soul 
 finds itself again, throws off the mantle of darkness, and like a 
 shining spirit soars on wings of light to heaven, to God who gave 
 it." — See Norse Mythology, p. 294. 
 
 Bauta-stone. a rough stone set up at warriors" graves, and hav- 
 ing no inscription. 
 
 Berserk (bear- coat). The old Northern athletes or champions wore 
 the skins of bears, wolves or reindeer, and went into battle 
 with loud cries, wearing no armor. 
 
 Berserk-gang. The onset of the berserks. 
 
 BiFROST ("the tremhling ivaif). The rainbow, the bridge of the gods. 
 
 B.TORN (a hear). Notice the play upon this word in Canto X, p. 94: 
 '^Bjoni attend the rudder. 
 Grip it with a hears paw." 
 
 Blood-eaglk. When a foe deserved especial cruelty, he was put 
 to death by carving the picture of an eagle on his back. — Set^ 
 Canto XVr, p. 150. 
 
 Brage. God of poesy; a son of Odin. 
 
 Bran. Fridthjof's dog. 
 
 Breidablik (hroad-gleatmng). Balder's abode. 
 
 Burn salt. A common expression for making salt. 
 
 Belling (day-sprinq). Dawn. 
 
 Delling's son. Day. 
 
 DiSARSAL. The temple of the goddesses. 
 
 Dragon. A war vessel. — See descnption of Ellide, Canto III, p. 30. 
 
 Drapa. a funeral hymn, reciting the virtues of the deceased. 
 
 Efje-sound. a sound in the Orkney Islands. 
 
 Fafner. a son of Hreidmar and brother of Regin and Otter. 
 Fafner and Regin demanded of their father a share of the gold 
 obtained of Odin as Otter's ransom. Hreidmar refused, and 
 Fafner slew his father, and, taking all the gold, a.ssuraed the 
 form of a dragon and fled. He concealed the gold on (Jnita 
 heath, where he was found by Sigurd, who, at the instigation 
 of Regin, slew Fafner. He accomplished this by digging a pit 
 
GLOSSARY. 209 
 
 in Fafner's path and concealing himself therein until the 
 dragon passed over him, when he thrust his sword through 
 Father's heart. See Norse Mythology, p. 377; also the story 
 of the Volsungs and Niblungs, translated by Magnusson and 
 Morris. Sweden, 1870. 
 
 Fafner's bane. The slayer of Fafner; Sigurd. 
 
 Fenuis. a wolf, and one of Loke's children. Chained by the 
 gods until Ragnarok, he gets loose and conquers Odin, but is 
 himself slain by Vidar. 
 
 FoLKYANG (the folk-Jiel'J). Freyja's dwelhng. 
 
 Forsete (the preskter). Son of Balder and Nanna. The god of 
 justice. 
 
 FosTKii- brother. It was customary in the North, when two per- 
 sons entered into friendship for life and death, or, as it was 
 called, foster-brothershijj, that each wounded himself and 
 allowed his blood to mingle with the other's. See, concerning 
 Frklthjof and Bjoni, Canto III, p. 34. 
 
 Frey (a lord). The god of harvests: the dispenser of wealth. 
 
 Freyja. Frey's sister, and goddess of love. 
 
 Frtgg. The wife of Odin and mother of Balder. 
 
 FrTFioRc. The runes taken collectively are properly called the 
 futhoyc, the word being mside up of the names of the first of 
 the runes. Compare alphabet. 
 
 Gf:fjun. The goddess ofmaids— — — — 
 
 (jrE[RS-ODD Cftpear-death). Death by the spear, self-inflicted. See 
 Valhal. 
 
 (tkud. Frey's wife, and verj- beautiful. 
 
 (ttmle. The heaven of heavens, where dwell the righteous after 
 Ragnarok. 
 
 G,r uj.ARHORN. The horn of Heiradal, the Saint Peter of the old 
 Mythology. It was heard all over the world. 
 
 Glitner (the Glittering). Forsete's golden dwelling. 
 
 Gkoning-sound. a sound between the Danish Islands. 
 
210 GLOSSARY. 
 
 Gudbrand's Dale. Canto XIV, p. 138. In the diocese of Agger- 
 lius, celebrated afterward (1612) for a battle in which the 
 Norwegians slaughtered the forces of Col. Sinclair, the Scotch 
 ally of Christian IV, of Denmark. 
 
 Hagbart. a sea-king, who became secretly betrothed to Signe, a 
 princess, thereby gaining the enmity of her father, who cap- 
 tured and hung him. Signe, unwilling to survive her betrothed, 
 set fire to her dwelling and was burned to death.— See Cantos 
 XVI and XVII. 
 
 Hagring. Fata morgana. 
 
 H-AVAMAL. The high song of Odin, containing many wise precepts 
 for the government of men. 
 
 Hel. The goddess of death. 
 
 HiLDER. The goddess of war. 
 
 HoDER. The blind god; brother of Balder. Tempted by Loke, he 
 slew Balder with the mistletoe. 
 
 Ida's Plain. Where the gods assemble ai'ter Ragnarok. 
 
 Idun. Wife of Brage. She is the rejuvenating goddess, the " ever- 
 renovating spring, and hence she is dressed in j^reen.— <S'<^(' 
 Canto 7, p. 5. She keeps the apples of immortality. 
 
 JoTUNHEiM. The abode of the giants. 
 
 LoKE. The evil one. "He is the sly, treacherous father of lies. 
 In appearance he is beautiful and fair, but in his mind he is 
 evil, and in his inclinations he is inconstant. Notwithstanding 
 his being ranked among the gods, he is the slanderer of the 
 gods, the grand contriver of deceit and fraud, the reproach of 
 gods and men. Nobody renders him divine honoi-s. He sur- 
 passes all mortals in the arts of perfidy and craft." — .SVt 
 Norse Mythology, p. 373. 
 
 MiDOARD. The earth; the abode of man. 
 
 MiDOARD-SERPENT. A child of Loke. It was cast into the sea li.\ 
 Odin, and it grew till it reached around the whole world. 
 
 MiMER. The wise giant keeper of the holy well of wisdom. 
 
GLOSSARY. .211 
 
 Morven's Hills. Hills in the north of Scotland. 
 
 MusPELHEiM. The abode of fire. 
 
 Muspel's sons. Flames. 
 
 Nanna. Balder's wife; goddess of flowers. She died heartbroken 
 at Balder's death. 
 
 Nastrand (the shore of corpses). Where the wicked are punished 
 after Ragnarok. 
 
 NiDHUG. The dragon which hves in the fountain Hvergelmar and 
 gnaws the root of Ygdrasil. 
 
 NiFLHEiM. The world of mists; the lower world; the place of 
 punishment. 
 
 NoRNs. The Fates. They are three: Urd, the past; Verdande, 
 the present, and Skald, the future. They control the destinies 
 of gods and men. 
 
 Oder, Freyja's husband. 
 
 Odtn. The chief of the gods. He is the all-pervading spirit of 
 the world, the governor of the universe, the author of war 
 and the inventor of runes and of poetry. In appearance he is 
 old, tall, one-eyed and long-bearded. He wears a broad- 
 brimmed hat and a many-colored coat, and carries a spear 
 called Gungner, 
 
 Odtn's birds. Odin has two ravens, Hugin and Munin (reflection 
 and memory), which every day fly around the world and return 
 to hhn with intelligence of all that happens. 
 
 Peasant. The piece of lowest rank in chess; a pawn. 
 
 Ragnarok (the twilight of the qods). The day of the destruction 
 of the world, and of the regeneration of gods and men. See 
 Canto XXIV. 
 
 Ran (the rohhcr). Goddess of the sea: wife of TEger. 
 Rota. One of Valhals maidens: a valkyrie. 
 
 Runes. The letters of the ancient Scandinavian alphabet were 
 called runes (secrets). The runes were sixteen in number, and 
 previous to the introduction of Christianity they were supposed 
 
212 GLOSSARY. 
 
 to have been invented by Odin himself. A knowledg-e of them 
 was for a long time confined to a few, who used them for the 
 purposes of sorcery. 
 
 Rune-stone. A stone inscribed with runes, and set up at graves 
 or elsewhere as a monument. 
 
 Saga. Goddess of history; hence a history. 
 
 Seming. a son of Odin. The early kings of Norway traced their 
 lineage directly to Seming. 
 
 SiGNE. See Haghart. 
 
 Sigurd. The slayer of Fafner. See Fafner. 
 
 Skinfaxe (shining mane}. The horse of Bay. 
 
 Skoal. A health. 
 
 Skuld. The future. See Norns. 
 
 Sleipner (the slipperj. Odin's horse with eight feet. 
 
 Sokvabek. Dwelling of Saga. 
 
 SuRT.. God of fire. 
 
 Thing (pronounced ting). A deliberative assemblage of Norsemen, 
 composed of all who were capable of bearing arms. It was 
 held in the open air. The thingsmen expressed approval of 
 any measure by striking the shield with the sword. 
 
 Thor. The second of the gods; the thunderer; the siibduer of the 
 frost giants. He has a red beard; his weapon is a short- 
 handled hammer called Mjolner. He is girt with a belt of 
 strength, and wears iron gloves. His sons are Magne and 
 Mode, strength and courage. 
 
 Urd. The past. See Norns. 
 
 Urd's fount. The fountain from which the norns sprinkled the 
 tree Ygdrasil. 
 
 Utgard-Lokk. The Loke of the giants, — called Vtgard, because 
 
 ♦• he dwelt in the uttermost parts of the world, Jotunhehn. 
 
 Vala. A prophetess. 
 
 Valaskjalf. Odin's dwelling. 
 
 Valhal (the hall of the slainj. Only those who fell by wounds 
 
GLOSSARY. 213 
 
 received in battle, or self-inflicted, were entitled to the joys of 
 Valhal, where they were feasted by Odin and attended by the 
 Valkyries. 
 
 Valkyries (choosers of the slain). Goddesses who serve in Val- 
 hal and go on Odin's errands. 
 
 Var, The goddess who presides over marriages. 
 
 Vegtam. a name assumed by Odin when he went to consult the 
 vala concerning the fate of Balder. — See Norse Mythology. 
 p. 281. 
 
 ViDAR (forest). The silent god; a .son of Odin. He slays the 
 Fenris-wolf at Ragnarok. 
 
 ViNGOLF (foor of friends). Freyja's dwelling. 
 
 VoLUND. A renowned smith con-esponding to Vulcan. 
 
 Ygdrasil. An ash tree; the tree of the world. The norns 
 sprinkled the top with water from Urd's fountain and thus 
 kept it alive, nlthough Nidhug gnawed its roots. 
 
 Ymer. An enormous giant slain by the gods, and of whose body 
 they created the world. 
 
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