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Full text of "Poems by Tegnér: The children of the Lord's supper, tr. from the Swedish by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and Frithiof's saga, tr. by Rev. W. Lewery Blackley; with an introduction by Paul Robert Lieder"

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LIBRARY  oj  the 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO 

by 

ESTATE  OF  THE  LATE 

JOHN  B.  C.  WATKINS 


\ 


THIS  scries  of  SCANDINAVIAN  CLASSICS  is  published 
by  The  American-Scandinavian  Foundation  in  the 
belief  that  greater  familiarity  with  the  chief  literary 
monuments  of  the  North  will  help  Americans  to  a 
better  understanding  of  Scandinavians,  and  thus  serve 
uilate  their  sympathetic  cooperation  to  good  ends 


SCANDINAVIAN  CLASSICS 
VOLUME  II 

POEMS  BY  TK(.M  k 


HUSHED  BY 
Ml  l.s    POUL90N 


POEMS  in   Ti  <.M 

1HI    i  HIIDREN  C)i  SUPPER 

TRANM.ATED  FROM  THE  SWEDISH   BY 
HENRY  WADSWORTH   LONCFEL1 

FKITIIIOPS  SA' 
TRANSLATED  BY  REV.  W.  LEWERY   BLACKLEY 

iTH  AN   INTRODUCTION  BY 

I.   ROBERT  LIEDER,  A.M. 

HARVARD  UN! 


NEW  YORK 

THE  AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN 
FOUNDATION 

19U 


/•  by  i  he  A  m(rt  tan- Scandinavian  foundation 


PT 


DEC  2  01965 


1032695 


D.  B.  Updike,  The  Merrymount  Press,  Boston,  U.  S.  A. 


I'KI    I 

TEGNER  presents  the  curious  situation  in  literature 
of  a  A  ho,  although  his  chief  work  has  been 

rendered  a  score  of  times  into  Knglish,  is  still  not 
widely  known  in  England  and  America.  This  has 
been  due  partly  to  the  rarity  of  most  of  the  trans- 
lations. The  first  seven,  for  instance,  had  so  limited 
a  circulation  that  Muckleston,  who  made  the  eighth 
in  1862,  did  not  know  of  the  existence  of  any 
previous  one  when  he  sent  his  own  manuscript 
to  the  press.  The  American-Scandinavian  Founda- 
tion hopes  through  this  volume  to  make  Tcgncr 
more  easily  accessible  to  those  who  cannot  read  him 
in  the  original.  He  is  the  one  Swedish  poet  to  whose 
works  all  his  compatriots  will  at  once  accord  a  place 
among  Scandinavian  classics. 

The  translation  of  the  Frithiofs  Saga  here  printed 
is  that  of  the  Rev.  W.  L.  Blackley,  Dublin,  1857. 
It  was  reprinted  once  before  in  this  country,  by 
Bayard  Taylor,  in  1867,  —  the  first  version  of  the 
Swedish  work  to  appear  in  the  United  States.  The 
Children  of  the  Lord's  Supper  is  from  Longfellow's 
Ballads  and  Other  Poems,  Cambridge,  1842.  Both 
translations  are  faithful  reproductions  of  their  origi- 
nals. Blackley,  however,  disregards  the  feminine  or 
double  rhymes  that  occur  so  often  in  the  Frithiofs 


PREFACE 

Saga.  He  reproduces  them  only  where  he  can  do  so 
without  twisting  the  sense  or  forcing  the  expression. 
The  Introduction  that  follows  is  the  outcome  of 
studies  carried  on  under  Professor  W.  H.  Schoficld 
at  Harvard  University.  To  him  I  owe  great  grati- 
tude for  valuable  suggestions  and  encouragement. 
Through  his  mediation  and  the  kindness  of  Dr. 
H.  W.  L.  Danaof  Columbia  University,  I  have  been 
able  to  consult  freely  Longfellow's  Scandinavian 
books  in  the  library  of  Craigie  House,  the  poet's 
residence  in  Cambridge.  I  am  also  indebted  to  my 
brother,  Dr.  F.  W.  C.  Lieder  of  Harvard,  for  gen- 
erous criticism,  and  for  help  in  reading  the  manu- 
script and  proofs. 

I'.   R.  L. 

Cambridge,  Massachusetts 
May  26,  1914 


INTRoi 


l.UKtN   OK  THE   LORD'S  SUPPER 

FOREWORD  3 

TMf  CHILDREN  Of  TNI  LORD'S  SUPPER  I  } 

THE  FRITH IOF-SAGA 

PREFACE  37 

ABSTRACT  Of  THI  ANCIENT  rttTHIor-S  *  40 

I.    FRITHIOr  AND  1NGEBORG  43 

II.    >.:•-.    in  l  l      .-.:•    rHORSTCN  VIKINCSSON  50 

111.    KEITMIOK'S   INHERITANCE  57 

i\ .  r R  IT H tor's  WOOING  69 

74 

VI.   FRITHIOP  PLAYS  CHESS  79 

HIITHIOF'S  JOY  8  I 

Mil.  THE  PARTING  88 

1\.    INGEEORG'S  LAMENTATION  I  06 

X.   PRITHIOr  AT  SEA  IO8 

XI.    rRITWIOF  WITH   ANCANTYR  I  |6 

KRITHIOrS  RETURN  Il6 

XIII.   RALDER'S  BALE-HRI  134 

KRITHIOr  GOETH  INTO  BANISHMENT  I  39 

NGABAI.K  148 

XXI.    FRITHIOr  AND   It  152 

rilTHIOf  COMETH  TO  KING  RING  I  $5 


CONTENTS 

THE  RIDE  OVER  THE  ICE  1  (}  I 

XIX.    PRITHIOF'S  TEMPTATION  163 

XX.    THE  DEATH  OP  KING  RING  §7  I 

XXI.    RING'S  DRAPA  175 

XXII.  THE  KING'S  ELECTION  178 

XXIII.  FRITHIOF  BESIDE  HIS  FATHER'S  GRAVE  I  82 

XXIV.  RECONCILIATION  187 
GLOSSARY  1 99 


[NTROIM 


EI'M.NER  was  born  November  13,  1782,11 
K  vrkrrud  in  Wermland.*  Both  hit  mother  and  hit  fa- 
ther were  children  of  preachers,  whose  parents,  in  turn,  had 
been  peasant  ••  is  virtually  of  the  peasant 

class,  —  a  fact  •»  he  was  never  ashamed.  Hit  father's 

name,  Esaias  Lucasson,  had  been  transformed  at  the  gym- 
nasium, or  preparatory  school,  to  Esaias  Tegncrus,  because 
he  t  .•.  i  Tegnah  .  iage  of  Tegna)  in  Smaland. 

In  the  poet's  own  tune,  the  surname  was  further  changed 
•i  present  more  aristocratic  form. 

When  Esaias  was  nine  years  old,  his  father  died,  leav- 
ing a  widow  and  six  children  with  scant  means  of  support. 
A  state  official  in  the-  district,  Assessor  Branting,  a  friend 
of  the  family,  offered  to  take  Ksaias,  the  youngest  son,  into 
his  h  anting  gave  him  a  position  in  the  > 

house,  but  the  boy  had  plenty  of  time  to  himself,  which  he 
:ed  mainly  to  the  study  of  poetry  and  history.  Tegncr 
liked,  above  all,  the  old  Icelandic  sagas,  and  read  frequently 
that  of  Krithi  -Id,  which  was  later  to  become  the 

basis  of  his  greatest  poem.  He  went  with  the  Assessor  on 
frequent  official  trips  through  Wcrmland,  thus  becoming 
well  acquainted  with  the  beautiful  scenery  of  his  cou 
h  he  so  often  describes. 

Branting,  being  impressed  by  the  future  poet's  keenness 
of  perception  and  eagerness  *  ledge,  arranged  that  he 

should  study  under  an  elder  brother,  Lars  Gustaf  Te. 


•Thr  biographical  facts  in  thi*  Introduction  are  taken  mainly  from  the  val- 
uable MMjrt  oo  Tcgncr  by  Brandes  ami  by  Boyrcen.  The  standard  biography 
of  the  poet  it  by  hu  *on-,n-  Uw,  C.  W.  Bottifrr,  7,.  *  «.-r  ../  7,r  «,M  Lrfm^ 
Stockholm,  1*47. 


x  INTRODUCTION 

a  tutor  to  several  neighboring  families.  re  than  a 

year  Esaias  accompanied  his  brother  on  his  rounds;  with 
the  irregular  teaching  that  hi-  thus  received,  he  learned 
> reck,  and  Fivnrh.  He  taught  himself  English  by 
reading  Macpherson's  Ossian,  which  was  then  at  the  height 
of  its  popularity  in  Sweden.  Finally,  Lars  Gustaf  accepted 
a  position  as  tutor  to  the  seven  children  of  Myhrman,  a 
prosperous  iron-manufacturer, on  the  condition  that  Ksaias 
should  be  allowed  to  go  with  him.  Here  Tegner  led  a  happy 
existence,  with  pleasant  companions,  studying  diligently  and 
reading  extcnsiveK . 

Two  years  later,  in  1799,  he  and  three  of  Myhrman's 
sons,  one  of  whom  was  to  be  his  room-mate,  entered  the 
University  of  Lund.  Bruiting  and  Myhrman  paid  his  ex- 
penses. In  1802  he  was  crowned  with  the  laurel  wreath  as 
the  foremost  of  twenty-four  successful  candidates  for  the 
degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  He  was  almost  expelled  at  this 
time  for  taking  part  in  a  hostile  demonstration  outside  the 
house  of  the  unpopular  university  rector,  but  was  par- 
doned because  of  his  scholastic  standing.  After  his  gradu- 
ation he  received  the  combined  positions  of  decent  in  aes- 
thetics, secretary  to  the  philosophical  faculty,  and  assistant 
university  librarian.  He  spent  his  summer  vacations  with 
the  Myhrmans  at  Ramen,  where  he  paid  special  attentions 
to  the  daughter,  Anna,  whom  he  married  in  1806. 

The  following  years  were  the  brightest  in  Tegner's  life. 
He  was  strong,  eager,  energetic,  an  inspiring  and  beloved 
teacher.  His  joy  in  living  was  evident  in  everything  he 
did.  He  had  already  begun  to  write.  His  literary  develop- 
ment proceeded  slowly,  however,  and  few  of  his  early 
works  have  much  merit.  In  I  808,  inspired  by  the  national 
sorrow  over  the  loss  of  Finland,  he  wrote  his  first  success- 


INTRODUCTION 

ful  poem,  hit  Il'ar-St*i  far  tbt  Sfanian  Rtttrvti^  a  iiir- 
ring  dithyramb  which  gained  him  nation-wide  popular- 
la  1810  he  was  made  1<  und,and 
the  next  year  he  followed  up  hit  I  Par-Seng  with  another 
patriotic  poem,  Si  :\  won  the  coveted  prize  of  the 

iiih  Acu  the  s.itnr  year  irotc  the  (lotitka 

league,  an  organization  of  zealous 

young  men  of  letters,  who  took  patriotic  pride  in  the  study 

'Id  Norse  literature  and  cult  pposition  to  those 

rs,  thr  »»  i'husphnrists,"  who  looked  to  France  for  in- 
spiration. Tegncr  soon  became  head  of  the  club,  and,  with 
tabk  members,  like  Geijcr,  Af/clius,  and  Nican- 
der,  made  its  power  felt  in  literature.  The  following  year 

.is  appointed  professor  of  Greek  at  Lund  and  pastor 
of  Stafvie  and  Lackalange,  two  neighboring  towns.  This 
was  not  a  strange  combination  of  offices,  for  it  w^ 
then  unu  >wcden  to  give  a  professor  ecclesiasti- 

cal preferment  if  he  could  discharge  the  attendant  duties 
without  absenting  himself  from  the  university.  Tegncr 
never  regarded  his  posts  as  sinecures,  and  strove  to  be  a 
true  friend  of  the  peasants  in  his  parishes.  In  1819  he  was 
elected  a  member  of  the  Swedish  Academy.  In  1820  he 

o  his  famous  Nattvardibarntn  (Children  if  tbt  Lorfi 

Supptr)  and  started  Fnthiofs  Saga.  The  first  nine  cantos 

of  the  latter  appeared  in  the  periodical  Iduna,  the  official 

publication  of  the  Gothic  League,  and  won  immediate 

applause.  Meanwhile  Tegncr  had  composed   numerous 

brief  Ivrics,  and  in  1822  published  Axel^  a  patriotic  poem 

bated  on  events  in  the  Russian  war,  and  five  more  cantos 

Ct  Saga.  In   1825  the  entire  Saga  was  issued. 

Through  >pe  he  was  now  acclaimed  by  critics, 

he  among  them,  as  a  great  poet.  In  his  own  country 


xii  INTRODUCT1 

he  was  further  rewarded  by  the  appointment  to  the  bish- 
opric of  Wc\  year  marked  the  climax  of  his  life. 
Tegner's  later  illness  and  melancholy  may  be  passed 
over  briefly.  While  writing  the  final  can  >ithiof,  he 
had  fallen  in  love  with  the  wife  of  the  t  ;u  illor  of 
Lund.  The  result  was  some  inspired  poetry,  but  endless 
pain.  His  duties  as  bishop  became  irksome,  his  health  broke 
down,  and  in  1833  he  complained  of  fiery  throbbings  in 
the  brain.  He  journeyed  to  Carlsbad,  where  he  found  s 
relief.  On  his  return  through  Germany  he  was  received 
everywhere  with  great  honor,  but  it  brought  him  little 
joy.  In  1840,  while  attending  the  Riksdag  in  Stockholm, 
of  which  he  was  a  member  ex  officio,  he  became  suddenly 
insane.  He  was  taken  to  a  sanitarium  in  Schleswig,  where 
he  recovered.  In  the  spring  of  1841  he  returned  and  took 
up  his  episcopal  duties.  Though  he  displayed  his  old  cour- 
age and  vigor,  he  was  able  to  do  little  during  these  \ 
In  i  843  he  suffered  a  stroke  of  paralysis,  and  died  on  No- 
vember 2,  1846. 

As  a  writer,  Tegner  confined  himself  almost  exclusively 
to  poetry,  which,  like  nearly  all  Swedish  poetry,  is  lyric 
and  markedly  romantic.  To  present-day  readers  it  seems 
overburdened  with  figures  of  speech,  many  of  which  are 
fine-spun;  but  it  was  according  to  the  temper  of  Tegm  r's 
age  to  be  rhetorical  in  verse.  Tegner  even  went  so  far  as 
to  say  in  his  address  to  the  Swedish  Academy,  on  the  oc- 
casion of  his  election,  that  the  object  of  poetry  is  to  pre- 
sent, not  ideas,  but  images.  With  the  exception  of  a  few 
poems  written  in  the  dark  years  of  his  life,  his  work,  like 
Bjornson's,isoptimistic  and  fresh, not  mournful  and  brood- 
ing, like  that  of  his  more  recent  countryman,  Strindberg. 


I  RODUCTI 

••  My  golden  bmrp  shall  never  borrow 

S»d  lone*  that  1  h.ve  brought  u>  tight ; 
The  poet  was  not  nude  for  KMTOW. 
Tbeskyofsotu 

"'•*yi  Saga  tells  tl  love  story  of  the  humbly 

born  r  r;  the  noble  Ingcborg.  Though  its  mat 

is  ancient,  its  treatment  is  nu><  nth  an  extent,  in 

fact,  that  the  -\  marriage  ceremony  is  introduced. 

sentimental   in   spite  of  his  heroic  qualities,  is 
nearer  in  spirit  to  Tegncr's  own  time  than  to  the  feast- 
ing, fighting  days  of  ninth-century  Scandinavia,  which  arc 
n,thc  hero's  friend  and  counsellor. 
A  characteristic  feature  of  the  poem  is  the  use  of  a  ti 

e  in  each  of  the  twenty-four  cantos,  often  with 
variations  within  the  canto  itself,  to  tit  the  scene  in  hand. 

is,  though  a  narrative,  the  poem  is 

form  an<:  •  ,  in  so  far  as  it  takes  a  saga  story 

ts  plot,  was  inspired,  Tcgncr  frankly  admitted,  by 
.cnschlacger's  Htlgt.  Both  poems  were  the  outgrowth 
of  the  renascence  of  interest  in  the  saga  age  that  was  then 
manifest  thn>-.  x*andi na via.  Ffithiof^  however,  with 

its  exuberant  glee,  soon  eclipsed  its  gloomier  model  in  pop- 
ularity ami  influence. 

It  is  ii  a  poem  for  the  young,  and  Frithiof  is 

hoy's  hero.  There  is  little  doubt  that  cantos  like 
A'ooing"  and  "  Fnthiofs  Happiness"  are  re- 
Tegncr's  own  happy  student  days,  when  he 
spent  his  vacations  with  the  Myhrmans.  ( )nly  in  "  Frith- 
iofs  Return/'  written  under  the  shadow  of  later  love  r 
plications,  is  there  the  sadness  of  age.  Frithiof  here,  like 
Teg i  •'.{  at  the  time  he  wrote  the  canto,  is  a  mis- 

•From  Tkt  S»mg.  Eofli«h  vrr.ioo  by  R.B.  Andcnoa. 


INTRODtK  I  ION 

anthrope  and  a  misogynist, — wholly  different  from  the 
Fnthiof  who  resolves  to  win  his  t>< 
brother's  opposition,  by  courage  and  self-re!  •.  the 

pages  the  hr:,.  never  doubts  of  his  future  happi- 


Fnthiof  it  not  a  character  Co  be  analyzed  like  Faus 
Hamlet.  Tegner  does  not  seem  to  have  fashioned  his  poem, 
except  perhaps  in  "  Fnthiofs  Return/'  to  mean  more  than 
the  ear.  Its  greatness  lies  in  its  intense  emotion,  its 
of  imagination,  and  its  artistic  beauty,  rather  dun 
in  (he  pmfuruiitv  of  its  thoughts. 

The  other  two  poems  of  Tcgncr  that  arc  generally 
grouped  with  h'ntbitfi  Saga  arc  //Wand  \attvardiht. 

.  an  excellent  ,  ugh  somewhat  fantastic  in  plot, 

reveals,  like  Svta^  Tegner's  patriotic  side.  The  Nattvardi- 
kfrmtm  shows  the  sincerity  and  depth  of  his  app 
of  Swedish  peasant  life.  The  characteristics  of  both  u 
are  essentially  those  of  Frithiof.  As  an  example  of  Tegner's 
later  style  may  be  mentioned  his  Mjtlttjukan  (Ode  to 
<MvA*/r),uoneof  the  most  despairing  poems,"  says  Brandes, 
"of  all  literatu 

Tegner's  writings  have  the  individual  note  that  we  ex- 
pect in  a  man  of  power.  His  short  pieces  have  unquestion- 
ably uthe  lyric  cry,"  his  narratives  are  full  of  action. 
war-songs  beat  with  patriotism,  and  the  love  scenes  in  his 
longer  poems,  despite  the  sentimentality  of  the  age  and 
country  in  which  they  were  written,  still  make  a  strong 
appeal.  Whether  or  not  critics  agree  with  him  in  valuing 
imagery  above  thought  in  poetry,  they  can  but  acknowledge 
that  in  revealing  sensuous  beauty  in  verses  of  great  melody 
Tegncr  shows  nothing  less  than  gen 


IN'l  xv 

:is  Tegncr  has  pet  i  rest  because  of  his 

on*  with  Longfellow.  Longfellow,  it  is  well  known, 

spent  the  summer  of  1 835  in  Sweden,  studying  the  Swed- 

ianguagc  and  Inc.  ,  return  to  the  t'i. 

••»  he  published  an  enthusiastic  essay  on  Frithioft  Saga 

in  I  ht  North  Amtrica*  Rtvinu  for  July,  1 83 7, giving  as  an 

.i  bright  picture  of  Swedish  life  as  he  had  seen 

it  and  as  it  is  rrr  >,  though 

at  first  it  seems  it  "g  prelude,  for  it  puts 

the  reader  unacquainted  with  Scandinavia  in  the  proper 

mood  to  understand  and  appreciate  the  poem.  The  body  of 

the  essay  consists  of  a  spirited  retclliiv  of  the  story,  with 

translations,  in  the  original  metres,  of  the  more  significant 

pottages. 

icntly  sent  a  copy  of  his  article  to  Tcg- 
ncr,  f".»r  the  latter 

M  Bokedal,  near  Gotheborg, 
J*fy  10,  iS4i. 

Three  \  ears  ago — when  I  was  here  at  Bokedal  visiting 
v  and  his  beautiful  wife,  the  most  beautiful  woman  in 
Sweden  —  I  received  the  letter  and  fragmentary  translation 
of  AWM/y  with  which  the  Hcrr  Professor  honored  me. 
Professional  duties,  the  Riksdag,  recently  adjourned,  and 
above  all  a  severe  nervous  illness,  have  prevented  my  ex- 
pressing my  thanks  as  I  ought  for  all  this.  Without  exactly 
•ig  the  highest  value  on  public  opinion,  either  in  or  out 
of  my  own  country, and  taking  the  Horattan  mallgnum  tptr- 
nfrt  vulgus  f<>  I  rejoice,  of  course,  to  find  my 

poems  reproduced  in  so  admirable  a  manner,  and  particu- 
larly for  a  nat  ••.  I  value.  It  has  always  been  my  con- 

•From  the  Raflkh  initiation  of  the  letter  printed  in  Samuel  Loaffcllow'i 


INTRODUCTI 

viction  that  Knglish  is  of  all  languages  the  one  which  is  best 
adapted  to  translation  from  the  Swedish;  for  the  En 
love,  as  we  do,  to  concentrate  expression, either  thought  or 
figure,  within  the  briefest  possible  space;  to  flash  a  short 
but  sharp  sword :  whereas  the  German  prefers  long,  drag- 
ging sentences,  and  likes  to  encase  his  weapons  in  a  scab- 
bard of  hogskin.  English, on  the  other  hand,  is  a  collection 
of  laconisms,  and  the  so  much  misunderstood  Pope,  with 
his  keenly  sharpened  antitheses,  has  always  appeared  to 
me  the  true  representative  of  the  genius  of  the  En 
language.  Among  the  four  or  five  translations  of  Frithiof 
which  I  have  had  occasion  to  see,*  there  is  none  as  yet 
with  which  I  have  been  fully  satisfied, except  the  Hcrr  Pro- 
fessor's. Where  the  translator  has  understood  the  mean- 
ing, which  has  not  always  been  the  case,  the  translation 
has  often  suffered  from  ignorance  of  technicalities  or  in- 
sufficient command  over  his  own  language.  Lethman'sf 
is  better  in  this  respect.  But  above  all  I  place  the  Hcrr  Pro- 
fessor's both  as  regards  understanding  of  the  original  and 
versification.  The  only  fault  I  have  to  find  with  the  transla- 
tion is  that  it  is  not  complete;  and  to  this  I  take  the  plea- 
sure of  calling  the  attention  of  the  Hcrr  Professor,  so  that 
I  may  be  able  to  say  that  Frithiof  is  well  translated  into  at 
least  one  language. 

This  winter  I  begin  the  publication  of  a  collection  of 
my  writings  in  verse  and  prose.  ...  I  shall  send  a  copy 
of  this  to  America  as  soon  as  it  leaves  the  press,  addressed 
to  the  Herr  Professor,  as  a  mark  of  my  esteem  and  grati- 

•Whcn  this  letter  was  written,  the  following  translations  of  Frithiof  had 
already  appeared  :  Strong's,  1833  ;  Frye's,  1835  j  Latham's,  1X38  ;  Stephen**!, 
1839;  and  possibly  Baker's,  1841.  There  were  also  fragments  in  the  period- 
icals and  some  extracts  translated  by  George  Borrow. 
fM Latham's"  is  undoubtedly  meant. 


IN  I  ROD!   (    I  ION 

;  be  still  further  increased  should  the 
•«-ss,  -r  think  something  in  it  worthy  of  transition. 
My  edition  of  Fritbitf  accompanies  this  let 
With  high  regard  and  att 

The  ofessor's  humble  servant, 

Es.TlGN*ft" 

Longfellow's  review  of  Frithiofn  of  importance  in  itself 
because,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  find  out,  it  is  the 
first  pub!  in  the  I  only  of  Teg- 

but  of  Scandinavian  literature.  Vet  noteworthy  as  the 
in  this  oiiuu-i  tmii,  it  has  .  tand 

value.  Ob  shows  how  sincerely  the  American  poet 

appri  it  also  shows  that  the  beginning  of 

Longfellow's  most  popular  and  perhaps  his  greatest  p 
Evangtlint,  is  fundamentally  Scandinavian ;  for  when  Long- 
fellow is  describing  the  scenery,  the  customs, and  the  people 
of  Acadia,  he  is  simply  describing  Sweden.  Since  this  fact 
has  never  before  been  noticed,  sufficient  data  to  establish 
its  validity  are  here  presented. 

Longfellow, according  to  his  brother's  statement,'  never 

•d  Acadia.  After  he  became  acquainted  through  Haw- 

ic's  friend,  the  Re .    1 '  »lly,  with  the  story  of 

the  lovers,  separated  when  the  British  scattered  the  mhab- 

ti  of  Grand  Prc  in  promiscuous  exile,  he  consulted 
books  for  mat  r  Acadia,  we  are  told,  f  he  read  only 

Haliburton's  book  on  Nova  Scotia,}  which  he  found  in 

•Samuel  Longfellow,  ./.  .     .  II.  -i.  f /*;....  "•  '<• 

IT.  C.  Hiliborton,^.  //ur^WtfW  5Mr/ir;.W^^M«r  •f*'"**''^ 

f*i,  1119,  I,  170-173.  —  P.  Morin  came  to  the  cooclMioi  .  uotaf 

numrrout  work*  which  he  thought  might  coot* in  origins  for  the  Acadian 

scene*,  that  Haliburton  was  the  main  source  for  the  first  part  of  F.+*mft/,mt. 

See  his  &^n  A  /'(EMrr  4  Htvy  tT+bwvtA  L.*tf<U«^  Paria,  1913. 


\\lll 


INTRODUCTION 


the  Harvard  Library.  In  tt,  :\vo  and  one-half  pages 

are  given  to  the  description  of  the  life  of  the  Acad 
The  following  quotation  is  taken  from  the  very  copy  of 
Haliburton  that  Longfellow  in  all  probability  used: 

44  Hunting  and  fishing,  which  had  formerly  been  the 
delight  of  the  Colony,  and  might  have  still  supplied  it  with 
re,  had  no  farther  attraction  for  a  simple  and  <  juict 
people,  and  gave  way  to  agriculture,  which  had  been  es- 
tablished in  the  marshes  and  low  lands,  by  repelling  with 
dikes  the  sea  and  rivers  which  covered  these  plains.  These 
grounds  yielded  fifty  for  one  at  first,  and  afterwards  fifteen 
or  twenty  for  one  at  least;  wheat  and  oats  succeeded  best 
in  them,  but  they  likewise  produced  rye,  barley  and  maize. 
There  were  also  potatoes  in  great  plenty,  the  use  of  which 
was  become  common.  At  the  same  time  these  immense 
meadows  were  covered  with  numerous  flocks.  They  com- 
puted as  many  as  sixty  thousand  head  of  horned  cattle; 
and  most  families  had  several  horses,  though  the  tillage 
was  carried  on  by  oxen.  Their  habitations,  which  were  con- 
structed of  wood, wercextremely  convenient, and  furnished 
as  neatly  as  substantial  farmer's  houses  in  Europe.  They 
reared  a  great  deal  of  poultry  of  all  kinds,  which  made 
a  variety  in  their  food,  at  once  wholesome  and  plentiful. 
Their  ordinary  drink  was  beer  and  cyder,  to  which  they 
sometimes  added  rum.  Their  usual  clothing  was  in  general 
the  produce  of  their  own  flax,  or  the  fleeces  of  their  own 
sheep;  with  these  they  made  common  linens  and  coarse 
cloths.  If  any  of  them  had  a  desire  for  articles  of  greater 
luxury,  they  procured  them  from  Annapolis  or  Louisburg, 
and  gave  in  exchange  corn,  cattle  or  furs.  [Here  follows 
a  short  passage,  unimportant  for  us,  stating  that  they  used 
no  paper  currency  and  little  silver  or  gold.]  Their  man- 


INTRODUCTION 

ncrs  1      re  wti  seldom 

a  cause,  .  uiiul,  uf  importance  enou. 

be  carried  be  r  t  of  Judu  UH.MI,  established  at 

Annapolis.  Whatever  little  differences  arose  from  tin 

among  them,  were  amicably  adjusted  by  their  elders. 
All  their  public  acts  were  drawn  by  their  pastors,  who  had 
likewise  the  keeping  of  th<  u  hich,  and  their 

religious  services,  the  inhabitants  paid  a  twenty-seventh 
pan  .  was  always  sufficient  to  afford 

more  means  than  there  were  objects  of  gcncrov 

"  Real  misery  was  wholly  unknown,  and  benevolence 

anticipated  the  demands  of  pov  <  \  is  fortune  was 

•ved  as  it  were  before  it  could  be  felt,  without  ostcnta- 

M  the  one  hand,  and  without  meanness  on  the  other. 

.is,  in  short,  a  society  of  brethren;  every  individual 
of  which  was  equally  ready  to  give,  and  to  receive,  what 
he  thought  the  common  right  of  mankind.  So  perfect  a  har- 

v  naturally  prevented  all  those  connexions  of  gallantry, 
which  are  so  often  fatal  to  the  peace  of  families.  This  evil 
was  prevented  by  early  marriages,  for  no  one  passed  his 

:i  in  a  state  of  celibacy.  As  soon  as  a  young  man  ar- 
rived to  the  proper  age,  the  community  built  him  a  house, 
broke  up  the  lands  about  it,  and  supplied  him  with  all  the 
necessaries  of  life  for  a  twelvemonth.  There  he  received 
the  partner  whom  he  had  chosen,  and  who  brought  him 
her  portion  in  flocks.  This  new  family  grew  and  prospered 
like  the  others.  I  n  i  775,  all  together  made  a  population  of 
eighteen  thousand  soul  the  picture  of  these  people, 

as  drawn  by  the  Abbe  Reynal.  By  many,  it  is  thought  to 
represent  a  state  of  social  happiness,  totally  inconsistent 

the  frailties  and  passions  of  human  nature;  and  that  it 
is  worthy  rather  of  the  poet  than  the  historian.  In  describ- 


xx  INTRODUCTION 

ing  a  scene  of  rural  felicity  like  this,  it  is  not  improbable 
that  his  narrative  partakes  of  the  warmth  of  feeling  for 
which  he  was  remarkable;  but  it  comes  much  nearer  the 
truth  than  is  generally  imagined." 

us  account  was  all  that  Longfellow  knew  of  actual 
life  in  Acadia.  The  poet  evidently  took  material  from  it  tor 
the  beginning  of  Evangtline.  But  he  needed  more  t 
and  proceeded  to  draw  on  his  own  experience.  Though 
brief,  Haliburton's  description  was  sufficient  to  suggest 
what  sort  of  a  life  the  people  there  led,  and  Longfellow 
could  scarcely  help  noting  the  similarity  between  it  and 
that  of  peaceful  Sweden,  with  which  he  was  acquainted 
from  actual  observation  as  well  as  books.  When,  accord- 
ingly, he  began  to  present  Acadian  life  and  scenery  in  his 
poem,  he  copied — consciously  or  unconsciously  —  peasant 
life  as  he  knew  it  in  Sweden. 

The  truth  of  this  statement  is  manifest  from  the  follow- 
ing parallel  passages  taken  from  the  review  of  Frithiof  and 
from  Evangfline.  These  extracts  need  no  comment  beyond 
the  remark  that  they  are  not  meant  in  every  case  to  show 
a  close  verbal  likeness.  The  similarity  of  ideas  is  evident. 

In  the  review  Longfellow  writes:  "Almost  primeval 
simplicity  reigns  over  this  Northern  land, — almost  prime- 
val solitude  and  stillness.  You  pass  out  from  the  gate  of  the 
city,  and,  as  if  by  magic,  the  scene  changes  to  a  wild,  wood- 
land landscape.  Around  you  are  forests  of  fir.  Overhead 
hang  the  long  fan-like  branches  trailing  with  moss."  What 
is  this  in  essence  but  the  opening  lines  of  Evangfline? 

"This  is  the  forest  primeval.  The  murmuring  pines  and  the 

hemlocks, 

Bearded  with  moss,  and  in  garments  green,  indistinct  in  the 
twilight, 


Stand  like  Druids  of  eld.  with  voice*  tad  tad  prophetic. 
Stand  like  harper*  hoar,  with  beards  that  rot  on  their 
bosom*." 

In  the-  i«-  -rot,  he  adiU:  "Ont 

wooden  bridr  .  ou  come 

forth  into  a  pleasant  and  funny  land  of  fan:  haps 

vj»  think  this  stream  when  in   /-.van- 

I.  to)  he  described  the  Acadian  fanners  as 

"  Men  whose  lives  glided  on  like  rivers  that  water  the  wood. 


In  the  review  he  says:  "The  houses  in  the  villages  are  all 
built  'So  likewise  in  Evangtlin*  (Part  I, 


ngly  built  were  the  houses,  with  frames  of  oak  and  of 
hemlock." 

Regarding  Swedish  hospitality,  we  read  in  the  review: 

11  ages  there  are  no  taverns,  and  the  peasants 

take  turns  in  receiving  travellers.  The  thrifty  housewife 

-.  s  you  into  the  best  chamber."  It  is  not  far  from  this 

to  Evangtlint  (Part  I,  iv,  11.  i  5-17): 

house  was  an  inn,  \\hcrc  all  were  welcomed  and 
feasted." 

Sunday  in  Sweden  made  a  deep  impression  upon  Long- 
fellow. In  the  re\ie\v  he  remarks:  "If  it  be  Sunday,  the 
peasants  sit  on  the  church  steps  and  con  their  psalm-books. 
•rs  are  coming  down  the  road  with  their  beloved  pas- 
\vho  talks  to  them  of  holy  things  from  beneath  his 
broad-brimmed  hat."  Very  similar  is  the  picture  in  Evan- 
j//f*/ (Part  I,  i,  11.  18- 


INTRODUCTION 

here  in  the  tranquil  evenings  of  summer,  when  brightly 
the  sunset 

Lighted  the  village  street,  and  gilded  the  vanes  on  the  chim- 
neys, 

Matrons  and  maidens  sat  in  snow-white  caps  and  in 
kirtles. 


Solemnly  down  the  street  came  the  parish  priest,  ami 
children 

Paused  in  their  play  to  kiss  the  hand  he  extended  to  bless 
them. 

Reverend  walked  he  among  them  ;  and  up  rose  matrons  and 
maidens, 

Hailing  his  slow  approach  with  words  of  affectionate  wel- 
come." 

And  again  about  Sunday  in  the  review:  " The  women  carry 
psalm-books  in  their  hands,  wrapped  in  silk  handker- 
chiefs." The  young  men  "are  busy  counting  the  plaits  in 
the  kirtles  of  the  peasant-girls."  Evangeline  is  not  much 
different  from  these  Swedish  girls  (Evangeline,  Part  I,  i, 
II.  57,  58): 

"  Down  the  long  street  she  passed,  with  her  chaplct  of  beads 

and  her  missal, 

Wearing  her  Norman  cap,  and  her  kirtle  of  blue,  and  the 
earrings." 

Both  in  the  description  of  Sweden  and  in  Evangeline  (Part 
I,  i,  11.  1 02,  103)  the  village  pastor  is  at  once  priest  and 
leader.  "He  is  their  patriarch,  and,  like  Melchisedek,  both 
priest  and  king,"  says  Longfellow  in  the  review. 

"and  Father  Felician, 
Priest  and  pedagogue  both  in  the  village," 

he  reechoes  in  Evangeline,  where  he  writes  (Part  I,  i,  11. 

69-71): 


INTRODUCTION 

"  Under  the  •ycamore-tree  were  Mires  overfaaf  by  •  pent- 
house, 
Such  4>  the  traveller  ten  in  regiuiu  remote  by  the  road* 

,  -. 

Built  o'er  a  box  for  the  poor,  or  the  bleated  image  of 
Mar 

What  roadside  be  was  thinking  of  is  shown  by  the  state- 
ment in  the  r  -  Near  the  churchyard  gate  stands  a 
poor-box,  fastened  to  a  po>:  hands,  and  secured  by 
a  padlock,  with  a  sloping  roof  to  keep  off  the  rain." 

Note,  too,  the  general  likeness,  .•  <>f  metre  but 

also  of  description,  between  the  following  translation  by 
.;  fellow  from  the  Frithiift  Saga: 

"Three  miles  extended  around  the  fields  of  the  homestead, 

on  three  sides 
Valleys  and  mountains  and  hills,  but  on  the  fourth  side  was 

the  ocean. 
Birch  woods  crowned  the  summits,  but  down  the  slope 

of  the  hillside 

Flourished  the  golden  corn,  and  man-high  was  waving  the 
-.eld," 

and  the  beginning  of  Evangilimt  (Part  I,  i,  11.  1-9): 

"In  the  Acadian  land,  on  the  shores  of  the  Basin  of  Minas, 

mt,  secluded,  still,  the  little  village  of  Grand 
Lay  in  the  fruitful  valley.  Vast  meadows  stretched  to  the 
eastward, 

:ng  the  village  its  name,  and  pasture  to  flocks  without 
number. 

West  and  south  there  were  fields  of  flax,  and  orchards  and 

cornfields 
Spreading  afar  and  un  fenced  o'er  the  plain." 

These  are  only  the  more  striking  points  of  similarity.  More 


xxiv  INTRODUCTION 

incidents  in  Evangeline  could  easily  be  cited  which  mi^ht 
well  have  a  Scandinavian  origin, — the  brewing  ami  drink- 
ing of  ale  (mentioned  several  times),  the  game  of  drau 
the  praise  of  the  blacksmith's  craft,  the  sledding,  ami  so  <>n. 
The  description  of  the  outdoor  betrothal  feast  aloiu  \\ 
suggest  Scandinavia  to  one  u  h<>  h.is  read  of  similar  scenes. 
To  heap  up  these  lesser  parallels  would  only  cloud  the 
issue.  It  seems  clear  that  Swedish  life  and  scenery  were  in 
Longfellow's  memory  when  he  composed  the  beginning  of 
Evangcline. 

Four  years  after  the  poet  had  written  his  important 
review  of  Frithiof,  he  began  the  translation  of  the  Natt- 
vardsbarnen  in  the  original  metre,the  hexameter.  His  friend 
Samuel  Ward,  who  had  sent  him  a  copy  of  the  poem,  had 
urged  him  to  translate  this  work.  "How  strange!"  Long- 
fellow writes  him,  October  24,  1841,  "while  you  are  urg- 
ing me  to  translate  Nattvardsbarntn  comes  a  letter  [the 
one  quoted  above]  from  Bishop  Tegner  himself,  saying 
that  of  all  the  translations  he  has  seen  of  Frithiof,my  frag- 
ments are  the  only  attempts  'that  have  fully  satisfied  him.' 
.  .  .  After  this  kind  letter,  can  I  do  less  than  over-set  the 
Nattvardsbarnen?"  In  a  postscript  Longfellow  remarked: 
"This  evening  I  have  added  twenty-six  lines  to  the  nine 
I  translated  for  you/'* 

The  copy  of  Tegner  that  Longfellow  used  in  his  trans- 
lations is  still  preserved  in  Craigie  House.  On  the  inside  of 
the  cover  is  pasted  Tegner's  autograph,  probably  cut  from 
a  letter.  Underneath  is  Longfellow's  own  simple  book- 
plate, and  on  the  opposite  fly-leaf  the  signature  "  Henry 
W.  Longfellow,  1835."  Evidently,  the  copy  was  bought 

•Samuel  Longfellow,  of.  citn  I,  401  fT. 


1NTROIM  i   1 

ongfellow  while  he  wms  in  Sweden.  The  pages  of  the 
important  poems  of  I  -.*fi  &*/</,  ./*//,  Svta% 

and  Mrm/tftt/jfar*/*,  have  enough  pencilling!  in  the  mar- 
gins to  show  that  Longfellow  read  them  carefully  in  the 
original.  The  Natrvardibarnfn  is  especially  marked  up. 
On  the  first  page  of  the  poem  he  has 
u  Dates  of  Trans  ;,  1841,"  and  beneath,  m 

uargin  at  the  end  nth  line, 

the  following  uninterrupted  stages  in  the  translating  are 
noted  in  pencil:  at  the  end  of  the  thirty-fifth  line, uOct. 
.IH-S  in. .re  and  the  d.r  30,"  ten 

lines  \ I,"  thirty-five  lines  farther  "Nov 

then  seven  lines  and  "Nov.  2,"  seventy  lines  uNov.  3," 
forty-three  lines  "Nov.  4,"  seventy-five  lines  "Nov 
with  the  final  fifty-one  lines  for  November  6.  On  the  last 
day  he  wrote  to  Ward:  ult  is  Saturday  night, and  eight  by 

illagc  clock.  I  have  just  finished  the  translation  of  the 

ilren  of  the  Lord's  Supper;'  and  with  the  very  ink 

wrote  the  last  words  of  it,  I  commence  this  letter  to 
you.  .  .  .  The  poem  is  indeed  very  beautiful;  and  in  parts 
to  touching  that  more  than  once  in  translating  it  I  was 
blinded  with  tears.  Perhaps  my  weakness  makes  the  poem 
strong.  You  shall  soon  judge;  for,  as  I  told  you  in  my  last, 

poem  goes  into  the  forthcoming  volume."  In  spite  of 
his  excellent  translation  and  his  success  in  handling  the 

ult  new  metre,  the  hexameter,  Longfellow  was  at- 
tacked with  a  sort  of  stage  fright  while  the  translation  was 
in  press;  hut  he  was  prevailed  upon  by  Ward  not  to  recall 
the  sheets,  and  the  poem  appeared  in  the  first  edition  of 
Ballads  and  Other  Potmt. 

In  1845,  f°ur  years  later,  Longfellow  composed  Evam- 
gt/int.  Immediately  the  remark  was  passed  among  critics, 


INTRODUCTION 

especially  in  Germany,  that  the  poem  owed  its  origin  to 
Htrmann  und  Dorothea, — somewhat  in  story,  but  espe- 
cially in  metre.  This,  it  seems,  has  been  the  common  opin- 
ion ever  since.  The  part  of  the  theory  concerning  the  story 
is  untenable,  because  only  in  those  episodes  which  we 
know  Longfellow  got  from  Hawthorne's  friend  is  there 
any  similarity  to  Hermann  und  Dorothea.  The  same  gen- 
eral likeness  exists  between  Evangel'me  and  Frithiofs  Saga; 
vet  there  would  be  no  foundation  for  saying  that  Long- 
fellow derived  his  plot  from  the  latter.  As  to  the  source 
of  the  metre,  it  is  impossible  to  be  dogmatic,  for  Long- 
fellow knew  well  the  hexameters  of  Homer,  Virgil,  Chap- 
man, Goethe,  and  others.  But  when  one  reflects  that  of 
the  three  poems  in  hexameters  which  Longfellow  wrote 
before  he  began  Evangel'me,  the  first  was  an  extract  from 
Fnthiof  and  the  second  a  translation  of  the  Nattvards- 
barnen,  one  cannot  help  concluding  that  Tegner  above 
all  others  influenced  Longfellow  in  the  metre  of  Evange- 
l'me • 

Tegner  died  while  Evangel'me  was  being  written.  Long- 
fellow paused  in  his  work  to  compose  a  death-song  or 
drapa  in  honor  of  the  older  poet.  One  of  the  stanzas  in 
it  is  here  specially  worthy  of  note: 

•After  the  above  pages  had  been  written,  I  came  acroM  the  following  re- 
marks in  Edmund  Gossc's  essay  on  Runeberg  (Northern  Studies,  Camclot  Se- 
ries, London,  1890,  p.  143) :  ** Between  Tegner  and  Runeberg  the  natural  link 
is  wanting.  This  link  properly  consists,  it  appears  to  me,  in  Longfellow,  who  is 
an  anomaly  in  American  literature,  but  who  has  the  full  character  of  a  Swedish 
poet,  and  who,  had  he  been  born  in  Sweden,  would  have  completed  exactly 
enough  the  chain  of  style  that  ought  to  unite  the  idealism  of  Tegner  to  the 
realism  of  Runeberg.  The  poem  of  Evangelint  has  really  no  place  in  Anglo- 
Saxon  poetry;  in  Swedish  it  would  accurately  express  a  stage  in  the  progress 
of  literature  which  is  now  unfilled."  This  is  only  a  general  impression,  but  it 
is  that  of  an  English  critic  who  knew  Swedish  literature  thoroughly. 


INTRODUCTION 

"So  perish  the  old  God* ! 
But  out  of  the  act  of  Time 
Rkcs  •  new  land  of  song, 
Fairer  duo  the  old. 

(  >\  rf    ,'.->    Mirui'.i  j'.\  •>    )/rrr  ri 

.  the  young  hard,  ind  .ing." 

Thif  might  serve  as  th  .t  discourse  on  comparative 

litcr.t 

relationships  as  that  of  Longfellow  and  Tcy 


I  Ml-    c  HII.DREN  OF 
THE  LORD'S  SUPPI  l< 

FROM  THE  SWEDISH  OF  BISHOP  TECJNER 

.REWORD  BY 
HENRY  WADSWORTH  LONGFELLOW 


WORD 

T'/>/r,  from  the  Swedish 
of  Bishop  Tegncr,  enjoys  ntiderable  reputa- 

m  the  North  ,>c,uml  f*>r  u*  beaut;   urn! 

: he  alien:  :igli&h  readers  Idyl, 

descriptive  of  scenes  in  a  Swedish  village;  and  belongs  to 
the  same  class  of  poems,  is  the  l.u>.><  of  Voss  and  the  Htr~ 
maun  und  Dtrttbca  ot  Hut  the  Swedish  poet  has 

been  guided  by  a  surer  taste,  than  his  German  predeces- 
sors, ted;  and  he  rarely,  if  ever, 
mistakes  what  is  trivial  for  what  is  simple. 

e  is  something  patriarchal  still  lingering  about  rural 
life  in  Sweden,  which  renders  it  a  hit  theme  for  song.  Al- 
most primeval  simplicity  reigns  over  that  Northern  land, 
— almost  primeval  solitude  and  stillness.  You  pass  out  from 
the  gate  of  the  city,  and,  as  if  by  magic,  the  scene  changes 
to  a  wild,  woodland  landscape.  Around  you  are  forests  of 
head  hang  the  long,  fan-like  branches,  trailing 
with  moss,  and  heavy  with  red  and  blue  cones.  Under  foot 
is  a  carpet  of  yellow  leaves;  and  the  air  is  warm  and  ba 
On  a  wooden  bridge  you  cross  a  little  silver  stream;  and 
anon  come  forth  into  a  pleasant  and  sunny  land  of  farms. 
Wooden  fences  divide  the  adjoining  fields.  Across  the  road 
ire  gates,  whu-h  are  opened  by  troops  of  children.  The 
peasants  take  off  their  hats  as  you  pass;  you  sneeze,  and 
thc\  K!  bless  you. "The  houses  in  the  villages  and 

smaller  towns  arc  all  built  of  hewn  timber,  and  for  the  most 
pan  painted  i  rloors  of  the  taverns  are  strewn  with 

the  fragrant  tips  of  fir  boughs.  In  many  villages  there  are 
no  taverns,  and  the  peasants  take  turns  in  receiving  trav- 
ellers. I  he  th:  ntothebestcham- 


4  FOREWORD 

bcr,  the  walls  of  which  arc  hung  round  with  rude  pictures 
from  the  Bible;  and  brings  you  her  heavy  silver  spoons, 
— an  heirloom, — to  dip  the  curdled  milk  from  the  pan. 
You  have  oaten  cakes  baked  some  months  before;  or  bread 
with  anise-seed  and  coriander  in  it,  or  perhaps  a  little  pine 
bark. 

Meanwhile  the  sturdy  husband  has  brought  his  horses 
from  the  plough,  and  harnessed  them  to  your  carriage.  Soli- 
tary travellers  come  and  go  in  uncouth  one-horse  ch.i 
Most  of  them  have  pipes  in  their  mouths,  and  hanging 
around  their  necks  in  front,  a  leather  walk-t,  in  which  they 
carry  tobacco,  and  the  great  bank  notes  of  the  count! 
large  as  your  two  hands.  You  meet,  also,  groups  of  Dale- 
karlian  peasant  women,  travelling  homeward  or  town- 
ward  in  pursuit  of  work.  They  walk  barefoot,  carrying  in 
their  hands  their  shoes,  which  have  high  heels  under  the 
hollow  of  the  foot,  and  soles  of  birch  bark. 

Frequent,  too,  are  the  village  churches,  standing  by  the 
road-side,  each  in  its  own  little  garden  of  Gethsemane.  In 
the  parish  register  great  events  are  doubtless  recorded.  Some- 
old  king  was  christened  or  buried  in  that  church;  and  a 
little  sexton,  with  a  rusty  key,  shows  you  the  baptismal 
font,  or  the  coffin.  In  the  church-yard  are  a  few  flowers, 
and  much  green  grass;  and  daily  the  shadow  of  the  church 
spire,  with  its  long  tapering  finger,  counts  the  tombs, 
representing  a  dial-plate  of  human  life,  on  which  the  hours 
and  minutes  are  the  graves  of  men.  The  stones  are  flat, 
and  large,  and  low,  and  perhaps  sunken,  like  the  roofs  of 
old  houses.  On  some  are  armorial  bearings;  on  others  only 
the  initials  of  the  poor  tenants,  with  a  date,  as  on  the  roofs 
of  Dutch  cottages.  They  all  sleep  with  their  heads  to  the 
westward.  Each  held  a  lighted  taper  in  his  hand  when  he 


FOi  :<l)  5 

.  and  to  hi*  coffin  were  placed  hit  little  heart-irea*ure*, 
and  a  piece  of  money  for  hit  las:  .  Babes  that  came 

in  the  arms  of  gray- 

1  old  men  to  the  only  cradle  they  ever  »lept  in;  and 
in  the  shi..ud  nf"  the  dead  mother  were  laid  the  little  gar- 
ment* of  the  child,  that  Ii\etl  ami  ilied  in  her  bosom.  And 
over  this  scene  the  village  pastor  looks  from  his  window 
in  the  stillness  of  midnight,  and  says  in  his  heart,  "How 

rest,  all  the  depart 

Near  the  church-yard  gate  stands  a  poor-box,  fastened 
to  a  pott  by  iron  bands,  and  secured  by  a  padlock,  with  a 
sloping  wooden  roof  to  keep  off  the  rain.  If  it  be  Sunday, 
peasants  sit  on  the  i  him  h  steps  and  con  their  psalm- 
book  |  s  are  coming  down  the  road  with  their  beloved 
pastor,  who  talks  to  them  of  holy  things  from  beneath 
his  broad-brimmed  hat.  He  speaks  of  fields  and  harvests, 
and  of  the  parable  of  the  sower,  that  went  forth  to  sow. 
He  leads  them  to  the  Good  Shepherd,  and  to  the  pleasant 
•  f  the  spirit-land.  He  is  their  patriarch,  and,  like 
Melchi/edek,  both  priest  and  king,  though  he  has  no  other 
throne  than  the  church  pulpit.  The  women  carry  psalm- 
books  in  their  hands,  wrapped  in  silk  handkerchiefs,  and 
listen  devoutly  to  the  good  man's  words.  But  the  young 
men,  like  Gallio,  care  for  none  of  these  things.  They  are 
counting  the  plaits  in  the  kirtles  of  the  peasant  girls, 
their  number  being  an  indication  of  the  wearer's  wealth. 
It  may  end  in  a  wedding. 

I  will  endeavor  to  describe  a  village  wedding  in  Swe- 
den. It  shall  be  in  summer  time,  that  there  may  be  flowers, 
and  in  a  southern  province,  that  the  bride  may  be  fair. 
The  early  song  of  the  lark  and  of  chanticleer  arc  mingling 
in  the  clear  morning  air,  and  the  sun,  the  heavenly  bride- 


6  FOREWORD 

groom  with  golden  locks,  arises  in  the  east,  just  as  our 
earthly  bridegroom  with  yellow  hair,  arises  in  the  south. 
In  the  yard  there  is  a  sound  of  voices  and  trampling  of 
hoofs,  and  horses  are  led  forth  and  saddled.  Tin-  steed 
that  is  to  bear  the  bridegroom  has  a  bunch  of  flowers  upon 
his  forehead, and  a  garland  of  corn-flowers  around  his  neck. 
Friends  from  the  neighboring  farms  come  riding  in,  their 
blue  cloaks  streaming  to  the  wind;  and  finally  the  happy 
bridegroom,  with  a  whip  in  his  hand,  and  a  monstrous 
nosegay  in  the  breast  of  his  black  jacket,  comes  forth  from 
his  chamber;  and  then  to  horse  and  away,  towards  the  vil- 
lage where  the  bride  already  sits  and  waits. 

Foremost  rides  the  Spokesman,  followed  by  some  half 
dozen  village  musicians.  Next  comes  the  bridegroom  be- 
tween his  two  groomsmen,  and  then  forty  or  fifty  friends 
and  wedding  guests,  half  of  them  perhaps  with  pistols  and 
guns  in  their  hands.  A  kind  of  baggage-wagon  brings  up 
the  rear,laden  with  food  and  drink  for  these  merry  pilgrims. 
At  the  entrance  of  every  village  stands  a  triumphal  arch, 
adorned  with  flowers  and  ribands  and  evergreens;  and  as 
they  pass  beneath  it  the  wedding  guests  fire  a  salute,  and 
the  whole  procession  stops.  And  straight  from  every  pocket 
flies  a  black-jack,  filled  with  punch  or  brandy.  It  is  passed 
from  hand  to  hand  among  thecrowd;  pro  visions  are  brought 
from  the  wagon,  and  after  eating  and  drinking  and  hur- 
rahing, the  procession  moves  forward  again,  and  at  length 
draws  near  the  house  of  the  bride.  Four  heralds  ride  for- 
ward to  announce  that  a  knight  and  his  attendants  are 
in  the  neighboring  forest,  and  pray  for  hospitality. "  How 
many  are  you?  "asks  the  bride's  father.  "At  least  three  hun- 
dred," is  the  answer;  and  to  this  the  hosts  replies," Yes; 
were  you  seven  times  as  many, you  should  all  be  welcome; 


WORD  7 

and  thereof  U  hereupon  each 

'•%  a  can  of  ale;  and  soon  after  the  whole  jovial 

the  farmcr'i  yard,  and,  nd- 

ing  round  (he  Maypole,  which  stand*  in  the  >  <    trc,alight§ 

1  a  grand  salute  and  floun  MC. 

In  the  hall  titf  the  bride,  with  a  crown  upon  her  head 
and  a  tear  in  her  eye,  like  the  Virgin  Mary  in  old  church 
paintings.  She  is  dressed  in  a  red  boddicc  and  kirtlc,  with 
loose  linen  sleeves  s  a  gilded  belt  around  her  u 

and  around  her  neck  strings  of  golden  beads,  and  a  golden 
i  rests  a  wreath  of  wild  rotes,  and 
below  »t  jnotl  .:dcrs  falls 

her  flaxen  h.itr ,  and  her  blue  innocent  eyes  are  fixed  upon 
round.  ( )  thou  good  soul !  thou  hast  hard  hands,  but 
a  soft  heart '  :  t  poor.  The  very  ornaments  thou 

wearest  arc  not  thine.  They  have  been  hired  for  this  great 
day.  Vet  art  thou  •>  in  health,  rich  in  hope,  rich  in 

:ig,  fervent  love.  The  blessing  of  heaven  be 
upon  thec1  So  thinks  the  parish  priest,  as  he  joins  together 
the  hands  i»t"  bnde  and  bridegroom,  saying  in  deep,  sol- 
emn tones, — u  I  give  thec  in  marriage  thisdarasel,to  bcthy 
wedded  wife  in  all  honor,  and  to  share  the  half  of  thy  bed, 
»ck  and  key,  and  every  third  penny  which 
possess,  or  may  inherit,  and  all  the  rights  which  Up- 
I  laws  provide,  and  the  holy  king  Erik  gave." 
The  dinner  is  now  served,  and  the  bride  sits  between 
the  bridegroom  and  the  priest.  The  Spokesman  delivers  an 
orati  the  ancient  oist..m  ut"  his  fathers.  He  inter- 

lards it  well  with  quotations  from  the  Bible;  and  in 
the  Saviour  to  be  present  at  this  marriage  feast,  as  he  was 
at  the  marriage  feast  in  Cana  of  Galilee.  The  table  i« 
sparingly  set  forth.  Each  makes  a  long  arm,  and  the  feast 


8  FOREWORD 

goes  checrly  on.  Punch  ami  brandy  pass  round  between 
the  courses,  and  here  and  there  a  pipe  is  smoked,  while 
waiting  tor  the  next  dish.  I  In  \  sit  long  at  table;  but,  as 
all  things  must  have  an  end,  so  must  a  Swedish  dinner. 
Then  the  dance  begins.  It  is  led  off  by  the  bride  and  the 
priest,  who  perform  a  solemn  minuet  together.  Not  till  after 
midnight  comes  the  Last  Dame.  The  girls  form  a 
around  the  bride,  to  keep  her  from  the  hands  of  the  mar- 
ried women,  who  endeavor  to  break  through  the  magic 
circle,  and  seize  their  new  sister.  After  long  struggling  thev 
succeed;  and  the  crown  is  taken  from  her  head  and  t he- 
jewels  from  her  neck,  and  her  boddice  is  unlaced  and  her 
kirtle  taken  off;  and  like  a  vestal  virgin  clad  all  in  white  she 
goes,  but  it  is  to  her  marriage  chamber,  not  to  her  grave; 
and  the  wedding  guests  follow  her  with  lighted  candles  in 
their  hands.  And  this  is  a  village  bridal. 

Nor  must  I  forget  the  suddenly  changing  seasons  of  t  he- 
Northern  clime.  There  is  no  long  and  lingering  spring, 
unfolding  leaf  and  blossom  one  by  one;  —  no  long  and  lin- 
gering autumn, pompous  with  many-colored  leaves  and  the 
glow  of  Indian  summers.  But  winter  and  summer  are  won- 
derful,and  pass  into  each  other.  Thequail  has  hardly  ceased 
piping  in  the  corn,  when  winter  from  the  folds  of  trailing 
clouds  sows  broad-cast  over  the  land  snow, icicles, and  rat- 
tling hail.  The  days  wane  apace.  Ere  long  the  sun  hardly 
rises  above  the  horizon, or  does  not  rise  at  all.  The  moon 
and  the  stars  shine  through  the  day;  only,  at  noon,  they 
are  pale  and  wan,  and  in  the  southern  sky  a  red,  fiery 
glow,  as  of  sunset, burns  along  the  horizon, and  then  goes 
out.  And  pleasantly  under  the  silver  moon,  and  under  the 
silent,  solemn  stars,  ring  the  steel-shoes  of  the  skaters  on 
the  frozen  sea,  and  voices,  and  the  sound  of  bells. 


KD  9 

And  i)  •%  begin  tu  burn,  faint 

»earm  playing  in  the  waters  of  (be  blue  tea. 
c%  the  heavens.  There  is  a 

Uliish  on  ih<- ,  !:!•••;.  ..t  be  colon  come  and  go;  and 

change  from  crimson  to  g  .••.:.!  t..  crimson. The 

snow  is  stained  with  rosy  light. Twofold  from  the  /cnith, 
east  and  west,  flames  a  fiery  sword;  and  a  broad  band 
passes  athwart  the  heavens,  like  a  summer  sunset.  Soft 
purple  clouds  come  sailing  over  the  iky,  and  through  their 
vapory  folds  the  winking  stars  shine  white  as  silver.  With 
such  pomp  as  this  is  '  us  ushered  in,  though 

a  single  star  heralded  the  first  Christmas.  And  in 
•.  edish  peasants  dance  on  straw; 

and  the  peasant  girls  throw  straws  at  the  timbered  roof 
.11,  and  for  every  one  that  sticks  in  a  crack  shall 
a  groomsman  come  to  their  wedding.  Merry  Christmas  in- 
deed '  For  pious  souls  there  shall  be  church  songs  and  scr- 
mons,  !>',.•  h>h  peasants,  brandy  and  nut  brown  ale 

»odcn  bowls;  and  the  great  Yulecake  crowned  with  a 
>e,and  garlanded  with  apples,  and  upholding  a  three- 
armed  candlestick  over  the  Christmas  feast.  They  may  tell 
tales,  too,  of  Jons  Lundsbracka,  and  Lunkenfus,  and  the 
great  Riddar  Finke  of  Pingsdaga.* 

And  now  the  glad,  leafy  mid-summer,  full  of  blossoms 

and  the  song  of  nightingales, is  come!  Saint  John  has  taken 

•lowers  and  IV  heathen  Balder;  and  in  every 

village  there  is  a  May-pole  fifty  feet  high,  with  wr<- 

and  roses  and  ribands  streaming  in  the  wind,  and  a  noisy 

weathercock  on  top,  to  tell  the  village  whence  the  wind 

cometh  and  whither  it  goeth.  The  sun  does  not  set  till  ten 

v-k  at  night;  and  the  children  are  at  play  in  the  streets 

*  of  Swedish  popular  fair*. 


10  I  OKI. WORD 

an  hour  later.  The  windows  and  doors  arc  all  open,  ami 
you  may  sit  and  read  till  midnight  without  a  candle.  O 
how  beautiful  is  the  summer  night,  which  is  not  night,  hut 
a  sunless  yet  unclouded  day,  descending  upon  earth  with 
dews, and  shadows, and  refreshing  coolness!  How  beauti- 
ful the  long, mild  twilight,  which  like  a  silver  clasp  unites 
to-day  with  yesterday!  How  beautiful  the  silent  hour,  when 
Morning  and  Evening  thus  sit  together,  hand  in  hand,  be- 
neath the  starless  sky  of  midnight '  From  the  church-tower 
in  the  public  square  the  bell  tolls  the  hour,  with  a  soft, 
musical  chime;  and  the  watchman,  whose  watch-tower  is 
the  belfry,  blows  a  blast  in  his  horn,  for  each  strok 
the  hammer,  and  four  times,  to  the  four  corners  of  the 
heavens,  in  a  sonorous  voice  he  chants, — 

"Ho!  watchman,  ho! 
Twelve  b  the  clock  ! 
God  keep  our  town 
From  fire  and  brand 
And  hostile  hand! 
Twelve  b  the  clock!" 

From  his  swallow's  nest  in  the  belfry  he  can  see  the  sun 
all  night  long;  and  farther  north  the  priest  stands  at  his 
door  in  the  warm  midnight,  and  lights  his  pipe  with  a  com- 
mon burning  glass. 

I  trust  that  these  remarks  will  not  be  deemed  irrelevant 
to  the  poem,  but  will  lead  to  a  clearer  understanding  of  it. 
The  translation  is  literal,  perhaps  to  a  fault.  In  no  instance 
have  I  done  the  author  a  wrong,  by  intrpducing  into  his 
work  any  supposed  improvements  or  embellishments  of 
my  own.  I  have  preserved  even  the  measure;  that  inex- 
orable hexameter,  in  which,  it  must  be  confessed,  the 


FO  KD  11 

»ns  of  t)  h  Muse  are  not  unlike  those  of  a 

prisoner  dam  IM.   •.,  the  MUISH  .-?  hit  chains ;  ahd  perhaps, 
as  Dr.  Johnson  said  of  the  dancing  dog,  "the  worn: 

•hut  she  should  do  it  so  well,  but  that  she  should 
at  all." 


THE  CHILDRI  \ 

Ml!     1 

PENTKCOST,dayof  rejoicing,had  come.  Thci  him  h 

Stood  gleaming  white  in  (he  morning's  sheen.  On  the  spire 

of  the  belfry, 
Tipped  with  a  vane  of  metal,  the  tnrmllv  flames  of  the 

ing-sun 

;ccd  like  the  tongues  of  fire,  hrhrld  by  Apostles  afore- 
nine. 

II  was  the  heaven  and  blue,  and  May,  with  her  cap 
.  with  roses, 

holiday  dress  in  the  fields,  and  the  wind  and 
the  brooklet 

Murmured  gladness  and  peace,  God's-peacc '  With  lips 
rosy-tinted 

ic  race  of  the  flowers,  and  merry  on  balanc- 
ing branches 

N  were  singing  their  carol,  a  jubilant  hymn  to  the 
High 

Swept  and  clean  was  the  church- vard.  Adorned  like  a  leaf- 
woven  arbor 
Stood  its  old-1  I  gate;  and  within  upon  each  cross 

of  iron 

Hung  was  a  sweet  scented  garland,  new  twined  by  the 
hands  of  affection. 

i  the  dial,  that  stood  on  a  fountain  among  the  de- 
parted, 

•  In  the  poem,  M  in  the  foreword,  the  spelling  of  the  fint  edition  ha*  been 
rru.nr.J;  only  •  few  obvioM  robprini*  have  been  corrected.  The  line*  are 
here  printed  u  they  were  originally  written;  in  later  edition*  the  poet  changed 
•lightly  about  forty  of  the  line*.  The  footnote*  that  follow  arc  Longfellow'i.  [Eo.] 


I4  I  UK   UUU)K1  \    OF 

(There  full  a  hundred  years  had  it  stood,)  was  embellished 

with  blossoms. 
Like  to  the  patriarch  hoary,  the  sage  of  his  kith  ami  the- 

hamlet, 
Who  on  his  birth-day  is  crowned  by  children  and  children's 

children, 
So  stood  the  ancient  prophet,  and  mute  with  his  pencil  <>t 

iron 
Marked  on  the  tablet  of  stone,  and  measured  the  swift- 

rhanging  moment, 

While  all  around  at  his  feet, an  eternity  slumbered  in  quiet. 
Also  the  church  within   was  adorned,  for  this  was  the 

season 
In  which  the  young,  their  parents'  hope,  and  the  loved- 

ones  of  heaven, 
Should  at  the  foot  of  the  altar  renew  the  vows  of  their 

baptism. 
Therefore  each  nook  and  corner  was  swept  and  cleaned, 

and  the  dust  was 
Blown  from  the  walls  and  ceiling,  and  from  the  oil-painted 

benches. 
There  stood  the  church  like  a  garden;  the  f  the 

Leafy  Pavilions* 
Saw  we  in  living  presentment.  From  noble  arms  on  the 

church  wall 
Grew  forth  a  cluster  of  leaves,  and  the  preacher's  pulpit 

of  oak-wood 

Budded  once  more  anew,  as  aforetime  the  rod  before  Aaron. 
Wreathed  thereon  was  the  Bible  with  leaves,  and  the  dove, 

washed  with  silver, 

•The  Feast  of  the  Tabernacles  ;  in  Swedwh,  LofkyJJoAogtidtn,  the  Leaf-huts'- 
high-tide. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPKR  is 

Under  its  canopy  fastened,  a  necklace  had  on  of  wind- 


MI  i:  i  the  altar-piece  painted  by 

II  -rbcrg/ 

.'i  a  garland  gigantic;  and  bright-curling  tresses  of 

angels 

>cd,  like  the  sun   from  a  cloud,  out  of  the  shadowy 

leaf-work. 
Likewise  the  lustre  of  brass,  new-polished,  blinked  from 

the  ceiling, 
And  for  lights  there  were  lilies  of  Pentecost  set  in  the 

sockets. 

Loud  rang  the  bells  already ;  the  thronging  crowd  was 
assembled 

from  valleys  and  hills,  to  list  to  the  holy  preaching. 
Hark !  then  roll  forth  at  once  the  mighty  tones  from  the 
organ, 

•r  like  voices  ><>d,  aloft  like  invisible  spir 

Like  as  Elias  in  heaven,  when  he  cast  off  from  him  his 
mantle, 

i  so  cast  off  the  soul  its  garments  of  earth;  and  with 
one  voice 

•ied  in  the  congregation,  and  sang  an  anthem  immortal 
( >t  the  sublime  Wallin,f  of  David's  harp  in  the  Northland 
Tuned  to  the  choral  of  Luther;  the  song  on  its  powerful 

pinions 
Took  every  living  soul,  and  lifted  it  gently  to  heaven, 

•The  pratant-paintrr  of  Swc-lrn.  He  w  known  chiefly  by  h»  altar-piece*  in 
the  vilUfe  churchc*. 

f  A  Htttinpiifthed  pa  I  pit -orator  and  poet.  He  it  particularly  remarkable  for  the 
brauty  and  .ublimity  of  hi.  paalim. 


16  THE  rmu)RKN  OF 

And  every  face  did  shine  like  the  Holy  One's  face  upon 

Tabor. 
Lo!  there  entered  then   into  the  churrh   the-   Reverend 

Teacher. 
Father  he  hight  and  he  was  in  the  parish;  a  christianly 

plainness 
Clothed  from  his  head  to  his  feet  the  old  man  of  seven t\ 

winters. 

Friendly  was  he  to  behold,  and  glad  as  the  heralding  angel 
Walked  he  among  the  crowds,  but  still  a  contemplative 

grandeur 

Lay  on  his  forehead  as  clear,  as  on  moss-covered  grave- 
stone a  sun-beam. 

As  in  his  inspiration  (an  evening  twilight  that  faintly 
Gleams  in  the  human  soul,  even  now,  from  the  day  of 

creation) 
Thf  Artist,  the  friend  of  heaven,  imagines  Saint  John  when 

in  Patmos, 
Gray,  with  his  eyes  uplifted  to  heaven,  so  seemed  then  the 

old  man ; 
Such  was  the  glance  of  his  eye,  and  such  were  his  tresses 

of  silver. 

All  the  congregation  arose  in  the  pews  that  were  numbered. 
But  with  a  cordial  look,  to  the  right  and  left  hand,  the  old 

man 
Nodding  all  hail  and  peace,  disappeared  in  the  innermost 

chancel. 

Simply  and  solemnly  now  proceeded  the  Christian  ser- 
vice, 

Singing  and  prayer,  and  at  last  an  ardent  discourse  from 
the  old  man. 


TH  17 

Many  a  moving  word  and  warning,  that  out  of  the  heart 

came, 
Fell  like  (he  dew  of  it  ng,  like  manna  on  those  in 

the  desert. 
Afterwards,  when  all  was  hm>'  I  Vac  her  retetmd 

the  i  ha: 

weil  therein  by  the  young.  On  the  right  hand  the 
boys  had  their  places, 

figures,  with  close-curling  hair  and  checks  rosy- 
blooming. 

Hut  on  the  let't-haiul  of  these,  there  stood  the  tremulous 
lilies, 

Tinged  with  the  hlushing  light  <>t  the  morning,  the  diffi- 
dent maidens, — 

mg  their  hands  in  prayer,  ami  their  eyes  cast  down  on 
the  pavement. 

Now  came,  with  question  and  answer,  the  catechism.  In 
the  beginning 

Answered  the  children  with  troubled  and  faltering  voice, 
but  the  old  man's 

Glances  of  kindness  encouraged  them  soon,  and  the  doc- 
trines eternal 

Flowed,  like  the  waters  of  fountains,  so  clear  from  lips 
unpolluted. 

Whene'er  the  answer  was  closed, and  as  oft  as  they  named 
the  Redeemer, 

Lowly  louted  the  boys,  and  lowly  the  maidens  all  i 
tes 

Friendly  the  Teacher  stood,  like  an  angel  of  light  there 
among  them, 

And  to  the  children  explained  he  the  h..;\,  the  highest, in 
few  words, 


is  THE  CHILDREN  OF 

Thorough,  yet  simple  and  clear,  for  sublimity  alwa 
simple, 

Both  in  sermon  and  song,  a  child  can  letzeofl  its  meaning. 

Even  as  the  green-growing  bud  is  unfolded  when  Spring- 
tide approaches, 

Leaf  by  leaf  is  developed,  and,  warmed  by  the  radiant  sun- 
nc, 

Blushes  with  purple  and  gold,  till  at  last  the  perfected  1 
som 

Opens  its  odorous  chalice, and  rocks  with  its  crown  in  the 
breezes, 

So  was  unfolded  here  the  Christian  lore  of  salvation, 

Line  by  line  from  the  soul  of  childhood.  The  fathers  and 
mothers 

Stood  behind  them  in  tears,  and  were  glad  at  each  well- 
worded  answer. 

Now  went  the  old  man  up  to  the  altar; — and  straight- 
way transfigured 

(So  did  it  seem  unto  me)  was  then  the  affectionate  Teacher. 

Like  the  Lord's  Prophet  sublime,  and  awful  as  Death  and 
as  Judgment 

Stood  he,  the  God-commissioned,  the  soul-searcher, earth- 
ward descending. 

Glances,  sharp  as  a  sword,  into  hearts,  that  to  him  were 
transparent 

Shot  he;  his  voice  was  deep,  was  low  like  thethunder  afaroff. 

So  on  a  sudden  transfigured  he  stood  there,  he  spake  and 
he  questioned. 

"This  is  the  faith  of  the  Fathers,  the  faith  the  Apostles 
delivered, 


i  Hi    LORD*  SUPF1  19 

This  is  more.  -  •  uith  whercunto  I  baptized  you, while 

M.ll  ye 
Lay  on  your  mothers'  breasts,  and  nearer  the  portals  of 

heaven. 

nbcring  received  you  then   (he   Holy  Church  in  its 

Wakened  from  sleep  are  -.  mil  the  light  in  its  ra- 

diant splendor 

Rains  from  the  heaven  downward  i — to-day  on  the  thresh- 
of  childhood 

examine  and  make  your 

.\  <  naught  of  compulsion,  only  conviction  de- 
iireth. 

This  is  the  hour  of  your  trial,  the  turning-point  of  exist- 
ence, 

Seed  for  the  coming  davs;  without  revocation  departeth 
Now  from  your  lips  the  confession.  Bethink  ye,  before 

•nakc  answer! 

-.k  not,  O  think  not  with  guile  to  deceive  the  ques- 
tioning Teacher. 

Sharp  is  his  eye  to-day,  and  a  curse  ever  rests  upon  false- 
hood. 
r  not  with  a  lie  on  Life's  journey ;  the  multitude  hears 

hers  and  sisters  and  parents,  what  dear  upon  earth  is 
and  • 

Standeth  before  your  sight  as  a  witness;  the  Judge  ever- 
lasting 

Looks  from  the  sun  down  upon  you,  and  angels  in  waiting 
beside  him 

Grave  your  confession  in  letters  of  fire,  upon  tablets  eternal. 


20  THE  nui.DkKN  OI 

Thus  then, — believe  ye  in  God,  in  the  Father  who  this 
world  created? 

Him  who  redeemed  it,  the  Son,  and  the  Spirit  where  both 
are  united? 

Will  ye  promise  me  here,  (a  holy  promise!)  to  cherish 

God  more  than  all  things  earthly,  and  every  man  as  a 
brother? 

Will  ye  promise  me  here,  to  confirm  your  faith  by  your 
living, 

Thf  heavenly  faith  of  affection !  to  hope,  to  forgive,  and  to 
suffer, 

Be  what  it  may  your  condition,  and  walk  before  God  in 
uprightness  ? 

Will  ye  promise  me  this  before  God  and  man?"  —  With 
a  clear  voice 

Answered  the  young  men  Yes!  and  Yes!  with  lips  softly- 
breathing 

Answered  the  maidens  eke.  Then  dissolved  from  the  brow 
of  the  Teacher 

Clouds  with  the  thunders  therein,  and  he  spake  on  in 
accents  more  gentle, 

Soft  as  the  evening's  breath,  as  harps  by  Babylon's  riv- 
ers. 

"  Hail,  then,  hail  to  you  all !  To  the  heirdom  of  heaven  be 
ye  welcome! 

Children  no  more  from  this  day,  but  by  covenant  brothers 
and  sisters! 

Yet, —  for  what  reason  not  children?  Of  such  is  the  king- 
dom of  heaven. 

Here  upon  earth  an  assemblage  of  children,  in  heaven  one 
father, 


I   ill       •'  21 

Ruling  them  is  his  own  household,  —  forgiving  in  (urn 

and  chastising, 

:  is  uf  human  life  a  picture,  u  c  has  taught 

us. 
Blessed  arr  ti  ,  *1!  Upon  purity  and  upon 

virtue 
Resteth  the  c  M  ,  she  herself  from  on  high  is 


ig  as  a  man  and  pure  as  a  child,  is  the  sum  of  the 

doer 

he  Godlike  delivered,  and  on  the  cross  suffered 

and  dieti 

O  I  as  ye  wander  this  day  from  childhood's  sacred  asylum 
Downward  and  c  \vard,  and  deeper  in  Age's  chill 

vai: 
(  >  '  how  soon  will  ye  come,  —  too  soon  !  —  and  long  to  turn 

backward 
Up  to  its  hill-tops  again,  to  the  sun-illumined,  where  Judg- 

ment 
Stood  like  a  father  before  you,  and  Pardon,  clad  like  a 

mother, 
-  you  her  hand  to  kiss,  and  the  loving  heart  was  for- 

giv< 
was  a  play  and  your  hands  grasped  after  the  roses  of 

heaven  ! 
Seventy  years  have  I  lived  already;  the  father  eternal 

••  to  me  gladness  and  care;  but  the  loveliest  hours  of 

existence, 
Wht  r  steadfastly  gazed  in  their  eyes,  I  have  in- 

stantly known  them, 
Known  them  all,  all  again;  —  thi-v  \MTC  my  childhood's 

acquaintance. 


22  INK   CHIl.nKEN  OF 

Therefore  take  from  henceforth,  as  guides  in  the  path  <>t 

existence, 
Prayer,  with  her  eyes  raised  to  heaven,  and  Innocence, 

bride  of  man's  childhood. 
Innocence,  child  beloved,  is  a  guest  from  the  world  of  the 

blessed, 

Beautiful, and  in  her  hand  a  lily;  on  life's  roaring  bil. 
Swings  she  in  safety,  she  heedeth  them  not,  in  the  ship 

she  is  sleeping. 
Calmly  she  gazes  around  in  the  turmoil  of  men;  in  the 

desert 

Angels  descend  and  minister  unto  her;  she  herself  knoweth 
Naught  of  her  glorious  attendance;  but  follows  faithful 

and  humble, 

Follows  so  long  as  she  may  her  friend ;  C)  do  not  reject  her, 
For  she  cometh  from  God  and  she  holdeth  the  keys  of  the 

heavens. — 

Prayer  is  Innocence*  friend;  and  willingly  flyeth  incessant 
'Twixt  the  earth  and  the  sky,  the  carrier-pigeon  of  heaven. 
Son  of  Eternity,  fettered  in  Time,  and  an  exile,  the  Spirit 
Tugs  at  his  chains  evermore, and  struggles  like  flames  ever 

upward. 

Still  he  recalls  with  emotion  his  father's  manifold  man- 
sions, 
Thinks  of  the  land  of  his  fathers,  where  blossomed  more 

freshly  the  flowers, 
Shone  a  more  beautiful  sun, and  he  played  with  the  winged 

angels. 

Then  grows  the  earth  too  narrow,  too  close;  and  home- 
sick for  heaven 
Longs  the  wanderer  again;  and  the  Spirit's  longings  are 

worship ; 


TH  23 

Worship  is  called  his  most  beautiful  hour,  and  its  tongue 
is  entreaty. 

Ah!  when  the  infinite  burden  of  life  descendeth  upon  us, 

Crushes  to  earth  our  hope,  and,  under  the  earth,  in  the 
grave-yard, — 

Then  it  is  good  to  pray  unto  God;  for  his  sorrowing  chil- 
dren 

•is  He  ne'er  from  his  door,  but  He  heals  and  helps  and 
consoles  them. 

is  it  better  to  pray  when  all  things  are  prosperous 
with  us, 

Pray  in  fortunate  days,  for  life's  most  beautiful  Fortune 

Kneels  down  before  the  Kternal's  throne;  and,  with  hands 
iMtcrlolded, 

Praises  thankful  and  moved  the  only  giver  of  blessings. 

Or  do  ye  know,  ye  children,  one  blessing  that  comes  not 
from  Heave 

What  has  mankind  forsooth, the  poor!  that  it  has  not  re- 
ceived ? 

Therefore,  fall  in  the  dust  and  pray!  The  seraphs  ador- 
ing 

Cover  with  pinions  six  their  face  in  the  glory  of  Him  who 

Hung  his  masonry  pendant  on  naught,  when  the  world  He 
created. 
h  declareth  h  tnd  the  firmament  uttereth  his 

gl« 

Races  blossom  and  die,  and  stars  fall  downward  from 
hea 

Downward  like  withered  leaves;  at  the  last  stroke  of  mid- 
night, millenniums 

Lay  themselves  down  at  his  feet,  and  He  sees  them,  but 
counts  them  as  nothing. 


24  I  HI-   CH1I.DRKN  OF 

Who  shall  stand  in  his  presence?  The  wrath  <>t  the  Judge 
is  terrific, 

Casting  the  insolent  down  at  a  glance.  When  He  speaks  in 
his  anger 

Hillocks  skip  like  the  kid,  and  mountains  leap  like  the  roe- 
buck. 

Yet, — why  arc  ye  afraid,  ye  children?  This  awful  aven- 
ger, 

Ah!  is  a  merciful  God!  God's  voice  was  not  in  the  earth- 
quake, 

Not  in  the  fire,  nor  the  storm,  but  it  was  in  the  whispering 
breezes. 

Love  is  the  root  of  creation  ;  ( iod's  essence;  worlds  with- 
out number 

Lie  in  his  bosom  like  children;  He  made  them  for  this  pur- 
pose only. 

Only  to  love  and  to  be  loved  again,  He  breathed  forth  his 
spirit 

Into  the  slumbering  dust,  and  upright  standing,  it  laid  its 

Hand  on  its  heart,  and  felt  it  was  warm  with  a  flame  out 
of  heaven. 

Quench,  O  quench  not  that  flame!  It  is  the  breath  of  your 
being. 

Love  is  life,  but  hatred  is  death.  Nor  father,  nor  mother 

Loved  you,  as  God  has  loved  you;  for  'twas  that  you  may 
be  happy 

Gave  He  his  only  son.  When  He  bowed  down  his  head  in 
the  death-hour 

Solemnized  Love  its  triumph;  the  sacrifice  then  was  com- 
pleted. 

Lo!  then  was  rent  on  a  sudden  the  veil  of  the  temple, 
dividing 


I  ,  SUPPJ  2$ 

ivcn  apart,  and  the  dead  from  their  sepul- 
chres rising 

>pcred  with  pallid  lips  and  low  in  the  cars  of  each 
..iher 

Mi'  answer,  but  dreamed  of  he-  ,  enigma, 

— Atonement' 

t  hi  of  Love  are  Atonement's  depths, '  is  Atone- 

ment. 

r  mortality, lovcthou  the  merciful  Father; 
Wish  what  the  II  ..  One  wishes, and  i  .  fear,  but 

affection, 
Fear  is  the  vinuc  of  slaves;  but  the  heart  that  loveth  is 

•ct  was  before  God,  and  perfi  .  e,  and  Love 

on 

Love  ( Jod  as  thou  oughtcst,  then  lovest  thou  like- 

wise thy  brethren , 

One  is  the  sun  in  heaven,  and  one,  only  one,  is  Love  also. 

Bears  not  each  human  figure  the  godlike  stamp  on  his 
forehead? 

Readest  thou  not  in  his  face  thine  origin?  Is  he  not  sail- 
ing 

Lost  like  on  an  ocean  unknown,  and  is  he  not 

guided 

By  the  same  stars  that  guide  thee?  Why  shouldst  thou  hate 
then  thy  brother? 

Hateth  he  thee,  forgive!  For  't  is  sweet  to  stammer  one 
letter 

Of  the  Eternal's  language; — on  earth  it  is  called  Forgive- 
ness! 

.vest  thou  Him,  who  forgave,  with  the  crown  of  thorns 
nul  his  temples? 


26  THE  CHI1  DRKN  OF 

Earncstlv  pravi-d  for  his  foes,  for  his  murderers?  Say,  dost 
thou  know  Him? 

Ah'  thou  confcsscst  his  name,  so  follow  likewise  his  ex- 
ample, 

Think  of  thy  brother  no  ill,  but  throw  a  veil  over  his  fail- 
ings, 

Guide  the  erring  aright;  for  the  good,  the  heavenly  shep- 
herd 

Took  the  lost  lamb  in  his  arms,  and  bore  it  back  to  its 
mother. 

This  is  the  fruit  of  love,  and  it  is  by  its  fruits  that  we 
know  it. 

Love  is  the  creature's  welfare,  with  God;  but  Love  among 
mortals 

Is  but  an  endless  sigh!  He  longs,  and  endures,  and  stands 
waiting, 

Suffers  and  yet  rejoices,  and  smiles  with  tears  on  his  eye- 
lids. 

Hope, — so  is  called  upon  earth,  his  recompense.  —  Hope, 
the  befriending, 

Does  what  she  can,  for  she  points  evermore  up  to  heaven, 
and  faithful 

Plunges  her  anchor's  peak  in  the  depths  of  the  grave,  and 
beneath  it 

Paints  a  more  beautiful  world,  a  dim,  but  a  sweet  play  of 
shadows ! 

Races,  better  than  we,  have  leaned  on  her  wavering  prom- 
ise, 

Having  naught  else  beside  Hope.  Then  praise  we  our  Fa- 
ther in  heaven, 

Him,  who  has  given  us  more;  for  to  us  has  Hope  been 
illumined, 


THE  LORD'S  SUPP1  27 

Groping  no  longer  in  night;  the  it  Faith,  she  if  living 
assurance. 

Faith  is  r  ed  Hope ;  she  is  light,  is  the  eye  of  affec- 

tion, 

Dreams  of  the  longing  interprets,  and  carves  their  visions 
in  marble. 

Faith  is  the  sun  of  life;  and  her  countenance  shines  like 
the  Prophet's, 

she  has  looked  upon  God;  the  heaven  on  its  stable 
foundation 

Draws  she  with  chains  down  to  earth,  and  the  New  Jeru- 
salem sinketh 

ulid  with  portals  twelve  in  golden  vapors  descend- 
ing. 

:c  enraptured  she  wanders,  and  looks  at  the  figures 
majc 

Fears  not  the  winged  crowd,  in  the  midst  of  them  all  is 
her  homestead. 

cfore  love  and  believe;  for  works  will  follow  spon- 
taneous 

i  as  day  does  the  sun;  the  Right  from  the  Good  is  an 
offspring, 

Love  in  a  bodily  shape;  and  Christian  works  are  no  more 
than 

Animate  Love  and  faith,  as  flowers  are  the  animate  spring- 
tide. 

Works  do  follow  us  all  unto  God;  there  stand  and  bear 
witness 

Not  what  they  seemed, — but  what  they  were  only.  Blessed 
is  he  who 

Hears  their  confession  secure;  they  are  mute  upon  earth 
until  death's  hand 


28  I  III     UULDREN  OF 

Opens  the  mouth  of  the  silent.  Ye  children,  docs  Death 
e'er  alarm  you  ? 

Death  is  the  brother  of  Love,  twin-brother  is  he,  and  is 
only 

More  austere  to  behold.  With  a  kiss  upon  lips  that  arc 
fading 

Takes  he  the  soul  and  departs,  and  rocked  in  the  arms  of 
affection, 

Places  the  ransomed  child,  new  born,  Tore  the  face  of  its 
father. 

Sounds  of  his  coming  already  I  hear, — see  dimly  his  pin- 
ions, 

Swart  as  the  night,  but  with  stars  strewn  upon  them  '  1  fear 
not  before  him. 

Death  is  only  release,  and  in  mercy  is  mute.  On  his  bosom 
r  breathes,  in  its  coolness,  my  breast;  and  face  to  face 
standing 

Look  I  on  God  as  He  is,  a  sun  unpolluted  by  vapors ; 

Look  on  the  light  of  the  ages  I  loved,  the  spirits  majes- 
tic, 

Nobler,  better  than  I ;  they  stand  by  the  throne  all  trans- 
figured, 

Vested  in  white,  and  with  harps  of  gold,  and  are  singing 
an  anthem, 

Writ  in  the  climate  of  heaven,  in  the  language  spoken  by 
angels. 

You,  in  like  manner,  ye  children  beloved,  He  one  day  shall 
gather, 

Never  forgets  He  the  weary,  —  then  welcome,  ye  loved 
ones  hereafter! 

Meanwhile  forget  not  the  keeping  of  vows,  forget  not  the 
promise, 


THE  LOI  29 

Wander  from  holiness  onward  to  holiness;  earth  shall  ye 
heed  n 

ust  and  heaven  is  light;  1  have  pledged  you 

God  of  the  Universe,  hear  me'  ihou  fountum  ••?    Love 

;  lasting, 
Hark  to  the  *hy  servant1  I  send  up  my  pra\< 

•MC  hereafter  not  miss  at  thy  throne  one  spirit  of  all 

these, 

hast  given  me  here '  1  have  loved  them  all  like 

a  father. 
May  they  bear  witness  for  me,  that  I  taught  them  the  way 

of  salvat 

iiful,  so  far  as  I  knew  of  thy  word;  again  may  they 

know  me, 
Fall  on  their  Teacher's  breast,  and  before  thy  face  may 

1  place  them, 

Pure  .is  thev  now  are,  but  only  more  tried,  and  exclaim- 
ing with  gladness, 
Father,  i  here,  and  the  children,  whom  thou  hast 

given  i! 

Weeping  he  spake  in  these  words;  and  now  at  the  beck 
of  the  old  man 
Knee  against  knee  they  knitted  a  wreath  round  the  altar's 

enclosure. 

Kneeling  he  read  then  the  prayers  of  the  consecration, and 
tor 

i  him  the  children  read;  at  the  close,  with  tremulous 
acce 
Asked  he  the  peace  of  heaven,  a  benediction  upon  t 


30  THE  CHILDREN  OF 

Now  should  have  ended  his  task  for  the  day ;  the  follow- 
ing Sunday 

Was  for  the  young  appointed  to  cat  of  the  Lord's  holy 
Supper. 

Sudden,  as  struck  from  the  clouds,  stood  the  Teacher  si- 
lent and  laid  his 

Hand  on  his  forehead,  and  cast  his  looks  upward;  while 
thoughts  high  and  holy 

Flew  through  the  midst  of  his  soul,  and  his  eyes  glanced 
with  wonderful  brightness. 

"On  the  next  Sunday, who  knows!  perhaps  I  shall  rest  in 
the  grave-yard ! 

Some  one  perhaps  of  yourselves,  a  lily  broken  untimely, 

Bow  down  his  head  to  the  earth;  why  delay  I  ?  the  hour  is 
accomplished. 

Warm  is  the  heart;  —  I  will  so!  for  to-day  grows  the  har- 
vest of  heaven. 

What  I  began  accomplish  I  now;  for  what  failing  therein 
is 

I,  the  old  man,  will  answer  to  God  and  the  reverend  fa- 
ther. 

Say  to  me  only,  ye  children,  ye  denizens  new-come  in 
heaven, 

Are  ye  ready  this  day  to  eat  of  the  bread  of  Atonement  ? 

What  it  denoteth,  that  know  ye  full  well,  I  have  told  it 
you  often. 

Of  the  new  covenant  a  symbol  it  is,  of  Atonement  a 
token, 

Stablished  between  earth  and  heaven.  Man  by  his  sins  and 
transgressions 

Far  has  wandered  from  God,  from  his  essence.  'T  was  in 
the  beginning 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPKR  31 

Fast  by  the  Tree  of  Knowledge  he  fell,  and  it  hangs  its 
the 

Kail  to  thu  dav;  in  the  Thought  i»  the  Kail;  in  ihc  Heart 
the  Atonement. 

Infinite  it  the  full,  the  Atonement  infinite  likewise. 

behind  me,  as  far  as  the  old  man  remembers,  and 
forward, 

Far  as  Hope  in  her  flight  can  reach  with  her  wearied  pin- 
ions, 

Sin  and  Atonement  incessant  go  through  the  lifetin. 
mortals. 

Brought  forth  is  sin  full-gr  icnt  sleeps  in 

bosoms 

Still  as  the  cradled  babe;  and  dreams  of  heaven  and  of 
angels, 

iot  awake  to  sensation;  is  like  the  tones  in  the  harp's 
strings, 

:s  imprisoned,  that  wait  evermore  the  deliverer's  fin- 
ger- 

Therefore,  ye  children  beloved,  descended  the  Prince  of 

Atonement, 

Woke  the  slumberer  from  sleep,  and  she  stands  now  with 
eyes  all  resplendent, 

Bright  as  the  vault  of  the  sky,  and  battles  with  Sin  and 
comes  I 

iw.ird  to  earth  he  came  and  transfigured,  thence  re- 
ascended, 

Not  from  the  heart  in  like  wise,  for  there  he  still  lives  in 
the  Spirit, 

Loves  and  atones  evermore.  So  long  as  Time  is,  is  Atone- 
ment. 

The i  h  reverence  receive  this  day  her  visible  token. 


32  THE  CHILDREN  OF 

Tokens  arc  dead  if  the  things  do  not  live.  The  h.:ht  ever- 
lasting 

Unto  the  blind  man  is  nut,  hut  is  hum  <>t  the  e\  e  that  h.is 
»n. 

Neither  in  bread  nor  in  wine,  but  in  the  heart  that  is  hal- 
lowed 

Lieth  forgiveness  enshrined;  the  intention  alone  of  amend- 
ment 

Fruits  of  the  earth  ennobles  to  heavenly  things  and  re- 
moves all 

Sin  and  the  guerdon  of  sin.  Only  Love  with  his  arms  wide 
extended, 

Penitence  weeping  and  praying;  the  Will  that  is  tried,  and 
whose  gold  flows 

Purified  forth  from  the  flames;  in  a  word,  mankind  by 
Atonement 

Breaketh  Atonement's  bread,  and  drinketh  Atonement's 
wine-cup. 

But  he  who  cometh  up  hither,  unworthy,  with  hate  in  his 
bosom, 

Scoffing  at  men  and  at  God,  is  guilty  of  Christ's  blessed 
body, 

And  the  Redeemer's  blood]  To  himself  he  eateth  and 
drinketh 

Death  and  doom !  And  from  this,  preserve  us,  thou  heav- 
enly Father! 

Are  ye  ready,  ye  children,  to  eat  of  the  bread  of  Atone- 
ment?"' 

Thus  with  emotion  he  asked,  and  together  answered  the 
children 

Yes!  with  deep  sobs  interrupted.  Then  read  he  the  due 
supplications, 


1  in.  33 

Read  the  K«rm  of  Communion,  ami  in  chimed  the  organ 
and  anth 

Lamb  of  God,  who  ukest  away  our  transgres- 

tlS, 

Hear  u§ !  give  us  thy  peace!  ha\  ,  have  mercy  upon 

us! 
Th*  old  man,  with  trembling  hand,  and  heavenly  pearls 

on  hit  eyelidf , 
Killed  now  the  chalice  and  paten,  and  dealt  round  the 

mystical  symbols. 
Ol  then  seemed  .•  as  if  God,  with  the  broad  eye 

of  mid-day, 
Clearer  looked  in  at  ti  ws,  and  all  the  trees  in  the 

:ch-yard 
Bowed  down  their  summits  of  green,  and  the  grass  on  the 

graves  'gan  to  shiver. 

But  in  the  children,  (I  noted  it  well;  I  knew  it)  there  ran  a 
Tremor  of  holy  rapture  along  through  their  icy-cold  mem- 
bers. 
Decked  like  an  altar  before  them,  there  stood  the  green 

earth,  and  above  it 
Heaven  opened  itself,  as  of  old  before  Stephen ;  there  saw 

they 
Radiant  in  glory  the  Father,  and  on  his  right  hand  the 

Redeemer. 
Under  them  hear  they  the  clang  of  harpstrings,  and  angels 

from  gold  clouds 
Beck  cm  like  brothers,  and  fan  with  their  pinions 

of  purple. 

Closed  was  the  Teacher's  task,  and  with  heaven  in  their 
hearts  and  their  faces, 


34    CHILDREN  OF    1  HI.   LORD'S  SUPl'l  R 

Up  rose  the  children  all,  and  each  bowed  him,  weeping 

full  sorely, 
Downward  to  kiss  that  reverend  hand,  hut  all  of  them 

pressed  he 
Moved  to  his  bosom,  and  laid,  with  a  prayer,  his  hands 

full  of  blessings, 
Now  on  the  holy  breast,  and  now  on  the  innocent  tresses. 


INI     Mil  I  HIOF-SAGA 

OR 

LAY  01-    KR1  TNI 

TRANSLATED,  IN  THE  ORIGINAL  METRES 

FROM  THE  SWEDISH  OF 
ESAJAS  TEGNER,  BISHOP  OF  Wf 
BY  RE\  .  u  II  I  I  AM   LEWERY   BLACKLEY,  M.A. 


PR1 

HOU  1  \  1  R  an  excuse  may  be  needed  for  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  following  translation  of  Tcgi 
Knth i»f -Saga  is  executed,  none  can  well  be  required  for 
the  fact  of  its  being  undertake;  K  which,  the  glory 

,  native  language,  hat  in  several  cognate  tongues  be- 
come an  honored  cla>-  es,  we  would  fain  hope,  but 
to  reach  English  readers  to  be  appreciated  as  it  dese 
that  is,  in  so  far  as  its  intrinsic  .m  be  made  appar- 
lish  vcrs 

Unfortunately  for  the  fame  of  authors,  especially  of 
poetical  ones,  great  difficulties  stand  in  the  way  of  an  ex- 
act rendering  of  their  ideas  into  other  tongues  from  those 
are  originally  expressed.  Of  such  difficulties, 
and  the  many  consequent  faults  of  the  present  volume, 
none  can  be  more  conscious  than  its  translator;  but,  not- 
withstanding, he  intrusts  its  character  to  the  fair  judgment 
of  impartial  readers,  in  the  hope  that,  where  their  acumen 
may  detect  deficiencies,  their  justice  will  lead  them  to  con- 
sider the  difficulties  which  beset  the  undertaking. 

It  has  been  said  of  Sothcln •,  the  translator  of  Wieland's 
Obtron^  that  his  translation  far  surpassed  his  original.  The 
present  writer  has  never  dreamt  of  producing  so  peculiar 
i  result  in  the  handling  of  Tegncr's  poem.  His  aim  has 
been  a  lower  one — to  reflect,  not  to  heighten,  a  beautiful 
image;  and  having  endeavored,  as  far  as  the  nature  of  the 
languages  allowed,  to  remi  tor  word,  and  thought 

tor  thought,  the  work  he  took  in  hand,  his  purpose  will  be 
fully  gained  if,  in  the  judgment  of  those  expert  in  such  mat- 
.  he  be  found  to  have  produced  a  translation,  where  he 
never  presumed  to  attempt  an  embellishment. 


38  PREFACE 

The  talc  of  Frithiof  forms  one  of  the  class  of  Norse 
Legends  or  Sagas  styled  "heroic"  by  Professor  Muller  in 
the  introduction  to  his  Saga-bibliothek  (3  vols.  8vo,  Co- 
penhagen, 1817-20).  The  period  at  which  Frithiof  lived 
is  supposed  to  have  been  at  the  end  of  the  thirteenth 
or  beginning  of  the  fourteenth  century;  but  the  critical 
grounds  for  such  a  supposition  need  not  be  here  stated. 

For  the  benefit  of  those  who  like  an  "Argument"  pre- 
fixed to  an  epic,  Muller's  abstract  of  the  ancient  poem 
will  be  found  annexed,  translated  from  the  Danish.  It  will 
also  serve  to  show  in  how  very  few  particulars  Tegner  has 
allowed  himself  to  vary  from  the  tale  the  old  Saga-men 
handed  down.  In  some  few  parts  of  the  modern  version  he 
has  used,  with  admirable  judgment  and  effect,  the  struc- 
ture, and  even  the  words,  of  the  original ;  but,  not  content 
with  amplifying  and  adorning  a  heathen  tale,  or  depicting 
the  manners  of  a  long-departed  age,  he  has  surrounded  his 
work  with  an  atmosphere  of  high  morality,  and  guarded  it 
from  every  mean  tendency,  with  a  care  worthy  alike  the 
author  of  The  Children  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  the  char- 
acter of  a  Christian  prelate. 

With  reference  to  the  metres  employed,  opinions  will, 
of  course,  be  divided;  nor  can  a  candid  critic  help  admit- 
ting that,  even  at  the  sacrifice  of  some  originality,  sundry 
parts  would  sound  better  in  different  metres  than  those 
employed.  Tegner's  plan  has  been  a  novel  one,  namely, 
to  produce  each  of  the  twenty-four  divisions  of  his  work 
in  a  different  measure;  and, doubtless,  nothing  but  adher- 
ence to  such  a  design  could  have  induced  him  to  use  a 
metre  so  uncouth  as  the  iambic  hexameter,  in  which  the 
last  division, "Reconciliation, "is  confined.  It  almost  seems 
as  if  his  Muse,  footsore  as  she  approaches  the  end  of  her 


PR  !  39 

accommodates  the  t.i  long  to  the 

limping  «»f  her  ^ait. 

I  hr  ,  CM-MI  translator  has  not,  however,  thought  him- 
self at  hl»rrt\  to  vary  from  the  form  prescribed  and  adopted 
by  his  author,  and  has  therefore  adhered  to  the  original 
metres,  using  only  occasionally,  and  under  the  pressure  of 
necessity,  that  greater  lib<  h  the  constitution  of 

English  verse,  like  that  of  English  government,  most  wisely 
.vs.  That  liberty  is  the  more  necessary  and  the  more 
useful  when  a  poem,  as  in  this  instance,  partakes  so  much 
c  ballad  nature,  but  it  has  been  rarely  and  reluctantly 
used  in  this  translation,  and  only  when  it  became  abso- 
lutely needful  to  sacrifice  sound  to  sense. 

An  Alphabetical  Glossary,  and  some  Notes  explanatory 
.c  superstitions  and  customs  of  ancient  Scandinavia, 
referred  to  in  the  text,  are  subjoined. 


Merck,  1  1  57 


ABSTRACT 

OF  THE  ANCIENT  KRITHIOF-S  V 

IN  Sognefylkc,  near  the  holy  grove  of  Balder,  dwelt  King  Belc; 
two  sons  had  he,  Hclgc  and  Halfdan,  and  moreover  a  daughter, 
Ingeborg  the  Fair.  When  he  came  to  die,  Bcle  warned  his  sons 
to  keep  up  friendship  with  the  mighty  Frithiof,  a  son  of  his  • 
Thorstcn,  who  was  the  son  of  Viking.  But  the  young  Kings  re- 
fused scornfully  FrithioPs  wooing  for  their  sister's  hand,  and  so  he 
vowed  revenge,  and  that  he  never  would  come  to  their  assistance. 

Soon  after  it  came  to  pass  that,  when  King  Hring  made  war 
against  them,  they  sent  to  ask  aid  from  Frithiof:  he  was  playing 
chess,  and  let  himself  not  be  one  whit  disturbed  by  their  mes- 
senger. 

Hring  conquered,  and  made  the  brothers  promise  Ingeborg's 
hand  to  him. 

Meanwhile  Frithiof  had  gone  to  sec  Ingeborg  in  Balder*  s  tem- 
ple (which  was  a  forbidden  deed),  and  there  he  exchanged  rings 
with  her,  for  to  him  the  love  of  Ingeborg  was  far  weightier  matter 
than  the  favor  of  Balder. 

To  punish  him  for  thb  contempt  of  the  shrine  of  Balder,  the 
Kings  laid  upon  Frithiof  the  task  of  going  to  the  Faroes,  and  de- 
manding a  tribute.  So  Frithiof,  with  his  foster-brother,  set  sail  in 
the  ship  Ellida,  the  best  in  all  the  North ;  a  ship  which  all  said 
could  understand  the  voice  of  men.  All  in  the  midst  of  the  storm 
Frithiof  spoke  of  his  Ingeborg.  At  last,  when  the  good  ship  was 
near  sinking,  he  hewed  Ingeborg's  ring  in  pieces,  that  his  men 
might  not  want  gold  when  they  went  down  to  Rana's  dwelling 
(she  was  goddess  of  the  Sea).  Afterwards,  when  they  had  over- 
come a  pair  of  storm-sprites,  which  rode  on  whales  against  them, 
the  storm  sank  down,  and  they  approached  the  Faroes,  where  Yarl 
Angantyr  let  him  take  the  tribute  for  friendship's  sake,  and  so  he 
departed. 

When  he  came  back,  he  heard  that  the  Kings  had  burned  his 


I  HI     AM  II  N  I     I  Rl  I  HI  4« 

ling,  and  that  they  were  jiut  then  at  the  midsummer  feast  in 
the  grove  of  Balder.  Thither  he  went,  and  found  few  folk  within; 
but  Helge's  Queen  sat  there,  warming  the  image  of  the  god, 
anointing  it.  and  rubbing  k  wkh  cloths. 

Frithiof  flung  the  pone  with  the  money  in  Helge'.  face,  so  that 
hi.  very  teeth  fell  out,  and  then  he  was  going  away,  when  he 
beheld  the  ring  he  had  given  to  Ingeborg  on  the  arm  of  Helge'. 
Queen.  He  dragged  k  from  her  with  such  might  that  she  feO  upon 
the  ground.  Balder's  image  was  thrown  into  the  fire,  and  the  whole 
temple  set  in  flame.  King  Helge  sought  to  pursue  Frithiof,  but  his 
ships  had  been  made  useless.  Frithiof,  just  to  show  his  strength, 
drew  such  a  stroke  with  EUida's  oars  (  which  were  twelve  ell.  long) , 
hey  both  brake  asunder. 

Now  Frithiof  remained  an  outcast :  so  he  took  to  the  ocean,  and 
he  slew  the  fierce  sea-kings,  but  let  the  merchants  fare  in  peace. 
And  so,  when  he  had  gained  great  glory  and  wealth,  he  hied  him 
back  again  to  the  North,  and  went,  disguised  as  a  salt-burner,  to 
the  palace  of  King  Hring.  Hring  knew  him,  and,  pitying  his  sad 
tale,  commanded  that  he  should  be  set  in  the  most  honorable  seat. 
Queen  Ingeborg  spake  but  little  with  him.  Once,  when  Hring 
and  Ingeborg  were  driving  over  the  ice,  it  broke  beneath  them ; 
Frithiof  came  with  speed,  and  dragged  them  up  again,  with  sleigh 
and  horse  and  all.  Another  day  Frithiof  and  the  King  went  out 
together  into  a  wood,  and  the  King  laid  him  down  to  sleep ;  then 
Frithiof  drew  hi.  sword,  and  threw  it  away.  Then  the  King  told 
him  how  that  he  had  known  from  the  first  evening  who  he  wit. 
Then  Frithiof  wished  to  go  away,  but  Hring  gave  up  Ingeborg 
to  him,  and  made  him,  under  the  title  of  Earl,  the  guardian  of  his 
heir.  Soon  after  Hring  died ;  then  Frithiof  married  hi.  bride,  and 
remained  King.  Helge  and  Halfdan  made  war  against  him,  but 
Frithiut'  >lcw  Helge,  and  Halfdan  had  to  pay  scot  to  him  as  his  lord. 


FKI  I  II I  OPS  SAGA 

l 
FRITHIOF  AND  INGEBORG 

IN  Hilding'i  home  together  grew 
Two  pUntt  beneath  hit  fostering  t 
Two  fairer  never  graced  the  North, 
In  youth's  green  springtime  budding  forth. 

Strong  as  the  oak,  and  towering  high, 
Straight  as  a  tall  lance  towards  the  sky, 
Its  struggling,  wind-tost  summit  blown, 
hcl  met  -plumes,  so  grew  the  one. 

•thcr,  like  the  fragile  rose, 
When  \\mier,  parting,  melts  the  snows, 
Ami  >p ring's  sweet  breath  bids  flowers  arise, 
Still  in  the  bud  unconscious  lies. 

When  o'er  the  earth  the  storms  speed  hoarse, 
1  he  oak  is  seen  to  brave  their  force; 
When  in  the  sky  the  spring-sun  glows, 
Open  the  red  lips  of  the  rose. 

So  grew  they  glad  in  childhood  free, 
And  Frithint"  was  the  sapling  tree; 
And  the  sweet  valley-rose  was  there 
In  Ingeborg,  the  young  and  fair. 

Saw'st  thou  the  twain  by  light  of  day, 
In  Freya's  halls  thou'dst  seem  to  stray, 


FRITHIOFS  >.\< 

Where  wanders  many  a  happy  pair, 
With  rosy  wings  and  golden  h 

But  saw'st  thou  them  in  moonlit  glade, 
Dancing  beneath  the  forest  shade, 
Thou  'dst  think  in  airy  dance  t*  have  seen 
The  fairy  king  and  fairy  queen. 

How  light  his  heart,  how  glad  his  thought, 
When  the  first  Runes  to  him  were  taught; 
So  proud  no  king  on  earth  was  then, 
Since  he  could  teach  them  her  again. 

O'er  the  blue  deep  he  loved  to  guide 
His  boat,  with  Ingborgby  his  side; 
While  she,  as  sailed  they  to  and  fro, 
Clapped  gleefully  her  hands  of  snow. 

To  gain  for  her,  no  wild  bird's  nest 
Too  high  for  him  was  ever  placed, 
Nor  even  could  the  eagle  strong 
Protect  from  him  her  eggs  or  young. 

No  stream,  however  fierce  its  flow, 
He  feared  to  carry  Ingborg  through; 
Sweetly,  when  'neath  loud  falls  they  passed, 
Her  little  white  arms  held  him  fast, 

The  first  fair  flower  that  spring-time  bred, 
The  first  wild  berry,  sweet  and  red, 
The  first  ripe  ear  of  golden  corn, 
Faithful  and  glad,  to  her  were  borne. 


45 

»  toon  sweet  childhood  flew, 

Aiul  1 

While  t.i  the  nuid  matured,  his  eye 

full   Ol 


Young  Frithiof  often  m  the  field 
Pursue!  the  i  hue,  'gainst  danger  itccl'd; 
Proud  w  xwonl  or  spear, 

Unarmed,  to  slay  the  grisly  bear. 

He  wrestled  with  him  breast  to  breast, 
Nor  scatheless  of  his  prize  possessed, 
He  carried  home  the  shaggy  sj 

c  Ingborg's  smiles  repaid  his  t 

woman  loves  a  manly  deed, 
And  beauty's  praise  is  valor's  meed; 

•nc  is  suited  for  the  other, 
As  head  and  helmet  matched  together. 

Then,  as  the  winter  evenings  sped, 
Beside  the  hearth  he  sat,  and  read 
Some  lay  of  Odin's  halls  of  light  — 
Of  gods  and  goddesses  so  bright. 

Then  thought  he:  "Frcya's  golden  hair, 
Like  a  ripe  corn-Held,  waves  in  air; 
Hut  Ingborg's  tresses  seem  to  hold 
and  rose  in  net  of  gold. 

1  Iduna's  bosom,  full  and  fair, 
Beau  beneath  silk,  rich,  green,  and  rare; 


46  I  RITHloi  •>  SAGA 

But  here,  'neath  dearer  silken  folds, 
Its  place  a  fairy  bosom  holds. 

"And,  like  the  deep,  clear,  azure  sky, 
Beams  lovely  Frigga's  soft  blue  eye; 
But  I  know  eyes  whose  gentle  ray 
lipses  spring-time's  brightest  day. 

"And  shines  fair  Gerda's  cheek  alone 
Like  sparkling  snow  'neath  northern  sun? 
I  know  of  cheeks,  whose  ruddy  glow 
A  double  dawn  appears  to  show. 

"A  loving  heart  I  know  of,  too, 
Like  gentle  Nanna's,  fond  and  true; 
Full  worthily,  O  Balder,  we 
Praise  still,  in  song,  her  love  for  thee! 

"Gladly  in  death  would  I  be  laid, 
Lamented  by  a  loving  maid, 
As  faithful  and  as  true  as  she, 
Welcome  were  Hela's  home  to  me." 

King  Bele's  child,  of  daring  deeds 
Sate  singing,  while  with  busy  threads 
She  wove  a  tapestry  of  war, 
With  groves,  and  fields,  and  waves  afar. 

Upon  the  snowy  woollen  field 
Grew  glories  of  a  golden  shield, 
Blood-red  appeared  the  lances  thrown, 
With  silver  all  the  breastplates  shone. 


I-RII  II  lol       SAGA  47 

11  as  the  wove  it,  more  and  more 

When  from  the  frame  the  raited  her  head, 
Mushed  with  shame,  but  still  was  glad. 

And  I  r  ,  on  birch-tree's  stem, 

An  I,  an  F,  where'er  he  can 
And  merrily  the  letters,  too, 

KC  their  young  hearts,  together  grew. 

When  riseth  up  the  morning  fair, 
The  king  of  earth,  with  golden  hair, 
And  busy  life  begins  to 
Each  on  the  other  thinks  with  love. 

When  night  with  darkness  fills  the  air, 
Mother  of  earth,  with  raven  hair, 
And  silent  stars  are  all  that  move, 
Each  on  the  other  dreams  with  love. 

**O  Earth,  thou  deck'st  thyself  each  year 
With  flowers  in  thy  leaf-green  hair; 

c  me  the  sweetest,  that  may  shine 
In  richest  wreath  for  Frithiof  mine!" 


O  Sea,  thy  gloomy  halls 

Bright  pearls  in  thousands  numberless; 

me  the  fairest  and  most  clear 
To  weave  a  chain  for  Ingborg  dear!" 

L  O  Peak  of  Odin's  royal  throne, 
Eye  of  the  world,  thou  golden  Sun, 


48  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

Did  thy  bright  disc  belong  to  me, 
A  shield  for  Frithiof  it  should  be ! " 

«O  Lamp  in  Odin's  halls  of  bliss, 
Pale  Moon,  with  gentle  ray  of  peace, 
Thy  fairest  beams,  if  thou  wert  mine, 
To  deck  my  Ingeborg  should  shine!" 

But  Hilding  said, "My  foster-child, 
Check  this  young  fondness,  vain  and  wild; 
Unequal  lots  forbid  the  Nome, 
And  royally  is  Ingborg  born. 

"From  Odin,  in  his  starry  home, 
Her  ancestors  descended  come; 
Thou  art  but  Thorsten's  son;  forbear, 
Since  but  the  great  should  greatness  share." 

"My  sires  lie,"  Frithiof  proudly  said, 

"In  the  dark  valley  of  the  dead; 
But  the  falling  wood-king  left  to  me, 
With  his  shaggy  hide,  his  ancestry. 

"The  free-born  man,  ne'er  yieldeth  he; 
The  world  belongeth  to  the  free. 
What  chance  hath  lost  may  chance  repair, 
And  Hope  a  royal  crown  may  wear. 

"  Full  nobly  born  descendeth  power 
From  the  great  Thrudvang-dwelling  Thor: 
He  heeds  not  birth,  but  valor  true, 
And  mightily  the  sword  can  sue. 


JTHIO  49 

my  young  bride  I  '11  combat  now, 
mgh  thundering  Thor  thould  be  my  f 
>m  glad,  bloom  true,  my  1 
He  who  would  part  ui  ill  shall  fa: 


II 

KING  BELE  AND  THORSTEN  VIKINGSSON 

KING  BELE  in  his  palace  stood,  on  his  sword  he  leaned, 
And  by  him  Thorsten  Vikingsson,  his  old,  tried  friend; 
The  comrade  who  for  eighty  years  his  wars  did  share, 
Scarred  as  a  monument  was  he,  and  white  his  hair. 

So  stand  two  aged  temples,  midst  mountains  high, 
Both  with  age  tottering,  to  ruin  nigh; 
Yet  words  of  wisdom  still  on  the  walls  we  see, 
And  on  the  roof  pictures  of  antiquity. 

"My  day  is  setting  fast,"  King  Bele  said; 

"Tasteless  the  mead;  I  feel  the  helmet's  weight; 
Dim  are  my  glazing  eyes  to  mortal  state, 
But  ValhalF  dawns  more  near;  I  feel  my  fate. 

"So  my  two  sons,  with  thine,  I  've  called  to  me, 
Together  they  're  united,  as  have  been  we; 
Once  more  to  warn  the  young  birds  am  I  fain, 
Ere  from  a  dead  man's  tongue  all  words  be  vain." 

Then  to  the  hall  they  entered  in,  as  he  had  willed: 
The  elder,  Helge,  whose  dark  brow  with  gloom  was  filled; 
His  days  in  temples  spent  he,  with  spjemen  hoary, 
And  now  from  sacrificing  came,  his  hands  still  gory. 

Then  came  the  younger,  Halfdan,  with  flaxen  hair; 
His  countenance  was  noble,  but  soft  and  fair; 
As  if  in  sport  a  heavy  falchion  bearing, 
Like  a  young  maid  a  warrior's  armor  wearing. 


nuTHiors  SAGA  5i 

And  last  in  azure  mantle  came  Knthiof  tall, 

a  full  head  in  stature  outmeaturing  them  all; 
H<-  stood  between  the  brothers  is  glorious  day 
Stands  between  rosy  dawning  and  twilight  gray. 

u  My  children,"  quoth  the  King,  "my  day  doth  wane; 
Rule  in  fraternal  peace,  in  union  reign , 
like  the  ring  upon  the  spear, 
Makes  strong  what,  wanting  it,  were  worthless  gear. 

•  Vigor  be  your  country's  sentinel, 
And  blooming  Peace  within  securely  dwell; 
To  shelter,  nut  to  harm,  your  weapons  wield, 
And  let  your  subjects'  bulwark  be  your  shield. 

"An  unwise  ruler  devastates  his  land; 
All  monarchs'  might  in  people's  strength  must  stand; 
Soon  the  green  splendor  of  the  tree  is  fled, 
from  the  naked  rock  its  roots  be  fed. 

ur  pillars  to  uphold  it  Heaven  doth  own, 
Kingdoms  are  based  on  one,  on  Law  alone. 
Danger  is  near  where  might  can  sway  the  Ting; 
Right  guards  the  land,  and  glorifies  the  King. 

"Helgc!  in  Disarsal  the  gods  do  dwell; 
Hut  not  like  snails,  within  a  narrow  shell. 
Far  as  the  day  can  shine,  or  echo  sound, 
Far  as  the  thought  can  flee,  the  gods  are  found. 

**Oft  err  the  entrails  of  the  offered  hau 

NC,  though  deep-cut,  is  many  a  Runenbalk. 


52  FRITHIOF'S  SAGA 

But  in  the  open  heart  and  honest  eye 
Odin  hath  written  Runes  that  ne'er  can  lie. 

"Helge!  be  not  severe,  be  firm  alone: 
By  bending  most  the  truest  sword  is  known. 
Mercy  adorns  a  king,  as  flowers  a  shield, 
More  than  all  winter  can  one  spring-day  yield. 

"A  friendless  man,  however  mighty  he, 
Fadeth  deserted,  like  a  bark-stripped  tree; 
With  roots  refreshed,  though  fierce  the  storm-winds  strive, 
By  friendship's  stream  thou  may'st  securely  thrive. 

"  Boast  not  thy  father's  fame,  't  is  his  alone; 
A  bow  thou  canst  not  bend  is  scarce  thine  own. 
What  can  a  buried  glory  be  to  thee? 
By  its  own  force  the  river  gains  the  sea. 

"Gladness,  O  Halfdan,  doth  the  wise  adorn, 
But  folly,  most  of  all  in  kings,  brings  scorn ! 
Mix  hops  with  honey,  when  thou  mead  wilt  brew; 
Make  thy  sports  sterner,  and  thy  weapon  too. 

"None  is  too  learned,  however  wise  he  be. 
That  many  knowledge  lack,  too  well  know  we; 
Despised  the  witless  sitteth  at  the  feast, 
The  learned  hath  the  ear  of  every  guest. 

"To  trusty  comrade,  or  to  friend  in  war, 
Be  thy  way  near,  although  his  home  be  far; 
Yet  let  thy  foeman's  house,  where'er  it  lie, 
Be  ever  distant,  though  thou  pass  it  by. 


r-kn  Hiora  SAGA  $3 

44 Thy  confidence  to  many  §hun  to  gr. 
hull  birni  we  lock;  the  empty,  open  leave; 
Choose  one  in  whom  to  trust,  more  seek  not  thou; 
The  world,  ()  Halfdan,  knows  what  three  men  know!" 

After  the  King  rote  Thorsten:  thus  spake  he, — 
"Odin  alone  to  seek  ill  fittcth  th< 

We  *vc  shared  each  h  tig,  our  whole  lives  through, 

And  death,  1  (rust,  we'll  share  together  too. 

ill  many  a  warning  Time  hath  whispered  n> 
Son  Knthiot,  which  I  gladly  give  to  ihce; 
As  on  the  tombstones  high  perch  Odin's  birds, 
So  on  the  lips  of  age  hang  wisdom's  words. 

u  Honor  the  gods;  for  every  good  and  harm 
Comes  from  above,  like  sunshine  and  like  storm. 
Deep  into  hearts  they  see,  and  many  mourn 
In  lifelong  sorrow  for  one  short  hour's  scorn. 

»r  the  King!  let  one  man  rule  with  might, 
Day  hath  but  one  eye,  many  hath  the  night. 

the  better  grudge  against  the  best; 
I  he  sword  must  have  a  hilt  to  hold  it  fast. 

"High  strength  is  Heaven's  gift,  yet  little  prize 
It  brings  its  owner,  if  he  be  not  wise; 
A  bear  with  twelve  men's  strength  can  one  man  kill, 
As  shield  'gainst  sword,  set  law  against  thy  will. 

"The  proud  arc  feared  by  few,  hated  by  all, 
And  insolence,  O  Frithiof,  brings  a  fall. 


54  I  Rl  I  UK  >l >  SAGA 

Men,  mighty  once,  I  've  seen  on  crutches  borne, 
And  fortune  changeth  like  storm -blasted  corn. 

"  Praise  not  the  day  before  the  night  arrive, 
Mead  till  't  is  drunk,  or  counsel  till  it  thrive. 
Youth  trusteth  soon  to  many  an  idle  word, 
Need  proves  a  friend,  as  battle  proves  a  sword. 

"Trust  not  to  one  night's  ice,  to  spring-day  snow, 
To  serpent's  slumber,  or  to  maiden's  vow; 
For  heart  of  woman  turneth  like  a  wheel, 
And  'ncath  the  snowy  breast  doth  falsehood  dwell. 

"Thyself  must  perish,  all  thou  hast  must  fade: 
One  thing  alone  on  earth  is  deathless  made, 
That  is  the  dead  man's  glory:  therefore  thou 
Will  what  is  right,  and  what  is  noble,  do." 

So  warned  the  graybeards  in  the  royal  hall, 

As  later  warned  the  Skald  in  Havamal; 

From  mouth  to  mouth  went  words  of  wisdom  round, 

Which,  whispered  still,  through  Northland's  hills  resound. 

Then  both  full  many  a  hearty  memory  named 
Of  their  true  friendship,  in  the  Northland  famed; 
How,  faithful  unto  death,  in  joy  or  need, 
Like  two  clasped  hands,  together  they  had  staid. 

"Sons!  back  to  back  our  stand  we  ever  made; 
So  ever  to  each  Nome  a  shield  displayed; 
And  now,  we  aged,  to  Valhalla  haste, 
Oh!  with  our  sons  may  their  sires'  spirits  rest!" 


II  Hloi    :        U  55 

Much  ipake  (he  KMV  ..!  ,  valor  good, 

Hit  hero-might  excelling  royal  blood; 
And  ThorstcM  mm  h  of  future  fame  to  crown 
Asa  tons,  who  should  the  Northland  own 

44  And  if  ye  hold  together,  ye  mighty  three, 
Your  conqueror  the  Northland  ne'er  shall  sec: 

might,  by  lofty  station  firmly  held, 
Is  like  the  steel  rim  round  a  goMen  shield. 

44  And  my  dear  daughter,  tender  rose-bud,  greet, 
In  tranquil  silence  bred,  as  most  is  m< 

•end  her;  let  the  storm-wind  ne'er  have  power 
To  plant  upon  his  ci<  late-born  flower. 

«  Helgc!  on  thcc  I  lay  a  father's  c.i 

ird,  like  a  daughter  dear,  my  Ingborg  fair; 

:ce  breaks  a  noble  soul,  but  mildness  leads 

Both  man  and  maid  to  good  and  noble  deeds. 

44  Now,  children,  lay  us  in  two  lofty  graves 

n  :•'.  the  sea-shore,  near  the  deep  blue  waves: 
Their  sounds  shall  to  our  souls  be  music  sweet, 
Singing  our  dirge  as  on  the  strand  they  beat. 

"When  round  the  hills  the  pale  moonlight  is  thrown, 
And  midnight  dews  fall  on  the  Bauta-stone, 
We  '    I  horsten,  in  our  rounded  graves, 

And  speak  together  o'er  the  gentle  waves. 


56  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

nd  now,  ye  sons  beloved,  fare  ye  well, 
We  go  to  Allfathcr,  in  peace  to  dwell, 
As  weary  rivers  long  to  reach  the  set. 
With  you  may  Frcy  and  Thor  and  Odin  be!" 


11! 
FRITHIOK'S  INHKRITANCE 

Nov.  Craves  had  been  let  King  Bele  and  Thorsten 

the  aged, 

•icy  themselves  had  desired ;  uprose  on  each  side  of 
the  deep  bay 

Mounds  high  arched,  like  breasts  that  the  valley  of  death 
separated. 

Helge  and  Halfdan  together,  bv  old  traditional  usage, 

Ruled  in  the  house  of  their  sire;  but  Frithiof  shared  his 
with  no  one, 

And  as  an  only  son  possessed  the  dwelling  at  Framnas. 

c  leagues  forth  was  his  rule,  on  three  sides  round  him 
extended, 

Valley  and  mountain  and  wood ;  and  the  sea  was  the  fourth 
his  mearings. 

Kirch  forest  crowned  the  tops  of  the  hills,  and  where  they 
descended 

Waved  fields  of  rye  as  tall  as  a  man,  and  golden-eared 
barley. 

Many  a  fair  smooth  lake  held  a  mirror  of  light  to  the  moun- 
tains, 

Picturing  forth  the  forests,  where  elks  with  towering  ant- 
lers 

Stalked  with  the  gait  of  kings,  and  drank  from  rivulets 
countless. 

And  in  the  valleys  around,  far  pastured  abroad  o'er  the 
meadows, 

Herds  with  glittering  hides,  and  udders  that  yearned  for  the 
milking. 


58  I  RITHIOF'S  SAGA 

Mingled  with  these,  moved  slowly  about  in  flocks  without 
number, 

Sheep  with  fleeces  of  snow,  as  float  in  the  beautiful  heavens 

Thick,  white,  feathery  clouds  at  the  gentle  breathing  of 
spring-time. 

Twice  twelve  spirited  steeds,  like  terrible  winds  in  con- 
finement, 

Pawed  in  the  stalls  impatient,  and  champ'd  the  growth  ol 
the  meadows; 

Red  silk  shone  in  their  manes,  and  their  hoofs  were  flash- 
ing with  steel  shoes. 

But  a  house  for  itself  was  the  banquet  hall,  fashioned  in  fir- 
wood; 

Not  five  hundred,  though  told  ten  dozen  to  every  hun- 
dred, 

Filled  that  chamber  so  vast,  when  they  gathered  for  Yulr- 
tide  carousing. 

Through  the  whole  length  of  the  hall  shone  forth  the  table 
of  oak  wood, 

Brighter  than  steel,  and  polished;  the  pillars  twain  of  the 
high  seat 

Stood  on  each  side  thereof;  two  gods  deep  carved  out  of 
elm  wood: 

(Odin  with  glance  of  a  king,  and  Frey  with  the  sun  on 
his  forehead). 

Lately  betwixt  them  sat  on  his  bear-skin  (this  was  as  coal 
black, 

Scarlet  red  were  the  jaws,  and  the  paws  with  silver  be- 
shodden): 

Thorsten  still  with  his  friends,  Hospitality  sitting  with 
Gladness. 


iiiii'-         <;A  59 

while  sped  the  moon  through  the  sky,  the  greybeard 
related 
idcrt  of  far-lying  lands,  and  of  many  a  Vikinga  voy- 

•g* 
Wide  on  the  eastern  sea,  o'er  the  western  waves,  and  on 

mdvik. 

glance  of  the  listeners  silent  hung  on  the  lips  of  the 
speaker — 
Hung  as  a  bee  from  a  rose;  the  Skald  alone  thought  upon 

Bragc, 
How,  with  his  silver  beard  and  tongue  rune-written,  he 

cth 
Under  the  leafy  grove,  and  rclateth  wonders  by  Mimcr's 

-murmuring  stream;  himself  a  living  relation. 
Now  in  the  nmi>t  of  the  rush-strewn  hall  continual  flam- 
ing 
Rose  the  fire  from  the  mortared  hearth;  through  the  open 

chimney 

Heavenly   friend-like   stars  looked   into   the  banqueting 
chamber. 

ul  on  the  wall  from  hooks  of  steel  were  hanging  in 
order 
Breast-plates  and  helmets  together,  while  here  and  there 

m  between  them 
Flashed  a  sword,  like  a  meteor  seen  in  the  dark  nights  of 

win 
Hut  more  than  helmet  or  sword  the  shields  shone  bright 

in  the  chamber, 

Clear  as  the  orb  of  the  sun,  or  the  silvery  disc  of  the  pale 
moon. 

hen  a  maiden  went  round  the  board  and  filled  up 
the  mead-horns, 


6o  FRITHIOF'S  SAGA 

Downwards  she  cast  her  eyes,  and  blushed,  and  her  form 
in  the  round  shields 

Blushed  like  the  maiden  herself;  this  gladdened  each  ban- 
queting comrade. 

Rich  was  the  house:  wherever  the  eye  could  turn,  there 
did  meet  it 

Cellars  and  chests  well  filled,  and  granaries  heaped  with 
provisions. 

Many  a  treasure,  too,  it  contained,  the  booty  of  warfare: 

Golden,  with  deep-carved  Runes,  and  silver  wondrously 
fashioned. 

Three  things  there  were  prized  above  all  the  rest  of  the 
riches : 

First  of  the  three  was  the  mighty  sword,  an  heirloom  an- 
cestral, 

Angurvadel,  so  was  it  named,  and  brother  of  Lightning; 

Far  in  the  east  it  was  forged,  as  ancient  legends  related, 

Tempered  by  toil  of  dwarfs:  Bjorn  Blaetand  the  first  who 
had  borne  it. 

But  Bjorn  paid  as  a  forfeit  at  once  both  his  life  and  his 
weapon, 

Southward  in  Groninga-sund,  when  he  fought  with  the 
powerful  Vifell. 

Vifell  was  father  to  Viking.  There  dwelt  then,  feeble  and 
aged, 

At  Ullaroker,  a  king  with  an  only  beautiful  daughter. 

Lo!  there  came  from  the  depths  of  the  woods  a  giant  tre- 
mendous, 

Greater  in  height  than  stature  of  man,  and  hairy  and  cruel, 

Demanding  a  champion  to  fight,  or  else  both  daughter  and 
kingdom. 


KK1IHK'.  61 

No  man  stood  forth  t  >r  could  Hnd  a  hard  enough 

weapon 
Hit  skull  to  wound,  and  therefore  they  named  him 

the  lernhot, 
V i king  alone,  who  had  just  rilled  fifteen  winters,  withstood 

him, 
Fighting  with  trust  in  his  arm  and  Angurvadel,  with  one 

stroke 
he  the  terrible  foe  to  the  waist,  and  rescued  the  fair 

ig  left  it  to  Thorsten,  his  son,  and  from  Thorsten  de- 
scended 

Came  it  to  Kruhiof  at  last.  When  he  drew  it  the  hall  was 
illumined 

As  by  a  lightning-flash,  or  the  da/  /ling  gleam  of  the  north- 
lights. 

Golden  thereof  was  the  hilt ;  with  verses  the  blade  of  it 
written, 

Wonderful,  strange  to  the  north,  but  known  at  the  thresh- 
old of  sunshine, 

Where  their  fathers  had  dwelt  ere  the  Asen  led  them  up 
northwards. 

Dull  was  the  sheen  of  the  Runes  as  long  as  was  peace  in 
the  nation, 

Hut   when   Hildur  began  her  sport,  then  glittered   : 
blood-red  — 

Red  as  the  crest  of  a  cock  when  he  fightcth.  Lost  was  the 
nan 

Who  ever  met  that  flaming  sword  in  the  midst  of  the 
battle. 

Far  was  that  sword  renowned,  and  of  swords  the  first  in 
the  Northland. 


62  I  RITIIIO!  \s  SAGA 

Next  in  worth  to  the  sword  was  an  arm-ring,  far  and 

wide  famous, 
Forged  by  the  Vulcan  of  northern  story,  the  halting  Valun- 

derj 
Three  marks  was  it  in  weight, of  gold  unmingled  y-fash- 

ioned; 
On  it  the  heavens  were  wrought,  and  the  towers  of  the 

twelve  immortals 
(Figuring  changing  months,  the  Sun's  dwellings  called  by 

the  minstrels): 
Alfheim  there  might  be  seen,  Frey's  tower,  and  the  sun  in 

new  vigor, 
As  he  begin neth  to  climb  the  heights  of  the  heaven  at 

Yule-tide. 

Socjuaback  too  was  there;  in  its  hall  sat  Odin  by  Saga, 
Quaffing  the  wine  from  a  golden  shell, — that  shell  is  the 

ocean, 
Colored  with  gold  from  the  glow  of  the  morn ;  and  Saga 

is  springtime 

Writ  upon  grassy  fields  with  flowers  instead  of  with  letters. 
Balder  appeared  there  too,  as  the  sun  of  midsummer,  glo- 
rious, 
Shedding  abundance  around,  and  shining,  the  image  of 

goodness. 

Beaming  with  light  is  Goodness, but  all  that  is  Evil  isgloomy. 
Weary  the  sun  groweth,  mounting  so  high,  and  so  grow- 

eth  Goodness 

Faint  on  the  dizzy  height;  so,  sighing,  sink  they  together 
Down  to  the  realms  of  Hela,  the  land  of  shadows  and 

darkness. 
Glitner  was  pictured  thereon,  the  palace  of  peace,  where 

Forsete, 


SAGA  63 

impartial,  rulcth  the  au- 

tttfl 

Many  such  forms,  whereby  the  progress  of  light  was  be- 
High  in  the  vault  of  the  fky  and  deep  in  the  tpirit  of  mortals, 
Stood,  wrought  by  master-hand  on  the  ring;  and  a  cluster 

of  rubies 
Crowned  the  circlet  fair  as  the  tun  doth  the  arch  of  the 

heaven. 

loom  old  in  the  race  waf  the  ring,  its  origin  ancient 
(Though  by  the  mother's  side)  reached  up  to  mighty  Val- 

under. 

"  had  the  gem  been  stolen  away  by  plundering  Sote; 
:  through  the  sea  of  the  north,  but  sud- 
denly vanished. 
Rumor  at  last  was  borne  how  on  Britain's  coast  he  had 

buried 
Himself,  with  treasure  and  ships,  in  a  builded  sepulchre 

lof: 
Still  there  found  he  no  rest,  and  his  grave  forever  was 

haunting. 
Thorsten  the  rumor  heard,  with  King  Bele  he  mounted  his 

dragon, 

•  through  the  foaming  waves,  and  steered  his  course 

unto  Britain. 

Wide  as  a  temple-dome,  or  a  lordly  palace,  deep-bedded 
ti  in  the  dark  green  grass  and  turf,  lay  the  sepul 

rounded ; 

Light  gleamed  out  therefrom;  through  a  chink  in  the  pon- 
derous portal 
(ilanced  the  comrades  in;  pitch-black  within  stood  the 


64  FRITHIOF'S  SAGA 

Of  Sotc,  with  helm  and  anchor  and  mast;  and  high  by  tin- 

tiller 

Sat  there  a  terrible  form;  he  was  clad  in  a  fiery  mantle; 
Moodily  glaring  sat  he,  and  scrubbed  his  blood-spottnl 

weapon 
Vainly;  the  stains  remained,  and  all  the  wealth  he  had 

stolen 
Round  in  the  grave  was  heaped;  the  ring  on  his  arm  he 

was  wearing. 
"Come,"  whispered  Bele,  "let's  enter  and  fight  with  this 

terrible  being, 
Two  men  against  a  fiery  fiend."  Half  angry  swore  Thm- 

stcn  — 
"One  against  one  our  fathers  fought,  and  alone  will   I 

combat." 
Long  contended  the  twain  for  the  right  of  the  perilous 

conflict, 
Which  should  essay  it  the  first;  till  Bele,  taking  his  hi-1- 

met, 

Shuffled  for  each  within  it  a  lot,  and  soon  by  the  star- 
light 
Thorsten  discovered  his  own;  so  he  smote  on  the  door 

with  his  steel  lance. 
Open  flew  bolt  and  bar ;  he  descended.  When  any  one  asked 

him 
What  he  had  seen  in  the  gloomy  pit,  he  was  silent,  and 

shuddered. 

Bele  first  heard  a  song,  like  the  spell  of  witchcraft  it  sounded ; 
Then  rose  a  loud-clashing  noise,  like  the   crossing  of 

weapons  it  sounded; 
Lastly,  a  terrible  cry,  which  was  hushed;  then  out  darted 

Thorsten, 


mi  m<>.  6$ 

Ghastly,  bcu  -h  awful  Death  he  had 

battled; 

Bearing,  moreover,  the  ring. "  *T  was  dear-bought,"  oft  be 
repeated; 

life,  save  the  time  (hat  1  won  it,  1  ne'er  was 
affrightr 

Far  was  that  jewel  renowned,  and  of  jewels  the  first  in  the 
Northland. 
Kllida,  the  last  of  the  three,  of  its  kind  was  a  jewel: 

V i king  (so  say  they),  as  homeward  he  hied  him  back 
from  battle, 

Coasting  the  shore,  espied  a  man  on  a  frail  spar  of  drift- 
wood 

Carelessly  tossing  about;  he  seemed  with  the  waves  to  be 
sporting. 

Tall,  and  of  powerful  form,  was  the  man ;  his  countenance 
noble, 

>us,  but  changing,  like  to  the  ocean  playing  in  the  sun- 
shine. 

Blue  was  his  mantle,  belted  with  gold,  with  coral  adorned; 

Sea-green  his  hair,  yet  hoary  his  beard  as  the  foam  of  the 
ocean. 

Hithcrward  Viking  steered  his  snake  to  shelter  the  out- 
cast, 

Took  him  perishing  home  to  his  house,  and  exercised  kind- 
ness: 

A  hen  the  host  to  a  chamber  would  lead  him,  the  guest 
laughed,  exclaiming — 

"Good  are  the  winds,  and  my  vessel,  thou  seest,  is  not  to 
be  scorned; 

B  score  leagues  (at  least,  so  I  hope)  shall  I  traverse  ere 
morning. 


66  I  Rl  PHIOFS  SAGA 

Hunks  for  thy  bidding,  well  'twas  intended;  would  that 
some  kindness 

I,  in  my  turn, could  offer, but  my  wealth  lies  in  the  ocean; 

Haply  to-morrow  from  me  thou  may 'st  find  some  gift  by 
the  sea-side." 

Next  day  Viking  stood  by  the  sea,  and  lo!  as  an  osprey 

Klieth,  quarry-pursuing,  a  ship  sailed  into  the  haven ; 

No  man  upon  it  appeared;  no  pilot  could  be  discovered; 

Yet  it  steered  its  winding  way  through  breakers  and  quick- 
sands, 

Like  as  if  spirit-possessed;  and  when  it  entered  the  ha- 
ven, 

Reefed  were  the  sails  by  themselves,  untouched  by  hand 
of  a  mortal ; 

Down  sank  the  anchor  itself,  and  clung  with  its  fluke  to 
the  bottom. 

Dumb  stood  Viking,  and  gazed;  then  sang  the  glad  heav- 
ing billows  — 

"Aegir,  protected,  forgetteth  no  debt,  and  hath  sent  thee 
this  dragon." 

Kingly,  indeed,  was  the  gift;  the  bended  planking  of  oak- 
wood, 

Not,  as  in  others,  joined,  was  by  one  growth  banded  to- 
gether; 

Far  spread  her  lengthy  keel;  her  crest,  like  a  serpent  of 
ocean, 

High  in  the  bows  she  reared;  her  jaws  were  flaming  with 
red  gold. 

Sprinkled  with  yellow  on  blue  was  her  beam;  astern,  at 
the  rudder, 

Flapped  she  around  her  powerful  tail,  that  glittered  with 
silver; 


Kkl  I  HIM)  £  SAGA  67 

•c  were  her  pn.  rdered  with  red,  and  when  they 

the  in  speed  with  the  loud- roaring  blast,  out  it  ripping 
the  cai 

Saw  %  armed,  your  eyes  would 

have  fan 

have  seen  a  fortress  at  sea,  or  the  tower  of  a 
great  king. 

Far  was  that  ship  renowned,  and  of  ships  the  first  in  the 
Northland. 

These  things,  and  many  more,  from  his  sire  did  Frithiuf 

inh< 
Scarce  in  the  northern  land  was  there  found  an  heritage 

bar, 

Save  with  the  son  of  a  king;  for  the  wealth  of  kings  is  the 

greatest. 
He  was  no  son  of  a  king,  yet  king-like,  in  sooth,  was  his 

spirit ; 

Friendly,  noble,  and  mild,  with  each  day  growing  in  glory. 
Comrades  twelve  were  around  him,  gray-haired,  princes 

in  warfare, 
Thorsten's  steel-breasted  knights,  with  many  a  scar  on 

their  foreheads. 

vest  of  these  on  the  warrior's  bench  sate  also  a  stripling, 
Like  to  a  rose  in  a  withering  bower;  Bjorn  was  his  title; 
as  a  child,  but  brave  as  a  man,  and  wise  as  an  old  man ; 
Krithiofs  comrade  from  childhood;  blood  they  had  min- 
gled together 

(Fostcrkin  by  northern  use),  and  sworn  to  continue 
Sorrow  and  joy  to  share,  and  avenge  the  death  of  each 

other. 


68  FRITHloi  •>  >\C,A 

Now,  'midst  the  crowd  of  comrades  and  guests  who  had 

come  to  the  gravc-fr 

Krithiof,  a  sorrowing  host,  his  eyes  with  tears  overflowing, 
Drank  (as  our  ancestors  used)  his  father's  memory,  hearing 
Songs  of  Skalds  resound  to  his  praise,  —  a  thundering 

Drapa,— 

Mounted  his  father's  seat,  now  his,  and  silently  sat  him 
Down  betwixt  Odin  and  Freyjthat  is  Thor's  place  up  in 

Valhalla. 


IV 

KRITHIOK'S   WOOING 

LOUD  soundeth  the  song  in  Krithiof's  hall, 

Skalds  ling  t  of  hit  ancestor*  ill ; 

No  joy  do  they  bring 
To  Frithiof,  who  heeds  not  the  talcs  they  sing. 

Again  hath  the  earth  donned  her  raiment  of  green, 
And  vessels  swim  over  the  billows  again , 

•ic  shadowy  grove 
Hicth  Frithiof,  by  moonlight,  to  dream  of  his  love. 

Till  lately  he  joined  in  the  joys  ut  ie, 

Halfdan  the  merry  he  'd  bidden  to  come, 
And  dark  Hclge,  the  King, 
And  with  them  fair  Ingborg  persuaded  to  bring. 

He  sat  by  her  side,  and  her  white  hand  he  pressed, 
And  the  pressure  returned  made  hun  Happy  and  blest; 
And  he  hung  in  a  trance 
Of  unspeakable  love  on  her  favoring  glance. 

And  often  they  spake  of  each  happier  day, 

When  the  morning  dew  on  their  young  lives  lay, — 

hildhood's  hours, 
To  noble  minds  a  garden  of  flowers. 

1  hey  spake  of  each  valley  and  forest  dark, — 
Of  their  names  deep-carved  in  the  birchen-bark, — 
Of  each  ancient  grave, 
Where  the  oaks  grew  tall  in  the  dust  of  the  bra 


70  FRITH  SAGA 

"In  the  court  of  the  King;  no  such  iihulness  hath  smiled, 
For  Helge  is  sullen,  and  Halfdan  wild, 
And  my  brothers  hear 
Naught  but  flattering  song  or  covetous  prayer. 

"I  have  no  one"  (and  here  she  blushed  red  as  the  rose) 

•  whom  I  may  speak  of  my  sorrow  and  woes; 
The  court  of  the  King 
Far  less  joy  than  the  valley  of  Hilding  can  bring. 

"The  doves  which  together  we  long  ago  reared 
By  the  hawks'  fierce  attack  are  all  scattered  and  scared ; 
One  pair  alone 
Remains,  of  that  last  pair  take  thou  the  one. 

"For,  doubtless,  the  bird  to  his  mate  will  return: 
They  even  for  love  and  for  fondness  can  yearn ; 
'Neath  its  wing  bind  for  me, 
One  loving  word  which  unnoticed  may  be." 

So  whispering  sate  they  the  livelong  day, 

And  were  whispering  still  when  the  sun  passed  away, 

As  the  evening  breeze 

Whispers  in  spring  through  the  linden-trees. 

But  now  she  is  gone,  and  his  joyous  mood 
Is  fled  with  her  presence;  the  youthful  blood 
Mounts  to  his  cheek: 
He  sighs  and  grieves,  silent,  unwilling  to  speak. 

And  sadly  he  wrote  of  his  grief  by  the  dove, 
Which  joyously  sped  on  his  message  of  love; 


KKIIHK'  71 

Hut  .ill'  to  (heir  woe, 

•n  hi«  male  <.  more  be  persuaded  to  go. 

n  thi*  mourning  could  not  bear, — 
He  cried — u  What  makes  our  young  eagle  here 
So  sad  and  moody? 
Hath  his  breast  been  struck, are  his  pinions  bloody? 

uit  will's!  th  here  we  can  fear  no  need 

•il,  ur  uf  nut-brown  mead? 
And  the  Skalds'  long  train 
Cease  not  the  joyous,  tuneful  strain. 

41  His  pawing  coursers  impatient  neigh; 
His  falcon  wildly  screams  for  pr< 
In  the  clouds  alone 
Will  Frithiof  chase,  by  sorrowing  o'erthmwn. 

ida  hath  no  rest  upon  the  wave, 
Early  and  late  at  anchor  doth  she  chafe. 
Kllida,  be  thou  still; 
For  strife  and  warfare  is  not  Frithiof's  will." 

At  last  sets  Frithiof  his  dragon  free; 

The  sails  swell  high,  the  waves  cleaves  she; 

And  speedily  brings 

Him  over  the  sea  to  the  court  of  the  Kings. 

That  day  were  they  sitting  on  Bclc's  grave, 
And  judgment  before  all  the  people  they  gave; 
Loud  Frithiof  cried, — 
Round  hill  and  vale  his  voice  echoed  u 


72  FRITH  IOFS  SAC  A 

"Fair  Ingborg,  ye  monarchs,  I  love  as  my  lite, 
And  your  sister  I  ask  of  you  now  for  my  wife; 
This  union,  too, 
Was  ever  King  Belc's  purpose  true. 

44  In  Hilding's  home  brought  up  we  were, 
As  young  trees  grow  together  fair; 
And  our  fates  above 
Hath  Freya  woven  in  gold  threads  of  love. 

"No  King,  no  Yarl  was  my  sire,  I  own; 
But  long  shall  his  name  in  song  live  on. 
The  fame  of  our  race 
Is  witnessed  in  many  a  burial-place. 

"'Twere  easy  for  me  to  win  kingdom  and  land, 
But  that  better  I  cherish  my  native  strand; 
Where  with  love  I  Ml  watch  o'er 
The  court  of  the  King  and  the  hut  of  the  poor. 

"We  stand  on  the  grave  of  great  Bele;  he  hears 
Below  us  my  word,  which  adjures  you  with  prayers; 
For  this  boon  from  you 
With  Frithiof  your  buried  sire  doth  sue." 

Then  rose  King  Helge,  and  cried  with  scorn, 
"Our  sister  was  ne'er  for  a  vassal  born; 
A  king's  son  alone 
Shall  Valhalla's  beautiful  daughter  own. 

"Go!  style  thyself  first  in  the  North  in  thy  pride; 
Win  maids  with  thy  word,  and  win  men  with  thy  might 


73 

Hut  j/i\r 

r  Odin's  blood,  never  shall  be. 

44 Let  the  care  «>l"  the  realm  be  IK.  trouble  to  thee, 
I  can  guard  it  myself,  but  my  serf  thou  may 'it  be; 
A  phcc  there  is  still 

ir  household  thou  mayest  be  happy  to  fill." 

v  serf/'  exclaimed  Fr  I  never  shall  be; 

I  'm  a  man  for  myself,  as  my  father  was,  !': 
From  thy  silver  sheath  fly, 
Angurvadel,  to  fright  his  secu 

Bright  flashed  the  blue  steel  'gainst  the  sun-lighted  sky, 
And  the  Runes  blazed  blood-red  as  he  waved  it  on  high: 

^urvadel,"  »jin>th  he, 
u,  at  least,  art  of  ancient  nobility. 

"If  the  peace  of  the  grave  did  not  pacify  me, 
Dark  King,  my  good  blade  would  have  brought  it  to  thee ; 
Now  hear  this  last  word, 
Come  never  again  within  reach  of  my  sword." 

So  spake  he,  and  cleft  with  a  terrible  stroke 
The  gold  shield  of  Helge,  which  hung  on  an  oak, 
In  twain  at  a  blow, 
And  its  crash  on  the  grave  was  reechoed  below. 

"Well  stricken,  good  sword!  now  lie  quiet,  and  think 
Upon  mightier  deeds;  but  at  present  let  sink 

Runes'  bright  glow; 
O'er  the  blue  waves  we  must  homeward  go." 


V 

KING   RING 

AND  King  Ring  from  the  board  his  gold  scat  thrust  forth; 

Skalds  and  warriors  rise 
To  list  to  their  monarch's  word  of  worth, 
Famed  in  the  north; 

Good  was  he  as  Balder,  and  as  Mimer  wise. 

Peaceful  his  land,  like  groves  where  gods  arc  found; 

Never  arose 

The  din  of  arms  within  its  sheltered  bound; 
And  all  around 

The  grass  grew  green,  and  sweetly  bloomed  the  rose. 

Justice  sate  merciful,  but  undismayed, 

Upon  the  judging-stone; 
And  peace  each  year  abundant  tribute  paid ; 
While  widely  spread 

In  sunshine  bright  the  golden  corn-fields  shone. 

O'er  ocean  the  black-breasted  dragons  hied 

On  snowy  pinions; 

Thither  from  many  a  distant  land  they  plied, 
And  from  far  and  wide 

Brought  riches  more  to  his  rich  dominions. 

With  peace  dwelt  freedom  safely  there, 

And  though  the  King 
All,  as  the  father  of  the  land,  held  dear, 
Still,  without  fear, 

Each  spoke  his  mind  upon  the  open  Ting. 


II  mm  •>  BA<  75 

II-  ',!  ruled  the  Northmen,  HI  peace  and  right, 

Full  thirty  yean; 

None  left  hit  presence  unsatisfied  •, 
And  e\  c 

Sped  to  Odin  his  name  in  his  people's  prayers. 

So  King  Ring  from  the  board  his  gold  seat  thrust  forth, 

And  all  rose  glad 

To  hear  the  i  .'s  word  of  worth, 

Faincil  in  the  north, 

But,  deeply  sighing,  thus  he  spake  and  said: 

"In  Folkvang  sitteth  my  gentle  Qii 

(  )n  purple  thro: 

Hut  here  on  her  grave  the  grass  grows  green, 
And  flowers  are  seen 

To  bloom  by  the  brook  that  flows  around. 

"Ne'er  find  I  a  Queen  so  lovely  and  leal 

My  crown  to  share. 
She  's  fled  to  Valhalla  in  joy  to  dwell; 
But  the  common  weal 

Makes  me  seek  for  my  children  a  mother's  care. 

'h  the  summer  winds  often  we  used  to  see 

King  Bclc  here; 

A  lily-sweet  daughter  he  left,  and  she 
My  choice  shall  be, 

h  the  morning  dawn  on  her  cheeks  so  fair. 

"She  is  young,  and  young  maidens  love,  I  know, 
To  pluck  flowers  of  spring. 


76  FRITHIOK'S  SAGA 

My  bloom  is  past,  and  chill  winter's  snow 
}'u  11  long  ago 

Hath  whitened  the  hoary  locks  of  your  King. 

<  t  an  honest  man  still  her  choice  may  be, 

Though  white  his  hair; 
And  if  to  my  motherless  children  she 
A  mother  will  be, 

Then  autumn  with  spring-time  his  throne  may  share. 

"Take  gold  from  my  coffers,  take  bridal  array 

From  each  oaken  chest; 

And  follow,  ye  bards,  with  your  harps  on  the  way, 
For  meetly  may 

He  seek  Brage's  aid  who  a-wooing  doth  haste." 

Forth  with  shouting  and  glee  his  men  sped  strong, 

With  gifts  and  with  gold; 

And  the  Skalds  they  followed,  a  winding  throng, 
With  harp  and  with  song, 

And  the  home  of  King  Bele's  sons  soon  they  be- 
hold. 

Two  days  they  feasted,  they  feasted  three; 

When  the  fourth  was  come, 
To  hear  what  Helge's  answer  might  be 
Entreated  they, 

That  back  again  they  might  hie  them  home. 

To  the  grove  for  sacrifice  brought  he  in  haste 

Both  falcon  and  steed; 
Then  sought  each  Vala,  and  sought  each  priest, 


n  m<>!  *  BAI  77 

What  fa  l»«l 

;  hit  itster,  ihc  beautiful  Ingborg,  decreed. 

•he  oment  were  r\ilt  though  anxiously  tried 
Each  Vala  and  priest; 
And  Helge,  by  evil  signs  terrified, 
44  Nay  ;  ly  cried, 

:  men  muit  \  "he  god'i  behest." 

Hut  merry  King  Halfdan  laughingly  c; 

uOh!  wasted  feast, 

Had  King  Greybeard  himself  chosen  hither  t<> 
Full  gladly  I  'd 

Have  helped  him  myself  to  climb  up  on  his  beast." 

The  messengers  hied  them  home  angrily; 
To  their  master's  ear 

I  he  r.i'.c  they  told,  and  loud  swore  he — 

ig  Grey  beard  this  stain  from  his  honor  shall  clear." 

He  smote  on  his  war-shield,  which  hung  at  rest 

On  a  linden-tree; 
And  his  dragons  sped  over  the  sea  in  haste, 

i  blood-red  crest; 

And  the  helmet  plumes  waved  met 

And  to  Helge  the  rumors  of  war  came  near. 

In  dread  quoth  he — 

u  King  Ring  is  mighty,  we  've  cause  to  fear, 
So  in  Haider's  care 

In  the  temple  't  were  better  my  sister  should  be." 


78  I  Kl  INK  ' 

I  here  sate  the  loving  one  mourn  fully 

In  the  peaceful  shade; 

Mic  wrought  in  silk,  and  in  gold  wrought  she; 
Unceasingly 

Her  tears  fell,  like  dew  on  the  lily  shed. 


VI 

1 1  HOI        n  i  HKSS 

KkiTHlor  sat  with  HI..IM  the  true 
At  the  chess-board,  fair  t 

Squares  of  silver  decked  the  fran 

r  changed  with  squares  of  gold. 
H    ::  ,  thus  he  greeted, — 

•  upper  bench  be  seated, 
Drain  the  h<»rn  until  my  game 
I  finish,  foster-father  bold." 

Quoth  Hilding:  u  Hither  come  I  speeding, 
For  King  Bele's  sons  entreating; 

igcr  daily  sounds  more  near, 
And  the  people's  hope  art  thou." 
:n,"  quoth  Frithiof,  "now  beware, 
111  thy  King  doth  seem  to  fare, 

A  pawn  may  free  him  from  his  fear, 
So  scruple  not  to  let  it  go." 

rt  not,  Frithiof,  kings'  displeasure, 
Though  with  Ring  they  ill  may  measure; 

Yet  eagle's  young  have  wings  of  power, 
And  their  force  thy  strength  outvies." 
Hjorn,  thou  wilt  my  tower  beset, 
Thus  easily  thy  wile  I  meet, 

No  longer  canst  thou  gain  my  tower, 
Which  back  to  place  of  safety  h 

ulngeborg,  in  Baldcr's  keeping, 
Passeth  all  her  days  in  weeping, 


8o  FRITHIOF'S  SAGA 

Thine  aid  in  strife  may  she  not  claim, 

Fearful  maiden,  azure-eyed." 
"What  wouldst  thou,  Bjorn  ;  Assail  my  Queen, 
Which  dear  from  childhood's  days  hath  been, — 
The  noblest  piece  in  all  the  game? 
Her  I  Ml  defend,  whatever  betide." 

"What!  Frithiof,  wilt  thou  not  reply? 
And  shall  thy  foster-father  hie 

Unheeded  from  thine  hearth  away 

Because  thy  game  is  long  to  end?" 
Then  stood  Frithiof  up,  and  laid 
Hilding's  hand  in  his,  and  said, 

"Already  hast  thou  heard  me  say 

What  answers  to  their  prayers  I  send. 

"Go,  let  the  sons  of  Bele  learn 
That,  since  my  suit  they  dared  to  spurn, 
No  bond  between  us  shall  be  tied; 
Their  serf  I  never  shall  become." 
"Well!  follow  on  thy  proper  path-, 
111  fits  it  me  to  chide  thy  wrath : 

All  to  some  good  may  Odin  guide," 
Hilding  said,  and  hied  him  home. 


I  KM  l!l<  )i   > 

•i  •«.!!  1  tele's  tons  may  widely  sound, 

.  vale,  the  battle-cry, 
I  go  not  forth,  mv  battle-ground, 
My  world,  in  Haider's  gm\r  doth  lie. 

backward  glance  1  '11  cast 
.  kingly  spite  or  earthly  c.t 
But  joys  of  the  immortals  taste 
United  with  my  Ingborg  fair. 

44  As  long  as  glowing  sunshine  hovers 
O'er  flowers  fair  in  purple  light, 

.  that  covers 

The  bosom  of  my  Ingborg  bright, — 
So  long  I  wander  by  the  strand, 

By  longing  ceaselessly  devoured, 
And,  sighing,  trace  upon  the  sand 
Her  name  beloved  with  my  sword. 

.v  slowly  pass  the  hours  away ; 

Why,  son  of  Delling,  lingerest  thou? 
Hast  thou  not  marked  each  isle  and  ! 

Each  hill  and  grove,  full  oft  ere  now? 
Doth  no  bclov'd  one  westward  dwell 

Who  for  thy  coming  long  doth  grieve, 
And  flicth  to  thy  breast  to  tell 

Her  love  at  dawn,  her  love  at  eve? 

:t,  weary  with  thy  course,  at  last 
Thou  sinkest  downwards  from  the  height; 


82  FRI  Tllini  ••>  SAGA 

Her  rosy  carpet  eve  doth  haste 

To  spread  for  all  the  gods'  delight; 

Of  love  waves  whisper  as  they  flee; 
Winds  whisper  love  in  breathing  light; 

Mother  of  gods!  I  welcome  thee, 
In  bridal  pearls  arrayed,  O  Night ! 

u  Each  silent  star  glides  through  the  sky, 

Like  lover  to  his  mistress  true : 
Over  the  waves,  Kllida,  fly, 

Speed,  speed  us  on,  ye  billows  blue. 
To  home  of  loving  gods  we  steer, 

Where  yonder  lies  the  holy  grove, 
And  Raider's  temple  standeth  near, 

Where  dwells  the  goddess  of  my  love. 

"How  happy  spring  I  to  the  strand, 

Beloved  Earth,  I  press  thee  glad ; 
And  you,  ye  little  flowers,  that  stand 

My  path  to  gem  with  white  and  red; 
Thou  Moon,  with  silvery  light  that  beamest 

Round  mound,  and  grove,  and  temple  tall, 
How  fair  thou  sittest  there,  and  dreamest, 

Like  Saga  in  a  bridal  hall. 

"  Who  taught  thee,  flowery  brook,  to  tell 
In  murmur  sweet,  my  love  exprest? 

Who  gave  thee,  Northland's  nightingale, 
Those  waitings,  stolen  from  my  breast? 

The  fairies  paint  in  sunset  hues 
My  Ingeborg  on  cloud-banks  gray; 


I  I  UK  • 

A  rival  beauty  Freya  views, 
And,  jealous, 

•  may  her  image  now  depart, 
Since,  fair  as  Hope,  here  cumeth 

'.,  us  in  childhood,  true  of  heart, 
bringeth  love's  reward  to  me. 
Come,  darling,  to  my  fond  caressing, 

heart,  where  th<m  art  dear; 
My  soul's  delight,  my  being's  blessing, 
Come  to  my  arms,  and  linger  the 

"As  slender  as  the  lily  slight, 

As  blooming  as  the  opened  rose; 
a  art  as  pure  as  Balder  bright, 
Yet  warm  of  heart,  as  Kreya  glows. 
Kiss  me,  my  Ingborg;  let  my  love 
In  joy  bring  kindred  joy  to  thec; 
;  earth  beneath  and  heaven  above 
Both  vanish  when  thou  kissest  me. 

44  Fear  not,  no  danger  cometh  near; 

There  standcth  Bjorn  with  trusty  blade, 
And  men  enough,  if  need  there  were, 

To  shield  us  'gainst  the  world  arrayed. 
And  I,  oh!  could  but  I  contend 

thce,  as  now  embracing  me, 
Glad  to  Valhalla  should  I  wend, 
And  thou  shouldst  my  Valkyria  be. 

44 Of  Balder's  wrath  what  whispercth  thou? 
He,  tender  god,  ne'er  loveth  ill 


84  I  Riruioi-'S  SAGA 

Those  fond  ones  who,  with  plighted  vow, 

In  loving,  his  decrees  fulfil. 
He  who  true  faith  in  heart  doth  bear, 

And  beaming  sunshine  on  his  brow, 
Was  e'er  his  love  to  Nanna  dear 

More  pure,  more  warm,  than  ours  is  now? 

"There  stands  his  image;  he  is  near; 

How  softly  gazing  from  above; 
And  I  will  offer  to  him  here 

A  heart  that  glows  with  faithful  love. 
Kneel  down  with  me,  there  cannot  be 

For  Balder  fairer  sacrifice 
Than  faithful  hearts,  which  lovingly 

Unite  in  truth  as  firm  as  his. 

"To  heaven,  more  than  earth,  my  love 

Belongs,  despise  it,  spurn  it  not; 
For  it  was  born  in  heaven  above, 

And  longeth  homeward  to  be  brought. 
Oh,  would  we  were  already  sped; 

Oh!  would  we  could  together  die; 
That  I  triumphantly  might  lead 

My  pallid  Ingborg  to  the  sky. 

"Then,  when  to  strife  the  warriors  went, 
Through  silver  portals  as  they  ride, 

I  'd  gaze  on  thee,  a  trusty  friend, 
And  sit  rejoicing  by  thy  side. 

When  Valhall's  maidens  passed  around 

The  mead-horns,  crowned  with  foam  of  gold, 


mi  HIM..          ;A 

To  thee  alone  my  pledge  should  sound, 
Thy  name  alone  with  love  be  told. 

r  sea-surrounded  isle 

I  'd  build  for  thee  a  bower  of  . 
And  there  the  time  away  we  'd  while, 

Midst  golden  fruits  in  shadowy  gr 
And  wh«  clear  and  lovely  ray, 

Valhalla's  sun  illumed  the  plain, 
Back  to  the  gods  we  'd  take  our  way, 

Hut  long  to  reach  our  isle  again. 

"And  I  'd  adorn  with  star-light  glance 

The  golden  tresses  of  thy  head, 
And  high  in  Vingolfs  hall  should  dance 

My  pallid  lily  rosy  red. 
Then  from  the  dance  my  love  I  'd  bring 

To  bowers  of  peace,  in  fondness  true, 
And  Brage,  silver-bearded,  sing 

Thy  nuptial  song,  forever  new. 

ngs  the  throstle  in  the  gr« 

Its  song  is  from  Valhalla's  strand; 

How  sweetly  shines  the  moon  above, — 

It  shineth  from  the  spirits'  land. 
Both  song  and  shining  join  to  tell 

Ms  of"  love  unmarred  by  care: 
Would  in  such  worlds  that  I  might  dwell 
With  thcc,  with  thi-c-,  my  Ingborg  fair! 

"Nay,  weep  not,  weep  not:  life  still  str 
Within  my  veins:  oh '  weep  no  more. 


86  1  Rl  rHIOI-'S  SAGA 

But  mortals'  love  and  mortals'  drc 
Are  ever  upward  prone  to  soar. 

Ah!  stretch  but  hithcrward  thine  arms, 
Bend  but  thy  loving  eyes  on  me, 

And  see!  how  soon  thy  fondness  charms 
Thy  dreamer  back  from  heaven  to  thee." 

"Hist!  'tis  the  lark!"— "Nay,  'tis  a  dove 

That  cooeth  fondness  in  the  shade; 
The  lark  is  slumbering  'neath  the  grove, 

In  sheltered  nest  beside  its  mate. 
Oh!  happy  they,  for  daylight  brings 

To  them  no  cause  for  dread  or  fear, 
Their  lives  are  free  as  are  the  wings 

That  skyward  waft  the  gladsome  pair." 

uSee,  morning  dawns." — "Nay,  'tis  the  glow 

Of  watchful  beacons  eastward  shed; 
Our  love  we  still  may  whisper  low, 

Not  yet  the  happy  night  is  sped. 
Belate  thee,  golden  star  of  day, 

O  morning,  slumber,  slumber  still, 
For  Frithiof  may'st  thou  sleep  away 

'Till  Ragnarok,  if  such  thy  will. 

"But  ah!  in  vain  the  loving  hope; 

Already  morning's  breezes  blow, 
Already  eastern  roses  ope, 

As  bright  as  Ingborg's  cheek  can  glow. 
The  band  of  winged  songsters  twitters, 

All  joyous  in  the  bright'ning  sky; 


KR1  I  lll<  H          \<  8 

And  earth  awakes,  an 

Away  mutt  gloom  and  lover*  fly. 

44  Now  mount*  the  *un  in  majc 

>  golden  god,  my  pray< 
I  feel  thy  near  «: 

How  noble  art  thou,  and  how  fair. 
Oh1  that  I  *o  my  path  could  tread, 
and  miL'ht, 

And,  proud  and  glad,  my  life  be  clad, 
Like  thine,  in  \  u  t«>ry  and  light. 

44  Now  here,  before  thine  eyes,  I  set 
The  fairest  maiden  in  the  north; 
Watch  o\  cr  her,  ( )  Haider  great, 

ic  image  she  on  grassy  earth. 
Her  soul  is  spotless  as  thy  r. 

Her  eye  is  as  thy  heaven  blue; 
And  thy  bright  gold,  that  decks  the  day, 
ws  in  her  lovely  tresses  too. 

"Farewell1  my  Ingeborg,  and  now 

Another  night  we  must  await: 
Farewell!  one  kiss  upon  thy  brow, 

And  one  upon  thy  lips  so  sweet. 
Now  sleep  and  dream  of  me,  and  waking 

Still  on  our  love  in  fond  thought  dwell, — 
Count  of  the  hours,  as  I  do,  taking, 

Loving,  as  I  do;  fare  thcc  well." 


Mil 
THE  PARTING 

INGEBORG 

ALREADY  comes  the  day,  but  brings  not  Krithiot, 

Though  yesterday  the  open  Ting  was  held 

At  Bele's  grave:  well  chosen  was  the  place 

Where  Bele's  daughter's  fate  should  be  decreed. 

How  many  fond  entreaties  did  it  cost,— 

How  many  bitter  tears, — by  Frcya  told, 

To  melt  the  ice  of  hate  round  Krithiofs  heart, 

And  win  the  promise  from  his  haughty  lips, 

( )iu •(;  more  to  offer  a  forgiving  hand? 

Ah!  man  is  stern,  and  for  his  own  vain  pride, 

Miscalled  his  honor,  he  hath  little  care, — 

Ay,  less  than  care, — how  easily  he  may 

Torture  and  wound  a  fondly  loving  heart. 

And  hapless  woman,  clinging  to  his  breast, 

Is  like  the  growth  of  moss,  which  on  the  cliff, 

Blooming  in  pallor,  difficultly  keeps 

Its  hold  unmarked  upon  the  sturdy  rock, 

Drawing  its  nurture  from  the  dews  of  night. 

And  yesterday  my  fate  hath  been  decreed ' 
And  over  it  the  evening  sun  hath  set: 
Yet  Frithiof  cometh  not.  The  pallid  stars 
Wane  one  by  one,  and  vanish  and  depart, 
And  with  each  gleam,  that  slowly  fades  away, 
Some  hope  within  me  sinketh  to  the  grave. 
Yet,  wherefore-  should  I  hope?  Valhalla's  powers 
Owe  me  no  favor,  by  myself  estranged : 


I-K1IHJO|'>  BA4  1 

The  mighty  Balder,  in  \vh.»M  i  dwell, 

I  have  offended:  fur  no  mortal'*  love 
Is  pure  enough  for  such  a  god's  beholding; 
And  <v*  should  never  dare  to  come 

'he  holy  and  sublime 

Rulers  of  heaven,  have  their  dwelling  made. 
And  \n,  what  i  nine  IN  mine  J  The  gentle  god 
Could  ne'er  be  angry  at  a  maiden's  lo\ 
Is  it  nut  pure,  as  Urda's  silver  wa 
And  iniiiH-ent,  .is  (irtion's  morning  dream  ? 
•i  hath  never  turned  away 

c  of  brightness  from  a  luving  pair; 
And  sui  My, 

Amidst  her  muurning  hears  their  vows  with 
Can  what  is  huly  'neath  the  vaulted  sky 
Become  a  crime  beneath  a  temple's  dome? 
I  love  nu   I  nthiof,  and  have  ever  loved; 
Far  as  my  furthest  recollections  go, 

th  of  my  growth,  that  love  hath  ever  been: 
When  it  began  I  never  knew;  can  tell 
No  hour  of  life  that  hath  not  been  of  love. 
And  as  the  fruit  is  formed  around  the  core, 
And,  clinging  there,  in  Nature's  time  becomes, 
Beneath  the  sunbeams,  like  a  ball  of  gold, 
•ive  I  too  grown  up,  and  ripening  glad 
Around  this  kernel,  all  my  being  is 
( )nly  the  outward  shell  that  holds  my  love. 
.:ivc  me,  Balder!  See,  a  faithful  heart 
thy  halls  I  brought;  with  such  alone 
Will  I  depart,  and  speed,  with  such  alone, 
Over  bright  Bi frost's  bridge;  with  such  alone 
J,  faithful  still,  before  Valhalla's  gods. 


90  FRITHIO1  .\ 

Then-  shall  my  love,  a  child  of  heaven,  like  them, 
Mirror  itself  in  shining  shields,  and  fly 
On  dove-like  pinion  through  the  t-iulK 
unit  heaven  to  Allfader's  breast, 
I  n>m  whence  it  came.  Oh!  wherefore  darkenest  thou, 
In  the  gray  dawn,  thy  gentle  brow  with  frowns? 
The  Mom!  of  mighty  Odin  tills  my  veins 
As  well  as  thine:  but,  oh!  not  e'en  to  thee, 
Great  kinsman,  can  I  sacrifice  my  h>\e, 
Worth  more  to  me  than  all  this  boundless  heaven. 
Yet  can  I  offer  all  my  joy  of  life, 
And  cast  it  from  me,  even  as  a  queen 
C'an  cast  away  her  royal  robe,  and  still 
Remain  the  queen  she  was.  Well !  't  is  decreed 
Valhalla's  great  ones  shall  not  need  to  blush 
For  their  descendant.  I  will  meet  my  fate 
As  heroes  meet  with  theirs.  Here  cometh  Frith  i  of, 
How  wild,  how  pale!  All,  all  is  lost,  is  lost! 
With  him  approacheth,  too,  my  angry  Nome. 
Be  strong,  my  heart!  —  Oh!  welcome,  though  how  late! 
Our  fate  is  sealed;  too  easily  I  read 
It  on  thy  brow. 

FRITHIOF 

Stand  there  also  there 

No  blood-red  Runes,  bespeaking  scorn  and  shame, 
Insult  and  ban? 

INGEBORG 

Oh!  Frithiof,  calm  thyself. 
Tell  me  thy  tale:  the  worst  my  fears  foretold 
Full  long  ago.  For  all  am  I  prepared. 


KRI  I  HIM!  •>  SA< 

FRITHIOf 

I  reached  the  Ting,  where  stand  our  fr  nbt, 

And  mull.!  KS  grassy  sides,  *\.  Id, 

And  su.>:<i  in  hand,  •  Aland's  sons  array 

ring  within  another  gathered,  stood 
Up  to  the  summit  i  on  the  judging-Ntunr, 

a  dark  thunder-cloud,  King  Helge  sate, — 

pallid  sacrificer,  with  N.rhiddmg  looks; 
And  by  him,  thoughtless,  leaning  on  his  sword, 
A  fair,  well-fashioned  \outh,  King  Halfdan  s;r 
Then  stood  I  forth,  and  cried  —  "V  near; 

ir  borders  clash. 

•»g  Helge,  peril  thrcateruth  thy  realm. 
Give  me  thy  sister,  and  I  bring  to  thee 
This  arm  to  combat,  which  may  service  do, 
And  let  our  former  quarrel  be  for. 
With  Ingborg's  kindred  love  I  not  to  strive. 
lie  think  thec,  monarch,  and  together  save 

golden  crown,  thy  sister's  happiness. 
Here  and;  by  Thor  divine,  no  more 

Than  this  last  time  I  offer  it  for  peace." 
A  shout  filled  all  the  Ting,  a  thousand  swords 
Clashed  loud  approval  on  a  thousand  shields. 
Far  fled  the  sounds  into  the  lofty  skies, 
Which  drank  the  shouts  of  freemen  for  the  right: 
"Oh,  give  him  Ingcborg,  the  gentle  lily; 
No  fairer  ever  in  our  valleys  bloomed : 

-  is  the  bravest  sword  in  all  the  land. 
Oh!  give  him  Ingeborg."  Our  foster-father, 
The  aged  Hilding,  with  the  silver)-  beard, 
Stood  forth,  and  spake,  in  words  of  wisdom  deep, 


92  l-KlTHIors  SAGA 

Short,  pithv  pleas,  which  rang  like  strokes  of  swords. 
And  Halfdan,  rising  from  the  royal  seat, 
Himself  besought,  with  many  a  word  and  sign. 
All  was  in  vain,  and  bootless  every  prayer! 
So  beaming  sunshine,  on  the  barren  rock, 
No  fruit  cnticeth  from  its  stony  heart; 
And  Helge's  dark,  unchanging  visage  spake 
To  all  entreaties  still  a  ghastly  Nay. 
"A  yeoman's  son,"  said  he,  at  length,  in  scorn, 
"Might  wed  with  Ingborg;  but  to  ValhalPs  daughter 
Becometh  ill  a  sacrilegious  mate. 
Hast  thou  not,  Krithiof,  broken  Haider's  pi 
Hast  thou  not  seen  my  sister  in  his  shrine, 
When  Day  had  hid  itself  before  the  crime? 
Answer  me,  Yea  or  Nay !"  Loud  rose  a  cry 
Amidst  the  crowd  of  men: — "Say  Nay,  say  only  Nay, 
Thou  Thorsten's  mighty  son,  almost  a  king; 
Thy  word  we  trust,  and  we  for  thee  will  sue: 
Only  say  Nay,  and  Ingeborg  is  thine." 
"  My  joy  of  life  hangs  on  a  single  word," 
I  said;  "yet  fear  not  therefore  thou,  O  King! 
I  would  not  lie  for  all  Valhalla's  bliss, 
Then  scarce  for  earthly  joy;  I  saw  thy  sister, 
And  spake  with  her  at  night-time  in  the  temple, 
Yet  thus  I  never  broke  the  peace  of  Balder."  Here 
I  had  to  cease.  A  scream  of  horrid  fear 
Spread  through  the  Ting;  those  who  beside  me  stood 
Fell  off  as  from  a  plague-besmitten  man. 
Where'er  I  looked,  their  superstitious  fear 
Had  hushed  each  tongue,  and  every  face  was  pale, 
Which  just  before  had  flushed  with  joyous  hope. 
There  conquered  Helge:  then,  in  ghastly  tones, 


KRITHIOK'S  SAGA  93 

•w  and  deep  ,  hke  ihoic  of  Vala  dread, 
In  Vegtamsquida,  when  to  Odin  tinging 
Of  Helu\  triumph,  and  the  Ascn'f  fal 
Thus  spake  he  gloomy: — "Bani»hmem  or  death 
I  might  denounce  by  our  ancestral  law* 
Against  r  !>ut  I  will  show  me  mild 

As  Balder  is,  u  hose  holiness  (h«>u 'ft  flighted, 
'-stern  ocean  doth  a  cluster  lie 
islands,  where  Jarl  Angantyr  bears  swa 
A  ftated  yearly  tribute  paid  the  Jarl 

Helc  lived,  hut   never  sirue  his  death. 

Crotf  thou  the  sea,  and  fetch  that  tribute  back 
So  may  thy  service  for  thy  sin  atone." 
Then  in  mean  scorn  he  added  —  "Hard  of  hand, 

and,  like  the  dragon  Fafncr, 
He  watcheth  o'er  his  gold;  but  who  can  stand 
Against  our  second  Sigurd,  Kafncr's  bane  ? 
This  shall  .1  worthier  adventure  prove 
Than  maidens  to  beguile  in  Raider's  grove. 
Next  summer  let  us  see  thee  homeward  wend 

h  all  thy  glory,  and  thy  treasure,  too: 
Else  shah  thou  be  a  knave  in  Northmen's  eyes; 
And  all  thy  lifetime  pcaceless  in  the  land." 
Such  was  his  speech;  and  so  the  Ting  dispersed. 

INCIBORO 
And  now  thy  purpose? 

FRITH  lor 

Have  I  aught  to  choose? 
Hangeth  my  honor  not  on  his  demand? 
And  I  must  free  it  —  ay,  if  Angant 


94  FR1THIOPS  .v\» 

His  wretched  |M>ld  in  Nastrand's  waves  should  hide. 
This  da\   shall  1  ilrpart. 

INC. i  BOEG 

And  Icavcst  me? 

FRITHIOF 

Nay,  nay,  I  leave  thee  not;  thou,  too,  shalt  conic. 

INGEBORC; 
Impossible! 

FRITHIOF 

(  )   Ingborg,  hear  me  first. 
Thy  crafty  brother  sccmcth  to  forget 
That  Angantyr  had  been  my  father's  friend, 
As  well  as  Bele's;  and  he  yet  may  give 
With  good  will  what  I  ask:  should  he  refuse, 
I  have  a  sharp-tongued,  mighty  advocate 
My  cause  to  plead;  it  hangeth  by  my  side. 
The  gold  he  loves  to  Helge  I  will  send, 
Freeing  forever,  thus,  myself  and  thee 
From  service  to  this  crowned  hypocrite. 
But  we  ourselves,  my  Ingborg  fair,  will  spread 
Ellida's  sails;  and  over  seas  unknown 
She  '11  bear  us  bounding  to  a  happier  land, 
And  find  sweet  shelter  for  our  banished  love. 
What  care  have  I  for  Northland,  for  a  race 
Who,  when  their  priests  but  speak,  in  fear  grow  pale, 
And  rude  would  tear  the  flow'r-crowned  cup  of  life 
From  out  the  sanctuary  of  my  heart. 
By  Freya,  nay,  they  never  shall  succeed. 
None  but  a  slave  will  to  his  mother-soil 


FR1  I  HI'  H          \<  95 

Be  chained  unwilling;  1  will  wander  free, 
at  (he  11  \\  mils.  A  little  clay 

i  I'M.IM  Heir'*  and  im  graves 

hark  •,  and  that  is  all 
I  h.r  ibiul  i  an  c\cr  need, 

v  beloved,  warmer  sunshine  glows 
Than  our  pale  light  above  the  snowy  hills; 
And  we  can  find  a  fairer  heaven  than  here, 

•e  gentle  stars  with  godlike  beam  glance  down, 
And  in  the  happy,  balmy  summer  night 
Watch  in  the  laurel  groves  each  loving  pair. 
Full  far  my  father,  Thorsten,  Viking's  son, 
Wandered  in  warfare;  and  full  oft  he  told 
By  blazing  hearth  through  the  long  winter  nights 
Of  southern  ocean,  with  its  islands  fair: 
Green  groves  reflected  in  the  shining  waves. 
In  days  of  old  ruled  there  a  mighty  race; 
And  gods  tremendous  in  their  marble  shrines. 
Hut  now  forsaken  stand  they.  Grass  grows  o'er 
The  mounds  deserted;  and  wild  flowers  hide 
Inscn  hich  the  old  world's  wisdom  si 

Ruins  of  tapering  pillars  there  grow  green, 
Covered  with  leaves  of  clinging  southern  weeds, 
And  all  around  the  lovely  earth  brings  forth 
Harvests  unsown  of  all  that  men  can  need. 
And  golden  fruits  on  shadowy  branches  gl«> 
There  grapes  in  heavy  clusters  on  the  vine 
Hang  purple-red,  and  ripe  as  thy  sweet  lips:  — 
There,  Ingeborg,  we  '11  found  beyond  the  waves 
Another  Northland,  fairer  far  than  here ; 
And  with  our  faithful  love  rejoice  once  more 
Deserted  shrines  and  temples,  and  delight 


96  FRITH  lors  SAGA 

With  mortal  fondness  the  forgotten  gods. 

Then  if  some  mariner  with  flapping  sail 

(For  there  no  storms  engage)  drift  past  our  isle 

By  rosy  sunset,  and  with  joyous  gaze 

Look  from  the  ruddy  ocean  to  the  strand, 

Then  on  the  temple's  threshold  shall  he  sec 

Thee,  a  new  Freya  (her,  methinks,  they  name 

In  their  tongue  Aphrodite)  —  shall  behold 

Thy  golden  locks  light  floating  in  the  brce/<  , 

Thine  eyes  more  radiant  than  the  southern 

And  growing  round  thec,  coming  by  degrees, 

A  temple-dwelling  little  A 1  fen-race 

With  flushing  cheeks,  as  if  the  South  had  set 

All  its  fair  roses  in  the  northern  snows. 

Ah!  Ingeborg,  how  fair,  how  near  doth  stand 

Each  earthly  joy  to  two  fond  loving  hearts! 

If  boldly  grasped  whene'er  its  time  be  come, 

It  follows  willingly,  and  builds  for  them 

A  Vingolf  even  here  on  earth  below. 

Come,  hasten !  even  now  each  word  we  speak 

Stealeth  away  an  instant  from  our  joy. 

All  is  prepared,  and,  eager  for  her  flight, 

Ellida  flaps  her  darkling  eagle-wings, 

And  the  fresh  breathing  north  wind  calls  us  forth 

Forever  from  this  superstitious  shore. 

How?  Lingerest  thou? 

INGEBORG 

Alas!  I  cannot  follow  thee. 

FRITHIOF 

Not  follow  me? 


97 


' 


Ah'  u  art  ha| 

Following  no  man,  thou  canst  forward  go, 
th\  sutfi  \rs\rl,  iddcr  stands 

ic;  and  to  thou  sceerest  forth, 
With  steady  hand,  above  the  angry  wa 
Alas!  how  different  mv  lot  must  be. 
My  dest  thcr  hands  must  1 

i  \icld  not  up  their  prey,  although  it  bleed. 

,  and  grief,  and  pining  is 
•reeil.'in  «if  the  daughter  of  a  king. 

rumor 

Art  thuii  not  free,  whene'er  thou  wilt?  sittcth  thy  sire 
Not  in  his  gr.t 

INGBBORG 

Ah!  Helge  is  my  father, 
standeth  in  his  place;  without  his  will 

I  cannot  wed:  and  Bole's  daughter  steals 

No  happiness,  however  near  it  lie. 

l-.-r  what  were  woman,  thus  self-willed,  to  break 

Those  bonds  wherewith  the  wise  Allfadcr  linketh 
•  the  weaker  being  to  the  strong? 

In  the  pale  water-liU  pe, 

Sinking  or  rising  on  the  changing  waves; 

Above  it  speeds  the  sailor's  keel  au 

And  recks  not  how  it  wound  the  tender  stem: 

Such  is  its  destiny;  and  yet  as  long 

As  clings  the  root  tenacious  in  the  sand 

It  iproutnh  tVCf  forth.  :ts  pallid  hues 

It  borroweth  from  sister-stars  abo\ 


98  FRITHini'S  SAGA 

Itself  a  star  upon  the  azure  deep: 

But,  by  the  roots  uptorn,  it  drifts  away, 

A  faded  leaf  upon  the  desert  wave. 

night — and  oh!  a  wretched  night  it  was — 
Anxious  as  watch'd  I,  and  thou  earnest  not, 
Thoughts  all-terrific,  offspring  of  the  night, 
The  raven-locked,  passed  constantly  before 
My  waking  eyes,  which  burned,  but  could  not  weep. 
Balder  himself,  the  bloodless  god,  did  seem 
To  bend  upon  me  glances  filled  with  rage. 
And  so,  last  night,  I  have  revolved  my  fate, 
And  thus  determined;  I  will  linger  here, 
Submissive  victim  to  my  brother's  will. 
Yet  it  is  well  that  then  I  had  not  heard 
Thy  hope-breathed  dreams  of  cloud-imagined  isle  s, 
Where  ever  glows  the  heavenly  sunset's  light 
O'er  flow'ry  lands  of  tranquil  peace  and  love. 
How  few  can  tell  how  weak  we  are;  the  dreams 
( )f  childhood,  long- forgotten,  rise  anew 
And  whisper  in  my  ear  with  gentle  tones 
As  well  remembered  as  a  sister's  voice, — 
As  sweet  and  tender  as  a  lover's  tones. 
But  now  I  will  not  hearken,  will  not  heed 
Those  sweet,  persuading,  once  beloved  words! 
Can  I,  the  Northland's  child,  there  southwards  dwell  ? 
I  am  too  pale  for  southern  roses'  bloom : 
Too  colorless  my  thought  for  Southland's  glow. 
It  would  be  melted  'neath  its  burning  sun; 
And  longingly  my  weary  eye  would  strain 
Towards  the  bright  north-star,  which  unchanging  k 
Its  heavenly  watch  above  our  fathers'  graves. 
My  noble  Frithiof  shall  not  fly  away 


KRH1 

H  the  deu  ,uld  defend, 

Nor  ever  ca«>  ie-spread  fann 

For  such  a  trifle  as  a  maiden's  I 
A  life  in  whuh  the  sun  fpini  year  by  year, 
Each  day  unvarying  from  the  day  bed 
A  sameness  beautiful,  but  everlasting, 
May  manly  souls 

thine  a  tranquil  life  is  wearisome. 
thnvest  best  when  storms  tumultuous 
'  foaming  bat-  ,  across  the  seas, 

And  on  a  swaying  plank,  for  !  .nh 

cly  desert  thou  hast  painted  u  < 
A  grave  untimely  tor  thine  unborn  deeds; 
Together  \vitl  soul 

Would  gather  it  shall  never  be: 

Ne'er  will  I  steal  away  m\  •'$'  name 

n  Skalden  songs,  and  11  I  quern  h 

j   dawn. 
Be  • ,  let  us  yield  before 

and,  so  submitting,  save 
At  least  i  f  from  the  wreck  of  t. 

i         toy  of  life  we  can  no  longer  save. 
So  we  must  separate. 

FRITHIOF 

Hut  wherefore  so — 
Because  a  sleepless  night  thy  mind  disturbs? 

INGEBORG 

Because  thy  safety  and  my  worth  demand. 


ioo  FRI  PHIOPS  SAG  \ 

KRITHIOF 

A  woman's  worth  in  manly  love  is  found. 

INGEBOR(i 

He  loves  not  long  who  doth  not  honor  too. 

FRITHIOF 

Inconstant  stubbornness  no  honor  trim* 


INGEBORG 

A  noble  stubbornness  is  love  of  riirht. 


FRITHIOF 

Yet  yesterday  it  strove  not  with  our  love. 

INO1BOKG 

Nor  doth  to-day,  but  with  our  flight  the  more. 

FRITHIOF 

It  is  necessity  that  calls  us.  Come. 

INGEBORG 

Needful  alone  is  what  is  right  and  noble. 

FRITHIOF 

High  mounts  the  sun,  the  time  is  fleeting  by. 

INGEBORG 

Ah  me!  it  is  gone  by,  gone  by  forever. 


l-kl  1  ill<  >i  '     SAGA  101 


FRITHIOr 

Hclhink  ihrr  well,  —  IN  last  resolve.' 

ING  I  BO  HO 

I  have  bethought  me  well,  and  to  resol 

FRITHIOr 

.  thm,  Helge's  titter,  fare  thec  well1 

INGIBORO 

O  Frithiof,  Frithiof,  is  it  thut  we  te\« 
And  hast  thou  then  no  kindly  glance  for  n 
Thy  childhood's  friend;  hast  thou  no  hand  to  offer 

her  unhappy,  whom  thou  once  didst  lo\ 

•ik'st  thou  I  stand  on  roses  here,  and  cast 
Away  with  senselest  tmilc  my  lifetimc't  joy, 
Uprooting  from  my  heart  without  a  pang 

hope  beloved  which  with  my  growth  hath  grown  ? 
Hast  thou  not  been  the  day-dream  of  my  heart  ? 
All  that  I  ever  knew  of  joy  was  Frith: 
And  all  that  life  hath  generous  or  brave 

vcr  in  my  mind  thy  image  took. 
Oh!  shadow  not  that  image  to  me,  meet 

i  harshness  not  the  poor  weak  girl,  who  offers 
All  that  on  earth's  wide  circuit  she  holds  dear,— 
All  that  can  dearest  be  in  Valhall's  halls. 
Frithiof,  this  sacrifice  is  hard  enough, 
A  word  of  comfort  it  might  well  dcscr 
I  know  thou  lovest  me;  I  knew  it  well, 
Already  when  our  days  began  to  bloom, 
And  surely  shall  thy  Ingborg's  love  pursue 


102  I  RI  PHIOPS  SAGA 

Thee  many  a  year,  where'er  thou  maycst  wend. 
Hut  dm  of  arms  at  length  will  dull  thy  gn 
Which,  floating  far  upon  the  stormy  waves, 
Will  find  no  place  beside  thee  on  the  bench, 
When,  glad  with  victory,  thou  dram'st  the-  horn. 
Yet  now  and  then,  when  in  the  peace  of  night 
Thou  musterest  memories  of  the-  bygone  days, 
Amongst  them  may  flit  by  an  image  pale 
\Vell  known  to  thro,  and  bringing  greeting  fond 

thy  dear  home,  and  it  shall  bear  the-  form 
Of  the  pale  maid  who  dwells  in  Haider's  gi 
Thou  wilt  not  drive  it  from  thcc,  though  its  glance 
May  troubled  seem;  ah!  whisper  but  a  word, 
One  word  of  friendship  to  it,  and  the  winds 
( )f  night  on  faithful  wings  will  waft  it  me; 
One  comfort  left,  the  only  one  I  own: 
For  I  have  nothing  to  disperse  my  grief; 
All  that  surroundeth  me  rccalleth  it: 
These  lofty  temple  halls  but  speak  of  thee; 
Even  Raider's  image  in  the  still  moonlight, 
Threatening  no  longer,  seems  thy  form  to  take. 
Seaward  I  look, — there  swam  thy  keel,  and  clave 
Its  way  to  me  awaiting  on  the  strand. 
Landward  I  look, — there  standeth  many  a  stem 
With  Ingborg's  name  deep  carved  upon  the  bark: 
The  trees  stretch  out,  and  so  the  name  grows  faint, 
'T  is  but  a  token,  as  they  say,  of  death. 
I  ask  of  daylight,  when  it  saw  thee  last  ? 
Of  night  I  ask,  but  she  remaineth  still. 
Even  the  sea,  which  beareth  thee,  returneth 
My  questions  only  with  a  sigh  to  shore. 
Greetings  I  '11  send  thee  in  the  sunset  red, 


'I  I  HIM  ,03 

<^ur:i.  h  :.  •  .-s  tirr«  afar  am«»iig»t  thy  w. 

Each  ;>  thai  >aiU  tln-.u/h  i  'all  bear 

A  freight  of  »orr> 

So  in  the  maiden's  chamber  will  1 

A  dark-clad  widow,  mournm-  i«»yj 

oidering  broken  lilic-%  m  the  frame, 
Till  Spun;/,  a  nrxvU -woven  carpet  spread, 
Covcrc-il  with  *wn 

Or,  taking  up  my  harp,  Hess  woe 

Breathe  forth  in  deepest  tones  ry, 

(  )r  burst  in  tears,  as  n 

FRITHIOF 

.  child  of  Bele;  weep  no  m 
Forgive  my  anger:  ah!  't  was  naught  but  gt 
Which  for  a  moment  borrowed  anger's  garb, — 
A  garb  which  I  can  never  carry  long. 

1  Ingeborg,  thou  art  my  Norna  good; 
Tin-  n.'Mc  In-st  nobility  can  teach; 
The  wisdom  of  necessity  can  have 
Never  a  better  advocate  than  thee, 
Oh1  l.'M-ly  Vala,  with  the  rosy  lips. 

I  will  vield  before  m 

Will  part  from  thce,  but  never  part  from  hope. 
Hope  I  Ml  bear  with  me  o'er  the  western  w.i 
I  MI  bear  it  with  me  to  the  gates  of  death. 

h  the  first  spring-day  will  I  hie  me  home; 
Me  shall  King  Helge  soon,  I  trust,  bt-1 
My  vow  accomplished,  and  my  task  fulfilled, 
The  crime  forgiven  of  which  I  Ntand  accused. 
Then  shall  I  ask  t)  .  shall  claim  thy  hand 

Upon  the  open  Ting,  'nmUt  naked  swords, 


io4  KKI  nnoi  -s  SAGA 

From  Hclgc  not,  but  fmm  the  Northland  race, 
That  is  thy  sponsor  true,  thou  child  of  kings. 
1  have  a  word  for  him  who  shall  refuse. 
Till  then,  farewell,  be  true,  remember  me; 
And  take,  in  memory  of  our  childhood's  love, 
My  arm-ring  here,  Valunder's  beauteous  work. 
With  heavenly  wonders  graven  on  the  gold; 
Still  worthier  wonder  is  a  faithful  heart. 
How  well  it  clingeth  to  thy  dazzling  arm  — 
A  glow-worm  glittering  on  a  lily-stem. 

well,  my  bride,  my  darling,  fare  thee  well; 
Bide  a  few  moons,  and  all  our  grief  is  changed. 

(AfM.) 

INGEBORG 

How  proud,  how  valiant,  and  how  strong  in  hope, 

The  point  he  sctteth  of  his  trusty  sword 

At  Norna's  breast,  and  crieth — "Thou  must  yield." 

Ah!  my  poor  Frithiof,  Norna  never  yields; 

She  goes  her  way,  and  laughs  at  Angurvadel. 

How  little  knowest  thou  my  sullen  brother! 

Thine  open  valiant  soul  can  never  fathom 

The  gloomy  depths  of  his;  nor  tell  the  hate 

That  burneth  fiercely  in  his  envious  breast. 

His  sister's  hand  to  thce  he'll  never  give. 

Far  sooner  will  he  risk  his  crown,  his  life, 

And  offer  me  to  hoary  Odin,  or 

To  aged  Ring,  with  whom  he  now  contends. 

Where'er  I  look,  I  see  no  hope  for  me; 

Yet  am  I  glad,  it  liveth  in  thine  heart. 

So  I  will  keep  my  sorrow  for  mvself; 

And,  oh!  may  all  the  good  gods  follow  thee! 


1  KI  I  III'  '  105 

shall  help  me  well  to  tell 
The  dreary  months  off,  in  consuming  care; 
Two,  four,  and  six, —  then  mayett  th«»u  return, 
lint  i.e..;  find  again  thine  Ingeborg. 


IX 
INGEBOKcrs  LAMENTATION 

"  AUTUMN  is  here; 

High-heaving  Ocean  its  waves  doth  rear; 
And  still,  here,  far  from  my  home, 
Gladly  I  'd  roam. 

"  Long  did  I  view 

His  sail  in  the  west,  on  its  mursc  as  it  flew; 
Oh !  happy,  my  Frithiof  to  follow 
Over  the  billow. 

"Ye  blue  billows  rough, 
Swell  not  so  high;  ye  speed  swiftly  enough. 
Shine  brightly,  ye  stars,  to  display 
To  my  Frithiof  his  way. 

"  He  will  be  home 

With  Spring;  but  his  dear  one  will  come 
No  more  to  his  love-breathing  call 
In  valley  or  hall. 

"Ghastly,  and  cold 

To  the  voice  of  his  love,  she  shall  lie  in  the  mould; 
Or,  offered  for  her  brother's  need, 
Lamenting,  bleed. 

"Thou,  his  falcon,  art  left; 
Mine  shall  thou  be,  and  I  Ml  treasure  the  gift; 
But  by  me,  thou  wing'd  hunter  of  heaven, 
Thy  food  shall  be  given. 


KRirillo  JA  107 

u  r  (hou  shah  claim, 

Displayed  mi  Ins  xvnst  mi  the  'broidering  fru 
Thy  wingi  of  Mixer  folding 
Thy  talons  golden. 

"Freya,  in  m 
Took  falcon's  wings  once,  through  t«. 

speed, 

And  her  Oedur  beloved  sought  forth 
In  south  and  in  nonh. 

ildcst  ihou  share 
Thy  pinions  with  me,  sc.»  vcight  could 

they  tx-ar: 

'T  is  death,  and  death  only,  that  brings 
Celestial  wings. 

-hunter  bra 

Perch  on  my  shoulder,  and  gaze  o'er  the  wave. 
Alas!  how  long  may  we  gaze 
While  Frithiof  delays. 

"When  I  am  dead 

He  will  return;  to  my  message  give  heed  — 
Welcome  and  comfort,  over  and  cr 

My  M»rro\vini:  lux  or." 


X 
FRITHIOF  AT  SEA 

Now,  King  Hclgc  stood 

In  fury  on  the  strand, 
And  in  embittered  mood 

Adjured  the  Storm-fiend's  band. 

Gloomy  is  the  heaven  growing, 

Through  desert  skies  the  thunders  roar, 
In  the  deep  the  billows  brewing 

Cream  with  foam  the  surface  o'er. 
Lightnings  cleave  the  storm-cloud,  seeming 

Blood-red  gashes  in  its  side; 
And  all  the  sea-birds,  wildly  screaming, 

Fly  the  terrors  of  the  tide. 

"  Storm  is  coming,  comrades, 
Its  angry  wings  I  hear 
Flapping  in  the  distance, 
But  tearless  we  may  be. 
Sit  tranquil  in  the  grove, 
And  fondly  think  on  me, 
Lovely  in  thy  sorrow, 
Beauteous  Ingeborg." 

Now  two  storm-fiends  came 

Against  Ellida's  side; 
One  was  wind-cold  Ham, 

One  was  snowy  Heyd. 


;A  109 

Loose  set  t)  M|x-st'>  pinions, 

Down  diving  in  ocean  dt 
Billow*,  f'n.in  unseen  dormm- 

To  the  god's  abode  they  sweep. 
All  the  powers  of  frightful  death, 

Astride  upon  the  rapid  wave. 
Rise  from  the  foaming  depths  beneath, 

The  bottomless,  unfathomed  grave. 

.lircr  was  mey 

Beneath  the  shining  moon, 
Over  the  mirrory  ocean 
To  Haider's  sacred  grove. 
Warmer  far  than  here 
Was  Ingborg's  loving  heart ; 
Whiter  than  the  sea-foam 
Heaved  her  gentle  breas' 

Now  Solundar-oe 

Arise -th  M..IH  the  foam; 
ner  the  sea  doth  grow 

As  near  the  p«>rt  thr\   o>me. 

But  for  safety  valiant  \* iking 

Will  not  readily  del. 
At  the  helm  he  stands,  delighting 
In  the  tempest's  storr 

the  sheets  more  close  belaying, 
•u-r  through  the  surge  he  clea 
Westward,  further  westward  flying 
Light  1\   ..Yr  the  rapid  xv.i 


io  FRITHIO1  ;\ 

kk  Yet  longer  do  1  liiul  it  sweet 
To  battle  with  the  breeze, 
Thunderstorm  and  Northman  meet, 
Exulting  on  the  seas. 
For  shame  might  Ingborg  blush, 
If  her  osprey  flew, 
Frightened  by  a  storm-stroke, 
Heavy-winged  to  land." 

Now  ocean  fierce  battles, 

The  wave-troughs  deeper  grow, 

The  whistling  cordage  rattles, 
The  planks  creak  loud  below. 

But  though  higher  waves  appearing 

Seem  like  mountains  to  engage, 
Brave  Ellida,  never  fearing, 

Mocks  the  angry  ocean's  rage. 
Like  a  meteor,  flashing  brightness, 

Darts  she  forth,  with  dauntless  breast, 
Bounding,  with  a  roebuck's  lightness, 

Over  trough  and  over  crest. 

"Sweeter  were  the  kisses 
Of  Ingborg,  in  the  grove, 
Than  here  to  taste  in  tempest 
High-sprinkled,  briny  foam. 
Better  the  royal  daughter 
Of  Bele  to  embrace, 
Than  here,  in  anxious  labor, 
The  tiller  fast  to  hold." 


rklllllo  ,,, 

Whirling  cold  and  fait, 

rath*  fill  the  tail; 
ck  and  mast 
Patter*  heavy  hail. 

11  they  src  no  m< 
thu-k  ii  darkness  spread; 
As  gloom  and 

chamber  «>|  the  .:• 
Still  to  sink  the  sailor  dashes 
Implacable  each  angry  w.i 
Gray,  as  if  bestrewn  with  ashes, 
Yawns  the  endless,  awful  gr.i 

r  us,  in  bed  of  ocean, 
Azure  pillows  Ran  prepares; 
On  thy  pillow,  Ingeborg, 

i  thinkcst  u. 

Higher  ply,  my  comrades, 
Klliila's  sturdy  oars; 
Good  ship,  heaven-fashioned, 
Bear  us  on  an  hour." 

O'er  the  side  apace 

Now  a  sea  hath  lea: 
In  an  mount's  space 

Clear  the  deck  is  swept. 

arm  now  Frithiof  hastens 
To  draw  his  ring,  three  marks  in  weight; 

the  morning  sun  it  glistens, 
The  golden  gift  of  Bele  great. 


ii2  KRI  fHIOrS  SAGA 

With  his  sword  in  pieces  cutting 
The  famous  work  of  pigmies'  art 

Shares  he  quickly,  none  forgetting, 
Unto  every  man  a  part. 

"Gold  is  good  possession 
When  one  goes  a-wooin 
Let  none  go  empty  handed 
Down  to  azure  Ran. 
Icy  are  her  kisses, 
Fickle  her  embraces; 
But  we  '11  charm  the  sea-bride 
With  our  ruddy  gold." 

Fiercer  than  at  first, 

Again  the  storm  attacks, 

And  the  sails  are  burst, 
And  the  rudder  cracks. 

O'er  the  ship  half  buried  tearing, 

Now  the  waves  an  entrance  gain, 
At  the  pumps  the  crew,  despairing, 

Fail  to  drive  them  forth  again. 
Frithiof  now  no  longer  doubteth 

That  he  Death  had  got  on  board, 
Still  above  the  storm  he  shouteth, 

Dauntless,  with  commanding  word. 

u  Bjorn,  come  to  the  rudder, 
Hold  it  tight  as  bear's  hug; 
Valhall's  power  sendeth 
No  such  storm  as  this. 


IIJ 

Now  it  work  is  magic : 
Coward  Hclgc  ungeth 
Spells  above  (he  ocean : 
1  will  mount  to  toe*'* 


as  martin^ 
Sped  he  up  the  mast, 
And  thence,  seated  high, 
A  glance  around  he  cast. 

A  whale  before  Kllida  gliding, 

Like  a  loose  island,  s 
And  two  base  ocean  demons  riding, 

Upon  his  back,  the  stormy  sea. 
Heyd,  in  snow-garb  shining  brightly, 

In  semblance  of  an  icy  bear; 
Ham,  his  loud  wings  flapping  widely, 
•-•  a  storm-bird  high  in  air. 

"Now,  Kllida,  let  us  see 
If  in  truth  thou  bearest 
Valor  in  thine  iron-fastened 
Breast  of  bended  oak. 
Hearken  to  my  calling 

HI  be  heaven's  daughter, 
Up!  and  with  thy  keel  of  copper 
ULMC  whale." 

Now  heed  Kllida  giveth 
UntD  her  lord's  behest: 

With  a  bound  she  cleavcth 
Deep  the  monster's  bre.i 


ii4  FRI  PHIOPS  SAGA 

n  ot"  blood  hath  hounded, 

Spouting  upwards  to  the  sky, 
Diving  down,  the  brute,  deep-wounded, 

Sinketh,  bellowing,  to  die. 
Together  now  two  darts  arc  c . 

Flung  by  FrithioPs  arm  so  fierce: 
Through  the  ice-bear  one  hath  passed, 

One  the  storm-bird's  breast  doth  pierce. 

"Well  stricken,  brave  Ellida: 
Not  soon  again,  I  wager, 
Shall  Helge's  magic  vessel 
Rise  on  the  gory  wave. 
Heyd  and  Ham  no  longer 
Now  bewitch  the  ocean; 
Full  bitter  is  the  biting 
Of  the  purple  steel." 

At  once  the  storm-wind,  leaving 
The  ocean  calm  and  clear, 

Still  wafteth  on  its  heaving 
The  ship  to  islands  near. 

And,  all  at  once,  the  sun  appearing, 

Like  a  monarch  in  his  hall, 
New  life  and  new  delights  seems  bearing 

To  ship  and  wave,  to  hill  and  vale; 
His  silent  radiance  crowneth  high 

The  lofty  cliff,  the  forest's  bound: 
And  all  rejoicingly  descry 

The  grassy  shores  of  Efjesund. 


;A  115 

'A\C  Ingcborg's  en: 
Have  risen  to  Valhalla, — 
M  my  lily  bended 
Before  the  ^ 

The  tear*  in  her  cye%  *o  lovely, 
sight  of  her  swan-like  h«»- 
Ha\  i  mortals: 

u  thanks." 

But  Ellida's  prow 

Hath  "tin  km  with  MII  I 
That  slow  she  crawlcth  now, 

A-weary  of  her  course. 

Weary  too  with  dangerous  sailing 
Now  arc  -\  comrades  bold, 

the  swords  they  lean  on,  failing 

us  erect  to  hold. 
On  sturdy  shoulders  Bjorn  doth  fern 

•he  land; 

But  mighty  Frithiof  eight  doth  carry 
•  the  ftrc  upon  the  strand. 

"  Blush  not,  pale  companions, 
Waves  are  sturdy  Vikings, 
And  bitter  't  is  to  battle 
\Vjth  the  ocean  maids. 
Sec,  the  mead-horn  cometh, 
On  feet  of  gold  it  circleth , 
Our  limbs  benumb'd  we  Ml  warm  again 
With  skal  for  Ingcborg." 


XI 
FRITHIOF  WITH  ANGANTYR 

Now  also  yc  the  talc  shall  hear 

How,  with  his  vassals  all, 
Drank  joyfully  Yarl  Angantyr 

In  the  fir-wood  fashioned  hall. 
In  mirth  and  gladness  sitting,  he 

The  blue  waves  looked  upon, 
As  down  the  sun  sank  in  the  sea, 

Like  to  a  golden  swan. 

In  the  deep  bow  of  the  window  wide 

Old  Halvar,  keeping  ward, 
With  one  eye  viewed  the  spreading  tide, 

With  one  his  mead  did  guard. 
A  habit  strange  the  old  man  had  — 

He  'd  ever  empty  the  cup, 
And  into  the  hall,  with  gesture  sad, 

For  more  would  hold  it  up. 

But  now  he  cries,  as  the  empty  horn 

Into  the  hall  he  throws, 
"A  ship  upon  the  sea  is  borne, 

Full  heavily  she  goes; 
Now  seemeth  she  to  tarry, 

Now  reacheth  she  the  land; 
Two  mighty  giants  carry 

The  pale  crew  to  the  land." 

O'er  ocean's  wide  dominions 
The  Yarl  now  looketh  he; 


KkllHlo  ,17 

nose  are  Kllida's  pinions, 

That,  too,  mu»t  Knthiof  be: 
By  such  a  proud  appearing 

Must  Thontcn'f  ton  be  kno 
In  all  the  North  such  bearing 

Belongs  to  him  alone." 

rth  from  the  board,  in  furious  mood, 

•h  Viking  Atlc  rise, 
Black-bearded  Berserk,  craving  blood, 

Rage  flashing  from  his  eyes: 
"Now,  now,"  he  cries,  "my  hand  shall  show 

If  Krithiof,  as  they  say, 
A  spell  o'er  steel  itself  can  throw, 
And  ne'er  for  quarter  pray." 

:h  him  sprung  up  twelve  comrades  there, 

Twelve  comrades  from  the  board; 
They  wield  the  club,  they  cleave  the  air 

:h  fiercely  brandished  sword. 
Thcv  ru>h  down  to  the  level  strand, 

Where  rests  the  ship  at  length, 
And  Krithiof  sitteth  on  the  sand, 

Bespeaking  might  and  strength. 


case  my  sword  should  fell  thee  nou 
Doth  boastful  Atle  i 
Hut  that  the  choice  I  still  allow 
To  combat  or  to 

It  sue  for  peace  from  me 
ough  cruel  name  I  bear), 


n8  KR1THIOI  >  >.\(JA 

Then,  as  a  friend,  I  '11  go  with  thcc 
To  noble  Angantyr." 

"My  journey's  toil  hath  left  me  weak," 

(^iioth  Frithioi',  tu  rv-  stir  red; 
u  Yet,  ere  a  craven  peace  I  seek, 

I  Ml  prove  thy  mighty  sword." 
Flashes  the  steel  with  lightnings,  flung 

From  nervous,  sunburnt  hand ; 
Each  Rune  on  Angurvadel's  tongue 
In  burning  flame  doth  stand. 

The  clashing  weapons,  showering,  strike 

A  hail  of  death-strokes  round; 
The  shattered  shields  of  both  alike 

Fall  shivering  to  the  ground. 
Their  comrades  brave  stand  firm  and  fast, 

And  none  his  place  forsake  ; 
Keen  Angurvadel  bites  at  last; 

The  blade  of  Atle  breaks. 

"'Gainst  swordlcss  man,"  bold  Frithiof  cried, 
uMy  sword  I  never  use; 
But  let  us  try  another  fight, 

If  other  fight  thou  choose." 
Like  floods,  in  autumn  meeting, 

Each  rusheth  on  his  foe; 
Breastplate  on  breastplate  beating, 

As  they  wrestle  for  the  throw. 

They  wrestle  like  an  angry  pair 
Of  bears  upon  the  snow; 


FRITHIOPS  SAC-  119 

struggling  high  in  air, 

Ab«  :«>w. 

Have  tottered  from  their  ancient  place 

Full  many  a  massive  rex 
And  many  an  oak,  of  sturdy  race, 

At  far  a  slighter  shock. 

•n  heavy  brows  the  sweat  drops  d<> 

Their  breath  comes  cold  and  hard; 

each  shrub  and  M 
Around  them  un  the  sward. 
To  see  the  end  in  fear  delays 
Each  troop  upon  the  strand; 

ie  was  that  tight,  in  ancient  days, 
Krnoxvn'd  through. >ut  tin-  l.uui. 

But  I  rithiof  felled  his  foe  at  I. 
And  bore  him  to  the  earth, 
id  knelt  upon  his  heaving  breast, 
And  spoke  in  tones  of  wrath:  — 
'•(  >h'  hail  I  hut  my  broadsword  true, 

k-bcarded  Berser  • 

Mi. mil!  ;><>int  triumphant  through 

Your  entrails,  as 

u  Be  that  hut  little  cause  for  care," 

Was  Atlc's  firm  replv; 
uGo  fetch  thv  n.  upon  there, 

ii  no  escape  I  '11  t 

We  both  must  pass  from  earth  away, 
Valhalla's  joys  to  see; 


120  FRITHIOPS  >\c;A 

And  if  I  wander  there  to-day, 
To-morrow  may  fetch  thee." 

Now,  noble  Frit  hint",  widely  praised, 

The  strife  to  finish  thought, 
Keen  Angurvadel  high  he  raised, 

But  Atle  trembled  not. 
This  touched  his  mighty  victor's  soul, 

And  laid  his  anger  low; 
He  checked  the  stroke,  with  glad  control, 

And  raised  his  fallen  foe. 

Then  loud  the  aged  Halvar  cried, 

His  white  staff  raising  forth, 
"Through  this  your  strife  ye  have  supplied 

But  little  cause  for  mirth. 
Long  since  the  silver  dishes  high 

Send  forth  their  steaming  breath, 
And  fish  and  flesh  grow  cold,  whilst  I 

Am  thirsting  unto  death." 

Now  reconciled,  the  warriors  bold 

Pass  through  the  open  door, 
And  much  did  Frithiof  there  behold 

He  ne'er  had  seen  before. 
No  rough-hewn  planks  here  cover 

The  naked  walls  so  wide; 
But  leather,  gilded  over, 

With  flowers  and  berries  bright. 

Not  on  the  centre  pavement  glowed 
The  fire,  with  merry  glare, 


rki  i 


«>*e  by  every  wall  there 

A  stove  of  marble  fair. 
No  smoke  within  the  chamber  sta\ 

The  wills  no  dampness  b 
Frames  filled  with  glass  the  windows  had, 

And  a  lock  was  on  the  door. 

All  filled  with  light,  the  branches  fair 
Spread  out  their  silver  boughs; 

•re  the  crackling  pine-torch  glare 
Illumined  the  carouse. 
Cooked  whole,  a  stag,  with  larded  breast, 
Adorned  the  table  round; 

leaf-decked,  its  gilt  hoof  raised, 
As  if  about  to  bound. 

There  stood  a  damsel,  lily-fair, 

To  each  rough  comrade  nigh; 
As  beameth  forth  a  glittering  star 

Throughout  a  stormy  sky. 
Their  tresses  brown  luxuriant  flowed; 

M  their  eyes  of  blue; 
Their  little  lips  like  roses  glowed, 
wn  ripe  in  summer's  dew. 

High  sate  upon  his  silver  throne 

The  Yarl,  in  splendor  bold; 
Bright  as  the  sun  his  helmet  shone, 

breastplate  blazed  with  g< 
With  stars  embroider'd,  bright  did  gleam 

His  mantle,  rich  and  fine; 


122  KRITHinrs  SAGA 

And  every  purple-glowing  seam 
Did  spotless  ermine  line. 

Forth  from  the  board  three  paces 

He  goes  to  meet  his  guest; 
He  takes  his  hand,  and  places 

Him  at  his  side  to  rest:  — 
"Since  here  full  many  a  creaming  horn 

With  Thorsten  emptied  we, 
His  son,  whose  fame  so  far  is  bonu , 

Shall  not  sit  far  from  me." 

The  great  Angantyr  fills  the  cup 

With  wine  of  Sicily, 
Like  flashing  flame  it  sparkles  up 

All  foaming,  like  the  sea. 
"Right  welcome  be  thou  to  my  hall 

In  ancient  friendship's  name; 
The  mighty  Thorsten's  skal  we  all 

Shall  drink  with  loud  acclaim." 

A  hoary  bard,  from  Morven's  heights, 

Accords  the  tuneful  lyre, 
And  loud,  in  glowing  tones,  recites 

A  hero-song  of  fire; 
But  in  the  old  Norrana  tongue, 

The  speech  of  ancient  days, 
The  hero  Thorsten's  fame  was  sung, 

And  all  the  song  did  praise. 

Then  much  to  hear  the  Yarl  did  crave, 
Of  his  kindred  in  the  North; 


SAGA  1 23 

And  prudent  i  clearly  gave 

The  wisest  answers  f 
And  >g  he  truly  tells, 

cs  each  his  proper  fu 
Saga,  goddess  bright,  who  dwells 
In  ihc  v 

And  now  doth  Knthiof  rehearse 
His  voyage,  lately  d« 

power,  and  Helgc's  curse, 
By  him  had  been  o'ert brown. 
The-  vassals  shout  in  joyous  strain, 

id  laughs  bold  Angair 
And  Frithiof  greater  glory  gains 
As  higher  rose  the  cheer. 

Mut  \\hen  of'  Ingborg,  dear  and  fair, 

The  talc  doth  reach  their  ears, 
•hie  in  her  grief  and  care, 

So  lovely  in  her  tears; 
Deep  sighs  escape  from  laboring  breast, 

(  )M  t.nr  cheeks  blushes  stand, 
M\  r\erv  maiden  fond  is  pressed 

Her  faithful  l<>\ir\  hand. 

And  now,  his  mission  to  complete, 

Doth  Frithiof  bold  prepare, 
Angamyr  stirred  :  his  seat 

Mut  gave  him  hearing  fair. 
11  answered:  —  UI  no  homage  do; 

I  and  my  race  are  free; 


i24  FRITHIOPS  SAGA 

King  Bclc's  skal  we  tlrink,  't  is  true, 
Hut  he  never  governed  nu-. 

"His  heirs,  indeed,  I  never  knew; 

If  tribute  they  demand, 
Then  let  them  sue  as  men  should  d<«, 

Insisting  sword  in  hand. 
Then  on  the  shore  my  sword  shall  shim-; 

But  Th«>rsten  held  I  dear." 
And  with  his  hand  he  gives  a  sign 

To  his  daughter  sitting  near. 

Up  sprung  the  lovely  Flower-charm 

th  from  her  gilded  chair; 
How  slender  was  her  little  form, 

How  round  her  bust  so  fair. 
In  dimple  deep  was  throned  the  sprite 

Astrild,  in  roguish  glee, 
As  sits  the  butterfly  so  bright 

In  the  rose  delightingly. 

To  the  women's  chambers  hasting, 

She  soon,  with  purse  of  green, 
Returned,  on  which  were  rivers 

Through  woods,  embroidered  seen. 
And  there  displayed,  the  calm  moonlight 

Seemed  ocean  to  behold; 
The  clasp  was  made  of  rubies  bright ; 

The  tassels  were  of  gold. 

The  maiden  laid  the  purse  so  fair 
In  her  great  father's  hands, 


LTTHIO  125 

Up  l«»  the-  limn  I 

— 

uay'st  will . 
\\  ith  u*  in  j>  Mill. 

k  Though  vilor  never  should  be  scorned, 

ui w  the  storm  rules  vs 
>w  again  to  life  rctur: 
:  wager  Ham  and  Heyd. 
Kllida  may  not  always  leap 

So  luckily  a; 

And  whales  arc  plenty  in  the  deep, 
Though  one  she  may  have  slain." 

And  so  in  merry  mood  they  stay'd 

morning's  sun  did  rise: 
oft-drained  golden  goblets  made 
Them  glad,  but  not  unwise. 
With  skal  to  Angantvr,  at  last, 
horn  they  loudly  drain : 
So,  safely  housed,  till  winter  passed, 
Did  Krithiof  remain. 


XII 
FRITH ioK'S  RETURN 

SPRING  breathes  again  in  ether  blue, 
In  green  the  earth  is  clad  anew; 

Then  Krithiof  thanketh  his  host:  again 
He  mounteth  up  on  the  heaving  main; 
And  gaily  his  sable  swan  doth  make 
On  her  glassy  course  a  silvery  wake. 
For  the  western  winds,  with  the  voice  of  Spring, 
Like  nightingales  in  his  bright  sails  sing; 
And  the  blue-veiled  daughters  of  /Kgir  speed 
His  flight  as  they  dance  o'er  the  glittering  mead. 
Oh!  it  is  sweet  when  from  distant  strand 

The  sails  swell  back  to  that  native  land, 
Where  the  smoke  from  one's  own  loved  hearth  appears, 
And  thoughts  awaken  of  childhood's  years, — 
Where  play-grounds  are  mirrored  in  tranquil  waves, 
Where  forefathers  lie  in  their  grassy  graves; 
And  the  faithful  maiden,  longingly 
Standing  on  lofty  rocks,  watcheth  the  sea. 

Six  days  he  sailed,  and  the  seventh  shows 
A  dark-brown  stripe,  which  larger  grows, 
And  'gainst  the  edge  of  heaven  doth  stand, 
With  cliffs,  with  isles,  and  at  last  with  land. 
His  home,  from  ocean  risen,  is  seen, 
Its  forests  wide  arrayed  in  green; 
He  hears  the  foaming  surge's  shocks 
Break  on  the  marble-breasted  rocks; 
He  greets  the  bay  and  the  heights  above, 


PRITHIOI  127 

And  sails  close  under  the  holy  gr« 

f»e  put  iuinincr,  %o  many  i  night. 
He  had  tat  with  hi*  Ingborg  in  t«>ml  delight. 
u  A  p  pea  ret  h  the  not,  and  can  she  not  guest 

>vr  near  o'er  the  dark-blue  waves  I  press? 
Or  doth  she,  from  Haider's  temple  g<> 
Now  dwelling  at  Helge's  court  al< 
Sorrow  by  harp,  or  by  golden  wt> 

his  falcon  now  from  the  temple  roof 
Arising,  as  often  before  he  hath  d- 
To  Frithiofs  shoulder  hath  suddenly  flown, 
Eagerly  flapping  with  snowy  wing, — 

I  from  his  shoulder  can  nobody  bring. 
With  u'lded  claw  he  scrau  lu-th  m  haste, — 
He  giveth  no  peace,  he  giveth  no  rest ; 
To  Frithiofs  ear  he  bendeth  his  beak, 
As  if  some  message  he  sought  to  speak, 
Perchance  from  Ingborg,  the  bride  so  dear, 
But  the  tale  he  telleth  can  no  man  hear. 

The  last  point  now  doth  Kllida  pass, 

Bounding,  as  deer  bound  over  the  grass, 

The  well-known  waters  her  keel  doth  plough, 

Glad  standrth  Frithiof  in  the  prow. 

He  rubbeth  his  eyes,  and  with  trembling  hand 

He  shadeth  his  brow,  he  scanneth  the  strand; 

But  long  though  he  rub  them,  and  far  though  he  see, 

Kramnas  no  more  discovereth  he. 

Naught  but  the  naked  chimney  there 

Standeth,  like  warriors'  bones  laid  bar 

Where  his  court-yard  had  been  is  desert  land, 


ii8  FRITHIOPS  SAGA 

And  ashes  whirl  round  the  lonely  strand. 
In  fury  down  from  his  ship  he  hasteth; 
A  glance  on  his  ruined  dwelling  casteth, 
His  father's  dwelling — his  childhood's  home. 

Now  Bran,  the  wiry-haired,  doth  come, 

His  dog,  who  often,  as  true  as  bold, 

For  him  the  wild  bears  helped  to  hold ; 

Full  high  he  leapeth  with  many  a  spring, 

In  joy  his  master  welcoming. 

The  milk-white  steed,  with  the  golden  mane, 

With  stag-swift  hoofs,  and  with  lengthy  rein, 

Which  Frithiof  so  oft  had  ridden  around, 

Speeds  through  the  valley  with  eager  bound, 

And,  neighing  gladly,  archeth  his  neck, 

And  bread  from  his  master's  hand  doth  seek. 

Hut  Frithiof,  poorer  than  the  pair, 

Hath  naught  with  the  faithful  brutes  to  share. 

Houseless  and  sad,  on  his  father's  ground, 

Now  Frithiof  standeth,  gazing  round; 

Until  of  Hilding  he  is  'ware, 

His  foster-sire,  with  silvery  hair:  — 

"At  what  I  see  I  scarce  can  wonder, 
When  the  eagle  flicth,  the  nest  they  plunder. 
Is  this  the  way  that  a  king  should  guard?  — 
Well  holdeth  Helge  his  royal  word; 
For  heavenly  dread,  and  human  hate, 
And  plundering  flames,  are  his  Eriksgate: 
Yet  this  brings  rather  rage  than  care: 
But  tell  me  where  is  Ingborg,  where?" 

"The  tale  I  Ml  tell  thee,"  the  old  man  said; 

"Though  I  fear  thou  'It  find  it  but  little  glad. 


Ilillo  129 

Scarce  wast  tbou  gone  when  Ring  drew  n< 

MC  his  warriors  w 

Disar's  vale  t> 
h  blood-red  loan  >  waters  fraught. 

Haifdan,  unchanging,  laughed  and  played, 
.vielded,  like  a  nun,  I. 

-nth  1  held  im   shield, 

And  was  jmmd  <»t  ht,  ^ht  maiden  Held. 

Yet  soon  gave  way  our  weakened  hos 

!ge  fled,  and  then  all  was  lost. 
The  Av  rd, 

Passing,  in  flames  thy  dwelling  set. 
No  i  the  vanquished  Ring  would  leave: 

in  should  give; 

Naught  should  appease  him  save  her  hand: 
Refused,  he  'd  seize  both  their  crown  and  land. 
Backwards  and  forwards  the  messengers  h: 
And  now  King  Ring  hath  led  home  his  br 

UO  woman,  woman,"  Frithiof  said, 
•  thought  that  Loke  had 
Was  to  frame  a  lie,  and  he  sent  it  forth 
In  woman's  form  to  man  on  earth. 
With  false  blue  eye,  and  with  faithless  tear, 
Deceiving  ever,  yet  ever  dear; 
With  rosy  cheeks,  and  with  bosom  fair, 
Thy  faith  like  spring-ice,  thy  truth  like  air, 
:ie  heart  but  echoing  with  deceit, 

treachery  set  in  thy  lips  so  sweet. 
Ingborg,  darling  of  my  heart, 
v  dear  thou  hast  been,  and  how  dear  thou  art! 
Far  as  I  back  my  thoughts  can  guide, 


130  FRI  I  HIOPS  SAGA 

I  *ve  known  no  joy  hut  by  thy  side; 

In  every  act  and  in  every  thought, 

Thou  wast  the  highest  pn/e  I  sought. 

As  trees  from  earth  together  grown, 

If  Thor  with  lightning  smite  the  one, 

The  other  fades:  if  one  grows  green, 

The  other  shares  us  leafy  sheen: 

So  joy  and  care  we  've  shared  and  known  : 

I  never  felt  myself  alone. 

Now  I  am  lonely; — thou  lofty  Var, 

Who,  with  thy  golden  tablets,  far 

Dost  watch  each  mortal  vow  t'  enrol, 

Cease  thy  vain  labor;  burn  thy  scroll: 

But  lies  to  chronicle  they  serve, 

And  better  fate  doth  gold  deserve. 

Of  Balder's  Nanna  truth  is  told, 

No  truth  can  heart  of  mortal  hold ; 

Man's  breast  is  filled  with  falsehood  through, 

Since  Ingborg's  voice  could  prove  untrue; 

That  voice,  like  wind  caressing  flowers, 

Or  strain  from  Brage's  harp  that  showers,— 

The  joyous  harp  no  more  I  '11  hear,— 

I  '11  think  no  more  of  my  faithless  fair. 

Where  storm-winds  sport  I  Ml  make  my  pillow 

Blood  shalt  thou  quaff,  thou  ocean-billow. 

Where'er  a  sword  grave-seeds  can  sow, 

O'er  hill  or  dale,  my  joy  shall  grow; 

And  meet  I  a  crown'd  king  anywhere, 

I  '11  laugh  to  see  how  his  life  I  Ml  spare. 

But  should  I  find,  where  shields  clash  loud, 

Some  love-sick  youth  amongst  the  crowd, 


FRi  nnors    \- 

v*  can  lake, 

I  '1!  :i  down  for  mercy'i  i^> 

And  spare  him  the  grief  one  ilu\  iu  be 
.iken,  divrji  ct!,  and  betra  'd  like 


.   tMtilrch  youthful  M«> 
The  aged  Hilding  said:  **  'Twere  good 
That  snows  of  eld  should  cool  its  heat.  — 
Much  wrongest  thou  the  noble  maid: 
My  foster-daughter  cease  • 

:»e  can  turn  aside,  — 

-c  weapons  smite 

The  sons  of  earth  from  the  stormy  height. 
True!  Ingborg's  sorrowing  few  men  heard. 
Like  Mlrnt  Vular,  she  spake  no  word: 
Hut  she  grieved  and  pined,  as  in  southern  shade 
!me-lorn  turtle-dove  mourns  its  mate. 
M  me  alone  her  grief  she  would  share, 
To  me  her  measureless  woe  decla; 
As  with  stricken  breast  the  sea-mew  diveth 
To  deepest  ocean,  and  <•  th 

To  hide  her  wound  from  the  sight  of  day, 
And  deep-laid,  blecdeth  her  life  away: 
So  in  silence  deep  sank  her  sorrow  down  : 
To  me  only  the  grief  that  she  bore  is  known. 

u  4  For  Bclc's  kingdom/  full  oft  she  said, 
4  A  sacrifice  must  I  be  made; 
And  garlands  of  snowdrops  and  evergreen 
.ill  deck  the  land's  peace-offering. 

(  )h'  I  omlii  ilie,  but  't  were  fate  too  mild, 


i32  FRITHIOPS  SAGA 

By  naught  will  Balder  be  reconciled 
Save  a  living  death  of  lingering  pain, 
With  a  beating  heart,  and  a  throbbing  brain. 
But  to  none  of  my  sorrow,  I  charge  tlu-r, 
My  fate  may  be  hard,  yet  no  pity  I  seek; 
King  Bele's  daughter  her  doom  will  bear — 
Yet  greet  from  his  Ingborg  my  Frithiof  dear.' 

u()n  the  morn  of  the  bridal  (ah!  sad-fated  day, 
From  my  runestaff,  oh!  would  I  could  score  it  away), 
To  the  temple  passed  the  slow-pacing  train 
Of  white-cladden  maidens,  and  sword-bearing  men. 
By  the  sorrowing  Skald  the  troop  was  led; 
The  bride  sate  pale  on  a  coal-black  steed, 
Pale  as  the  spirit  that  sitteth  upon 
The  thunder-rack  dark,  when  the  storm  rageth  on. 
From  the  saddle  I  lifted  the  fair  lily  down; 
To  the  temple  threshold  I  led  her  on; 
By  the  altar  standing  she  uttered  there 
Her  vow  to  Lofn,  and  her  voice  was  clear; 
And  she  prayed  to  Balder  fervently, 
And  all  wept  tears,  but  no  tear  wept  she. 
Of  thy  ring  which  she  wore  then  was  Helge  'ware, 
And  he  tore  it  with  force  from  her  arm  so  fair; 
And  the  image  of  Balder  he  decked  with  the  gold. 
My  fury  no  longer  could  I  withhold; 
My  trusty  sword  from  my  side  I  drew  forth, 
And  King  Helge's  life  was  then  little  worth. 
But  Ingeborg  whispered  me — 'Let  things  be; 
Such  pang  might  a  brother  have  spared  to  me; 
But  much  must  be  borne  ere  life's  sorrows  be  past, 
Between  us  Allfader  will  judge  at  the  last.'" 


KRIIHlo  133 

Quoth  Fr  ndgcth/t  it  ' 

t  judgment  1  Ml  utter  too: 
It  not  to-night  Balder*!  midsummer  feast? 
I  '11  rind  in  the  temple  thai  i  .-.vn- wearing  pricit, — 
That  fire-raising  king,  who  his  sister  could  sell, 
And  my  share  of  judgment  shall  please  me  well." 


XIII 
BALDER'S  BALE-FIRE 

MIDNIGHT  sun  on  the  mountains  lay 

Blood-red  to  the  sight; 
The  air  was  filled  with  vapor  gray 

Neither  of  day  nor  of  night. 

And  Haider's  pile,  of  the  glowing  sun 
A  symbol  true,  blazed  forth; 

But  soon  its  splendor  sinketh  down 
When  Hoder  rules  the  earth. 

And  round  about  the  priests  stood  there, 

All  busied  with  the  brands, 
Pale-faced  seers,  with  hoary  hair, 

And  flint-stone  knives  in  horny  hands. 

Serving  by  the  altar,  crown'd, 

King  Helge  standeth  near. 
At  midnight,  hark!  thro'  the  grove  around 

The  clash  of  arms  they  hear. 

"Bjorn,  the  portals  guard,  and  so 
We'll  captive  take  them  all; 
In  or  out  let  no  man  go, 
Sooner  cleave  his  skull." 

Pale  the  King  grew;  all  too  well 
He  knew  the  voice  for  doubting: 

In  stalked  Frithiof,  furious,  fell, 
Like  autumn  tempest  shouting: 


FRITHIOFS  SAGA  135 

c  '•»  the  .t  thy  desire 

1  've  fetched  K  ca; 

Take  it '  and  battle  by  Balder**  fire 
For  life  and  death  with  :• 

elds  on  our  backs,  arms  bare  and  I. 
Lest  tame  our  strife  be  r< 
Be  the  first  stroke,  as  a  King,  to  thee, 
Remember,  I  have  the  second. 

44 Glance  not,  craven,  at  the  door; 

In  C«>\c:    1  \c  trapped  the  fox: 

Think  upon  Framnas — think,  still  more, 
On  Ingborg's  golden  locks." 

So  valiant  Krithiof  spake  with  scum, 

And  carelessly  did  fling 
The  purse,  from  off  his  girdle  torn, 

At  the  forehead  of  the  King. 

Blood  fnxn  ..tit  his  lips  there  oozed, 

Gloom  took  his  sight  away; 
By  his  altar,  stunned  and  bruis'd, 

The  god-descended  lay. 

"Thine  own  red  gold  canst  thou  not  bear, 

Basest  of  Northmen,  now  ? 
Then,  shame  for  Angurvadel  *t  were 
To  fell  such  dross  as  thou. 

"Avaunt,  ye  priests,  with  your  altar  kn 
Pale  moonshine  princes  curst, 


136  FRITH lOF'S  SA(;  A 

Or  little  I  '11  reck  to  take  your  lives 
To  quench  my  good  sword's  thirst. 

UO!  Balder  bright,  forgive  the  harm; 

Thine  angry  glances  spare; 
Yon  ring  of  gold  upon  thine  arm 
Is  naught  but  stolen  ware. 

u  Never  for  thee,  be  it  boldly  said, 

'I  was  forged  by  the  great  Valunder: 
'T  was  torn  by  a  thief  from  a  mourning  maid, 
Away  with  his  graceless  plunder." 

Boldly  dragged  he,  but  arm  and  ring 

Seemed  to  be  grown  the  same, 
Till,  coming  loose,  the  force  doth  fling 

The  god  into  the  flame. 

Hark!  it  crackles,  the  golden  blaze 

Reacheth  the  roof-tree  fast, 
Bjorn,  pale  as  death,  at  the  portal  sta 

Frithiof  stands  aghast. 

"Let  all  men  out,  cast  wide  the  door, 

Thy  watch  no  longer  heed; 
The  temple  flames,  pour  water, —  pour 
The  ocean-tide  with  speed." 

Down  from  the  temple  to  the  strand 

They  knit  a  chain  of  hands, 
The  billows  flow  on  from  hand  to  hand 

And  hiss  upon  the  brands. 


UTHIO1  137 

the  god  of  rain  doch  1 
Hi-  ram*  and  water, 

And  calmly  gives  each  loud  command 
Midst  flaming  death's  disordc 

In  vain*  the  flames  gain  the  upper  hand, 
is  rolled  and  swelled. 
The  gold  drops  into  the  glowing  sand, 
plates  of  silver  melt. 

Now  all  is  lost!  From  the  half-burnt  hall 

His  flight  a  red  cock  win.- 
And  he  percheth  high  on  the  gable  tall, 

And  there  wing-flapping  clingeth. 

rning  wind  from  the  north  hath  hied, 
Far  through  the  heavens  blowing: 
Haider's  grove  is  summer-dried, 
The  flame  is  greedy  and  growing. 

it  speedeth  from  tree  to  tree, 
A  wide  possession  claiming: 
Ha!  what  a  tierce  wild  sight  to  see 
Great  Balder's  mighty  flaming. 

A-n  in  each  cleft  root  it  crack  let  h  still, 
High  in  each  summit  gloweth; 

st  Muspel's  ruddy  sons,  what  skill 
Of  man  a  barrier  knoweth  : 

A  sea  of  flame  fills  Balder's  ground, 
>  billows  stream ; 


138  FRITH loi-'S  SAGA 

The  sun  mounts  up,  but  rtord  and  sound 
Mirror  forth  naught  but  flame. 

In  ashes  lies  the  temple's  pride, 
The  grove  to  ashes  burncth, 

And  wretched  Frithiof  turns  aside, 

Through  morning's  hours  he  mourneth. 


XIV 

FRITHIOI  I  INTO  BANISHM 

ON  dec  hi 

(  }f  summer  ni^ht, 
Sat  Frichiuf  grieving; 

<•  ocean  heaving. 
Hit  bosom  sad 

h  awe  and  dread; 
Thick  smoke  still  climbing 
From  the  temple's  flaming. 

"To  Valhall*  fly 

>ui;h  lottv  || 

>  c  smoke-wreaths,  seeking 
Balder,  bespeaking 
His  rage,  just  meed 
To  me  decreed; 
Dread  tidings  giving 
To  echoing  heaven 
Of  the  temple  bound 
Razed  to  the  ground; 
Of  the  image  famed, 
\\hich,  falling,  flamed, 
And,  charred  away, 
Like  fire-wood  lay. 
Of  the  grove  telling 
(Religion's  dwelling, 
Where  never  sword 
In  strife  was  heard) 
hi  ruins  buried 
By  flames  unwearied. 


140  I  RI  PHIOPS  SAGA 

All  that  hath  been, 
All  thou  hast  seen, 
No  jot  forgetting, 
Speed  thou  relating, 
Envoy  of  cloud, 
To  the  cloudy  god. 

"Mild  Helge's  glory 
Shall  live  in  story, 
Not  with  his  hand 
Forth  from  the  land 
Me  doth  he  banish; 
I  yield,  I  vanish 
O'er  realms  more  wide 
Of  the  azure  tide. 
Thou  must  not  tarry, 
Far  must  thou  hurry, 
Ellida,  forth 
To  the  ends  of  earth ; 
Fed  in  thy  roaming 
By  ocean's  foaming, 
My  dragon  good, 
A  drop  of  blood 
Can  harm  thee  never; 
Speed  thou  on  ever. 
Where  tempests  roam 
Thou  art  my  home, 
The  Asen-brother 
Consumed  the  other. 
Far  must  I  wend 
From  fatherland; 


IKIIHIo  ,4, 

rh, 

My  fotter-cirth, 
Be  ihou  my  pride, 

>u  dark-robed  hr 
:*e  was  my  ochcr 
Hridc  to  her  K.ver. 

flowing  sea! 
No  trouble  tu  thee 
If  monarch's  grieving, 
king's  deceiving. 
.  can  be 

•icr 

Who  never  feareth, 
Though  lofty  rearcth 
.  foaming  breast 
Its  billows  tost. 
Thine  a/urc  furrows 
Are  tilled  by  heroes: 
Through  them  like  plough 
The  keel  il.-th  go. 

'Neath  oak's  wide  shadow 
Blood  dews  the  meadow. 
Sown  is  death's  seed 

m  bright  steel  shed. 
Who  ocean  reapeth, 
Thence  glory  keepeth,  - 
Gold  cometh  too; 

me  be  true, 

u  stormy  billow; 
And  I  will  follow. 


I  kHHIOrs  SAGA 

My  father's  grave 

uls  still  and  safe; 
Calm  waters  nun. T 
His  grass-green  pillow. 
Blue  shall  mine  be, 
In  the  foaming  sea; 
Sturdily  floating, 
Midst  tempests  shouting, 
Till  I  sink  to  sleep 
In  the  boundless  deep. 
My  life  art  thou,  ocean, 
My  home,  my  possession 
And  shalt  be  my  grave, 
r-'ree  flowing  wave." 

So  spake  he  madly, 
As  piloting  sadly 
His  vessel,  he  bore 
Forth  from  the  shore; 
And  coasted  slowly 
The  headlands  holy, 
Which  still  stand  forth, 
Guarding  the  North. 
But  vengeance  waketh: 
With  ten  ships  seeketh 
King  Helge  wight 
To  check  his  flight. 
Then  shouted  they  all, 
Now  Helge  will  fall: 
He  offereth  strife, 
Nor  careth  for  life 
Here  'neath  the  moon. 


FRlTIIK>r>  SAGA  143 

This  Valhall's  ton 
>g  to  rise 
native  si 

And,  km  to  the  gods, 
Seekcth  Odin's  abode 

Scarce  was  this  said, 

When  Hclge's  He 
By  unseen  power, 
Sank  lower  and  lower; 
Still  sinking  on, 
Till  settled  ti 
Midst  Rana's  dead. 

•timing,  in  dread, 
I  )oth  Helgc  reach 
Alone  the  b< 

Bjorn,  loud  laughed  he, 
And  quoth  mcrr 

•din's  blood, 
My  craft  was  good; 
When  none  was  nigh, 
Thv  ships  bored  I 
Last  night  with  speed, 
A  worthy  deed ! 
May  Rana  keep 
Them  in  the  deep, 
As  is  h< 
I  but  lament 
That  from  the  wave 
Thou  shouldst  be  sa- 


144  FRITHIOJ  *S  SAGA 

(  )n  rocky  shore, 
His  peril  o'er, 
King  Helge  stood 
In  wrathful  mood: 
His  bow,  ere  long 
Of  steel,  he  strung, 
And  scarcely  knew 
How  far  he  drew, 
Till  with  a  twang 
In  twain  it  sprang. 

But  Frithiof  stayed 
His  lance,  and  said: 
"Thy  death-bird  here 
Enchained  I  bear: 
O  coward  king, 
If  I  freed  its  wing, 
Low  shouldst  thou  lie 
For  thy  villany. 
Yet  ease  thy  fears: 
My  lance  ne'er  cares 
For  cowards'  blood; 
She  's  far  too  good 
For  such  base  uses; 
And  rather  chooses 
Her  sign  to  grave 
On  tombs  of  the  brave, 
Than  on  pillars  of  shame, 
Where  is  branded  thy  name, 
Thy  fame  on  sea 
Is  lost  to  thee; 
And  e'en  on  earth 


KkilHlo  ,4S 

T  is  little  worth. 
Kuie  snipped  thy  bow, 
Not  strength, 
At  nobler  gtme 
Thin  thee  1  aim, — 
T  were  shame  to  me 
To  slaughter  the 

Then  bent  he  o 
rdy  oar, 

tall 

In  Ciudbrand's  vale. 
He  grasped  its  fellow, 
And  o'er  the  billow 
He  rowed  with  speed; 
Kike  bending  reed, 
Or  broadsword's  tongue, 
The  stout  oars  sprung. 

Up  rose  the  sun, 

i  the  clitfs  he  shone; 
And  the  breeze,  speeding 
From  shore,  seemed  bidding 

h  wave  to  dance 
In  morning's  glance. 
O'er  the  billow's  crest 
Kllida  pressed 
Merry  and  glad; 
But  Frithiof  said: 

"Crest  of  creation, 

Thou  noble  North, 


i46  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

I  have  no  place  on 

Thy  well-loved  earth; 
From  thec  forever 

My  sail  must  swell; 
Thou  nurse  of  valor, 

Farewell,  farewell. 

"Farewell,  thou  brightest 

Valhalla-throne; 
Thou,  gloom  that  lightest, 

Midsummer  sun! 
Thou  sky,  unclouded, 

Where  heroes  dwell, 
Where  bright  stars  wander, 
I  .t  re  well,  farewell. 

"Ye  mighty  cliffs, 

Famed  evermore, 
Rune-written  temples 

Of  terrible  Thor : 
Each  azure  sea, 

That  I  've  known  so  well, 
Each  isle  and  bay, 

Farewell,  farewell. 

"  Farewell,  ye  graves 

By  the  ocean's  foam, 
Where  the  linden-tree  waves 

Down  its  snowy  bloom, 
(But  Saga  judgeth, 
And  judgeth  well 


FKII  UK  »  1   SAGA 

1 1  earth  coneealethi 
Farewell,  farewell1 

Farewell,  each  gr 
And  each  gnu* , 

By  the  rippling  brook. 

idi  of  my  youth, 
1  loved  you  well; 
Hut  we  part  • 

Farewell,  farewell' 

h  fondness  spurned, 
With  honor  stained, 
With  dwelling  burned, 
And  banishn 
i  land  I  part 

I  swell — 
Ah    joy  of  heart, 

:,  farewell'" 


XV 
VIKINGABALK 

Now  wide  swept  he  round  on  the  wilderness  deep;  he  sped 

far,  like  the  prey-seeking  hawk, 
lor  his  comrades  on  board  he  wrote  counsel  and  law;  wilt 

thou  hear  now  his  Vikingabalk? 

"Make  no  tent  upon  deck,  sleep  not  under  a  roof,  within 

doors  a  foe  may  surprise: 

( )n  his  shield  Viking  sleepeth,  his  sword  in  his  hand,  and 
maketh  his  tent  of  the  skies. 

"Short  shaft  hath  the  hammer  of  conquering  Thor;  a  su or.i 

but  an  ell  long  hath  Frey; 

'T  is  enough,  for  thy  sword  can  be  never  too  short,  hast 
thou  heart  to  thy  foe  to  come  nigh. 

"  When  the  storms  rage  with  might,  hoist  the  sail  to  its  height, 

then  are  merry  the  storm-ridden  waves; 
Speed  along!  speed  along!  and  sink  sooner  than  strike, 
for  they  who  would  strike  are  but  slaves! 

"Shelter  woman  on  land ;  keep  her  far  from  your  bark,  she  'd 

deceive,  ay,  though  Freya  she  were: 
For  her  dimple  so  deep  is  a  pitfall  untrue,  and  a  net  is  her 
wide-waving  hair. 

"Wine  is  Valfader's  drink,  and  carouse  is  allowed,  if  thou 

drainest  uninjured  the  can; 

If  thou  fallest  on  land,  thou  may'st  rise,  but  fall  here,  and 
thou  sinkest  to  sleep-giving  Ran. 


KKJl  Hl<  > 

en  a  merchant  tails  by,  spare  hi%  sin 5. ,  by  the  weak  let 
a  tribute  for  safety  be  told  i 

11  art  king  on  chy  wave*,  he  a  ilave  to  his  gain,  and  thy 
steel  is  is  good  as  bis  gold. 

:d  the  lot  all  your  |»n/c%  divide ,  how  they  fall, 
om  plain  never  c.. 

r  »eu-kmg  himself  catteth  i»r\cr  a  lot,  kcepeth  only  his 
fame  as  his  share. 

nes  a  Vikinga-ship,  and  we  board  it  and  fight,  when  the 

f'c  waxeth  hot  ' nr.it h  each  shield, 
It  th.-u  yield  hut  a  pace,  thou  art  parted  from  UN 
law,  and  so  do  as  thou  wilt. 

uHast  thou  conquered?  Give  grace,  he's  no  longer  a  foe,  who 

defenceless  •  :h  pray; 

Pale  Prayer  is  Valhalla's  chil.  :.>  its  voice;  he  is 

worthless  who  then  sayeth  Nay. 

M Scars  are  gain  to  a  Viking;  a  man  they  adorn,  if  on  brow 

•n  bosom  they  sta 

:hem  bleed  on  unbound  until  evening  become;  if  not, 
thou  must  part  from  our  band." 

So  wrote  lu-  his  law,  and  his  fame  day  by  day  to  far-! 
borders  was  brought; 

like  never  sped  o'er  the  blue  heaving  sea,  and  his  com- 
rades full  lustily  fought. 

Hut  himself  by  the  tiller  sat,  gloom,  of  mien,  and  gazed 
•  ocean,  and  thought : 


150  i-kiriiioi  >  >\C;A 

u  Deep  art  thou ;  in  thy  depths,  perhaps,  peace  may  be  found, 
but  above  I  discover  it  i 

"  It  the  White  One  still  rage,  let  him  draw  forth  his  Made; 

I  Ml  fall  gladly,  if  so  't  is  designed; 

But  he  sitteth  in  heaven,  and  sendeth  down  thoughts  that 
darken  forever  my  mind." 

Still,  when  battle  drew  near,  like  an  eagle  refreshed  rose 

his  spirit  in  valorous  flight, 
And  clear  grew  his  brow,  and  high  raised  he  his  voice,  and 

stood  forth  like  the  Thunderer  bright. 

So  from  conquest  to  conquest  he  sped,  and  from  care-,  in 

the  ocean  he  sought  for  release, 
And  islands  and  cliffs  passed  he  southward,  and  so  came 

he  into  the  waters  of  Greece. 

As  his  glance  on  the  groves  rising  up  from  the  sea,  and  the 

temples,  now  desolate,  fell, 
What  he  felt  Freya  knew,  and  the  bard  too  must  know; 

and  ye,  lovers,  ye  know  it  full  well. 

"  Here  should  we  have  dwelt;  here  the  isle,  here  the  grove, 

here  the  temple  my  sire  shadowed  forth ; 
It  was  hither  I  prayed  my  beloved  to  come;  but  the  cruel 
one  stayed  in  the  North. 

"Doth  contentment  not  dwell  in  yon  valley  of  bliss,  and 

peace  round  those  pillars  so  strong? 
Like  the  whispers  of  love  sounds  the  murmuring  brook,  like 
a  bride-hymn  the  nightingale's  song. 


SAGA  151 

i*  Ingcborg  now?  Hath  ihr  rVr  thought  of  me, 
with  her  aged  spouse  withered  and  gr.t 

an  forget  i  hut  to  »ec  h<  whole  life 

^ive  gladly  away. 


ce  years  have  sped  by  tin  I  beheld,  great 

Saga's  roajestical  hall; 

Stand  forth  still  'gainst  the  heaven  I.  •  cliffs  on  ) 

groweth  green  still  my  ancestors'  vale? 

the  in..  u  ml,  where  my  father  is  laid,  did  I  plant  a  lin- 
den-tree, bloometh  it  now  ? 

Who  hath  tended  it  since?  Give  it  nurture,  ()  Kan  h,  and 
thy  dew  icy,  sprinkle  tl 

I  longer  on  billows  afar,  for  slaughter  and 
plundering  pi 

I  have  honor  ..ind  the  red-flaming  gold,  the  worth- 

less, my  soul  doth  despise. 

"The  flag  on  my  mast  streameth  back  to  the  North;  to  t  he- 

North,  to  my  fatherland  r! 

I  'II  follow  the  course  of  the  heaven  ,  back  again  to 

im   Northland  I'll  su 


XVI 
!  RITHIOF  AND  BJORN 

KKITHIOF 

BjttRN,  I  am  weary  of  wave  and  of  sea, 

>terous  comrades  the  billows  have  proved; 
Far  in  the  North  the  proud  headlands  beloved 
Back,  with  resistless  might,  beckon  to  me. 
They  are  happy  from  home  who  have  never  departed, 
Ne'er  banished  afar  from  their  ancestors'  graves! 
Too  long,  alas!  all  too  long  broken-hearted, 
I  've  wandered  around  on  the  wide-heaving  waves. 


Good  is  the  ocean,  in  vain  dost  thou  chide; 

Freedom  and  gladness  thrive  best  on  the  seas; 

Little  they  reck  of  effeminate  ease 

Loving  afar  on  the  billows  to  ride. 

When  I  grow  old,  upon  land  I  will  house, 

And  cling  in  my  turn  to  it,  close  as  the  grass; 

But  now  in  hot  battle  and  joyous  carouse, 

On  ocean,  my  swift  years  untroubled  shall  pass. 

FRITHIOF 

Yet  now  by  the  ice  we  are  driven  to  land, 
Clasping  our  keel  lie  the  chilly  waves  dead; 
Nor  care  I  to  wait  till  long  winter  be  sped, 
Imprisoned  by  rocks  on  the  desolate  strand. 
Once  more  in  the  Northland  my  Yule-tide  I  '11  hold, 
And  guest  to  King  Ring  and  my  lost  bride  will  be; 


;A 

ily  again  on  chose  bright  locks  of  gold, 
And  hear  once  again  chat  voice  dearest  to  me. 

•J6RN 

Good  is  chy  purpose.  —  By  Ring  shall  be  seen 

vengeance  *••  like  lightning  can  gleam: 

Ac  midnighc  che  court  of  the  monarch  shall  flan 
We  Ml  slaughter  the  (,'reybeard,  we  Ml  bear  off  the  Quern. 

Or  wilt  tt  him  in  Vikmga-wise, 

Hold'st  thou  him  worthy  of  Holmgang  with  thcc' 
Then  challenge  him  forth  Co  contend  on  the 
What*  lest,  I  ready  shall  be. 

FRITHIOF 

Speak  not  of  slaughter,  nor  think  upon  •. 

In  peace  Co  che  court  of  the  monarch  1  Ml  wend. 

Faultless  is  he,  nor  did  Ingborg  offend, 

Hut  the  vengeance  of  angry  gods  I  have  Co  bear. 

Now  leave  of  my  dear  one  my  heart  longs  to  cake, 

Since  slight  hope  for  me  upon  earth  can  remain; 

A  farewell  eternal!  when  green  buds  awake 

At  the  breathing  of  spring,  thou  shalt  see  me  again. 

BJORN 

Ah'  folly  seems  strange  to  my  mind: 

What!  sorrow  and  sigh  for  a  false  woman's  love! 
In  sooth,  upon  earth  there  arc  women  enough! 

the  one  thou  hast  lost  thou  a  thousand  may'st  find. 
If  thou  wilt,  e'en  a  lading  of  that  kind  of  ware 
Shall  swit:  Southland  so  glowing  be  brou. 

As  ruddy  as  rosebuds,  like  lambs  came  and  fair, 
We  Ml  divide  them  as  brothers,  or  share  them  b\ 


i54  FRITHIOPS  SAGA 

H<I  I  MI 

Hjorn,  glad  and  honest  as  Frey  is  thy  thought: 
1  'huu  art  prudent  in  counsel,  and  fearless  in  war; 
Well  hast  thou  learnt  to  know  Odin  and  Thur, 
But  Freya,  the  heavenly,  knowcst  thou  not. 
Shun  to  think  scorn  of  the  holy  Queen's  power, 
Beware,  lest  the  rage  of  the  goddess  thou  wake; 
To  gods  and  to  men,  soon  or  late,  comes  the  hour 
When  her  smouldering  spark  into  fierce  flame  must  break. 

BJORN 
Yet  go  not  alone.  They  make  take  thec  in  thrall. 

FRITHIOF 
Alone  go  I  not,  my  sword  followeth  me. 

BJORN 

Remember  how  Hagbart  was  hung  on  a  tree. 

FRITHIOF 

He,  who  lets  any  take  him,  deserveth  to  fall. 

BJORN 

Oh!  brother,  falPst  thou,  I  '11  avenge  thee  full  well: 
Over  Frithiof  s  bones  the  blood-eagle  I  '11  tear. 

FRITHIOF 

It  needeth  not,  Bjorn.  For  my  foeman  shall  ne'er 
Hear  a  cock  crow  again  when  I  perish.  Farewell. 


X\  II 

FRITH  -Ml  Ml   PO  KIM;  RING 

cd  at  banquet  tat,  mead-quaffing  at 

fair  and  gentle-visaged  Queen  tat  tilcnt  by  hit  tide; 

itumn  >c  .  kerned  togethertr 

In  her  was  set  :  mg-time  green,  in  him  the  Autumn 

drear. 

And   !••'    into   the  hall  there  came  an  unknown  grey- 
beard in, 

M  head  to  foot  en\  d.»ped  in  a  wild  bear's  shaggy  skin; 
With  weak  and  weary  gait  upon  his  heavy  staff  he  leant, 
Still  all  the  rest  surpassing  in  stature  as  he  went. 

He  sat  him  on  the  lowly  bench  that   stood  beside  the 

door, 
•  is  the  poor  man's  place  to-day,  as  't  was  in  days  of 

yo; 
To  mock  with  sneer  and  scornful  laugh  the  underlings 

And  pointed  with  the  finger  at  the  rude,  uncouth,  old  man. 

h  flashed  the  ready  fury  from  the  stranger's  eyes;  in 
ha 

i  a  single  hand  he  snatchcth  up  a  courtier  by  the 
waist, 

And  thoughtfully  upon  his  head  he  turned  the  frightened 
youth, 

•i  all  the  others  held  their  peace — as  we  'd  have  done, 
in  sooth. 


i56  FRITHinrs  SAGA 

"What  means  below  this  uproar  —  who  dares  our  peace  to 

break? 

Come  up  to  me,  thou  greybeard,  and  answer  when  I  speak. 
What  is  thy  name? — what  wilt  thou?  —  and  where  tin 

fatherland?" 
So  spake  the  angry  monarch;  calm  did  the  old  man  stand. 

"Full  much  thou  askcst  me,  O  King,  yet  answer  will  I 

give: 

Trouble  thyself  not  for  my  name, its  master  still  doth  live; 
The  land  of  sorrow  is  my  home;  my  birthright  mi 
Last  night  I  lodged  with  hungry  wolves;  thence  conn  to- 
day to  thee. 

"In  days  gone  by  full  glad  I  rode  on  ocean-dragon  free, 
And  mighty  were  the  wings  she  had,  and  merrily  sped  she; 
Hut  now  she  lieth  frozen  up  and  lame  upon  the  sand, 
While  I  myself,  grown  old  and  weak,  burn  salt  upon  the 
strand. 

UI  came  to  see  thy  wisdom,  by  fame  so  widely  borne; 
Those  yonder  mocked  me  scornfully,  and  I  'IM  too  old  for 

scorn ; 
I  seized  upon   a  grinning  fool,  and  turned   him   upside 

down, 
Yet  all  unharmed  he  rose  again, so,  King,no  longer  frown." 

"Not  ill-beseeming,*'  quoth  the  King,  "thy  bold  words  are 

to  thee, 

And  age  should  all  men  honor;  come,  sit  thee  down  by  me; 
I  -c-t  's  see  thee  frank  and  freely ;  let  thy  thick  covering  fall : 
Disguise  disturbs  enjoyment,  and  I  wish  joy  to  all." 


FRiniK-  ;A  157 

:i  straightway  head  the  guett  let  fall  the  rugged 

Ud 

And  in  the  old  man's  place  they  all  a  noble  youth  espied  j 
i  a  from  his  lofty  forehead,  o'er  his  broad  shoulders' 
might, 

Fell  down,  like  waves  of  molten  gold,  his  locks  in  splcn- 
doi 


•d  he,  gorgeously  arrayed, 

h  silver  l>e!t,u  hand  in  width, and  beasts  thereon  dis- 
plax 

pursuing  around  the  hero's  waist, 
By  some  laborious  master  in  high-wrought  beauty  chased. 

Around  his  mightv  .um  he  w..rc  a  golden  bracelet  wuie, 
a  flash  of  bridled  lightning  hung  his  war-sword  at  his 

side; 

A  royal,  fearless  glance  around  the  hall  and  guests  he  bore, 
And  stood,  like  Balder  beauteous,  brave  and  proud  as 

mighty  Thor. 

the  gentle  Queen's  pale  cheeks  the  crimson  color 

sped; 
So,  'neath  the  glow  of  northern  lights,  wide  plains  of  snow 

blush  red; 

And,  as  twin  water-lilies,  by  sudden  storm  oppressed, 
Flutter  above  the  billows,  so  heaved  her  gentle  brc.. 

The  horn  was  blown  for  silence, come  was  the  votive  hour, 

'l  high  feu  m  the  boar: 

Its  shoulders  decked  with  flowers,  its  mouth  an  apple  held, 
And,  with  knees  beneath  it  bended,  the  silver  dish  it  filled. 


158  1-KI  PHIOPS  SAGA 

I  hen  slowly  aged  Ring  raised  up  his  venerable  head, 
He  touched  the  forehead  of  the  hoar,  and  vowing,  thus  he 

said: 
"Great  Krithiof  1   will   vanquish,  whom    none  can   stand 

before, 
So  help  me,  Frey  and  Odin,  and  so  help  me,  mighty  Thor." 

With  haughty  mien  the  stranger  rose  up  quickly  from  his 

seat, 

His  countenance  all  glowing  with  heroic  anger's  heat; 
He  struck  his  sword  upon  the  board,  the  hall  reechoing 

rang, 
And  up  from  every  oaken  seat  each  startled  comrade  sprang. 

"Now  hear  thou,  too,  O  King!"  he  cried,  "my  vow  thus 

uttered  loud, 

That  Frithiof  is  akin  to  me,  a  worthy  friend  and  good; 
And  Frithiof  I  will  shelter  against  all  the  world  arrayed, 
So  help  me  first  my  favoring  Nome,  and  then  my  trusty 

blade." 

"Thou  speakest  boldly,"  smiled  the  King,  "nor  only  once 

to-day ; 
But  frank  and  free  each  word  shall  be  where  I,  as  King, 

bear  sway. 

Kill, consort  mine,the  horn  with  wine,and  fill  it  of  the  best, 
This  stranger,  let  us  hope,  will  bide  the  winter  as  ourguest." 

Then  took  the  Queen  the  horn  that  on  the  board  before 

her  stood, 
(Which  Ure's  forehead  once  adorned,  a  treasure  rich  and 

good) 


SAGA  159 

Y  shm.Mi;  vl'.rr,  with  many  a  gold  ring  bound, 
Kunr-wr.ttc-n,  and  with  deeds  of  atu-imt  days  bedecked 

around. 

And  as  she  offered  him  the  horn, all  tremblingtwich  averted 

goblet  shook,  tome  drops  ran  o'er,  and  dyed   her 
fingers  rosy  : 
And  as  upon  the  lily  leaves  the  sunset  glories  seem  to 

stand, 

So  glowed  the  drops  of  purple  wine  upon  the  fair  one's 
band. 

With  joy  from  her  the  stranger  took  the  horn,  and  raised 

it  high, 
Two  men  (such  men  as  live  to-day)  could  scarce  have 

drunk  it 
Hut    the   mighty   guest,  deep-quaffing   in    honor  of  the 

en, 

tied  the  full  goblet  at  a  draught,  —  no  drop  remained 
Min. 

:i  the  bard  who  sat  at  the  board  of  royal  Ring  his  harp 
drew  forth, 
And  a  beautiful  sorrowful  song  did  sing  of  true  love  in 

the  N<> 

Of  Hagbart  and  fair  Signe:  and  at  the  mournful  talc, 
hard  heart  melted  in  each  breast  beclad  in  shining  mail. 

He  sang  of  the  halls  of  Valhalla,  the  Kinherier's  praise 
it  forbears'  mighty  deeds  on  continent  and  sea; 


160  FRITIUOF'S  SAGA 

Then    every   hand   its   sword-hilt    duu-hed,   and    bright 

flashed  every  eye, 
And  round  ami  round  the  oft-tilled  horn  sped  ever  busily. 

Deep  drank  they,  high  carousing,  at  the  palace  of  the  King, 

And  reveller  good  each  proved  himself  at  Yule-tide  ban- 
queting; 

Then  staggered  forth  to  slumber,  unmoved  by  woe  or 
care, 

But  Ring,  the  aged  monarch, staid  with  Ingeborg  the  fair. 


Ill 

THK    KIDI-    (>\  I  K     I  HI     ICE 

K  ;  (oi  banquet  with  Ingcborg  hies; 

The  KC  tin  the  bay  like  a  mirror  lies. 

<*dge  not  t>\cr  the  lie,"  the  stranger  cried, 
I    will  break,  and  too  deep  it  the  fro/ 

Quoth  Ring,  —  "Not  so  easily  kings  are  drowned: 
Whoever'*  afraid  by  the  shore  may  go  round." 

How  frowneth  the  stranger  in  angry  heat! 
lie  hindeth  his  steel  shoes  in  haste  to  his  t< 

v  starteth  the  stallion  forth  with  might, 
snorting  in  fierce  deli: 


Rinir  cricth,  "  nu   <  hargcr  good, 
'$  see  that  thou  art  of  Sleipner's  blood." 

They  speed  as  storms  over  ocean  speed  : 

The  (Queen's  prayers  little  King  Ring  doth  heed. 

I'hc-tr  steel-shod  comrade  standeth  not  still, 
He  flicth  past  them  as  swift  as  he  will. 

Many  a  Rune  on  the  ice  cutter  h  he, 
Fair  Ingborg's  name  discovcreth  she. 

So  on  their  glittering  course  they  go, 
Hut  Ran,  the  traitress,  lurketh  below. 


i6i  FRITH10FS  SAGA 

A  hole  in  her  silver  roof  she  hath  reft, 
Down  sinketh  the  sleigh  in  the  pawning  clc-tt. 

How  pale  groweth  Ingeborg's  cheek  with  fear! 
The  guest,  like  a  whirlwind,  cometh  near: 

His  skate  he  hath  fixed  on  the  icy  field; 

The  steed  by  the  mane  he  hath  seized  and  he-Id; 

With  a  single  tug  he  setteth  amain 
Both  steed  and  sleigh  on  the  ice  again. 

11  Praise  to  that  stroke,'*  quoth  Ring,  "is  due; 
Not  Frithiof,  the  mighty,  could  better  do." 

Now  turn  they  back  to  the  court  again, 
Till  spring  the  stranger  doth  there  remain. 


I-  KM  H  IMF'S  TEMPTAT1 

ISO-TIME    i-onirlh:    \\iKi    tnnU    twitter,   WOodt   grow 

leafy,  sunshine  beams, 

ing,  tinging,  down   to  ocean  speed   the  liberated 
streams  ; 

i  its  hini  the  glowing  rose  peeps  forth  like  Mush 
mi  I  rrya's  chcc 

And  joy  of  hfc,  and  minh,and  hojK-,  within  the  breast  of 
man  awake. 


.igcii  monarch  wills  the  chase,  and  with  him  hie*  the 

And  swarming  round  in  proud  array  is  all  the  am- 

bled set 
Bows  are  twanging,  quivers  rattle,  eager  horse-hoofs  paw 

the- 
And,  with  ruxxlci  c  falcons  scream  impatient  for 

their  prey. 

Lo!  the  chase's  empress  comet  h1  Hapless  Frithiof,  glance 

tan 
Like  a  star  on  spring  cloud  sitteth  she  upon  her  courser 

gr 
Half  like  Freya,  half  like  Rota,  lovelier  than  the  heavcnlv 

pair; 

r  slender  hat  of  purple  azure  plumes  float  hi 

Gaze  not  on  her  eyes  so  beauteous,  on  her  golden  locks 
so  bright, 


164  I-RITH101  i.\ 

Gaze  not  on  her  form  so  slender,  on  her  bosom  full  ami 

white; 

Shun  to  watch  the  rose  and  lily  on  her  soft  cheek  varying, 
Hark  not  to  the  voice  beloved,  breathing  like  the  si:.-hs  of 
spring. 

Now  the  hunter's  troop  is  ready.  Hallo!  over  hill  and  dale 
Horns  reecho;  eager  falcons  dimh  aloft  to  Odin's  hall: 
All  the  forest  beasts  affrighted  seek  their  distant  lairs  in 

aur; 

But  with  lance  outstretched  before  her,  their  Valkyria  fol- 
lows near. 

Ring  the  aged  cannot  follow  as  the  chase  speeds  swiftlyon, 
rowful  and  silent  by  him  rideth  Frithiof  alone. 

Gloomy,  mournful  recollections  all  his  soul  with  an 
tear, 

And,  wherever  he  can  turn  him,  hears  he  echoes  of  despair. 

"Wherefore  fled  I  from  the  ocean,  to  mine  own  destruc- 
tion blind? 

Sorrow  thrives  not  on  the  billow,  far  't  is  blown  by  heav- 
en's wind. 

If  Viking  broodeth,  danger  comes,  and  bids  him  to  the 
sprightly  dance, 

And  his  gloomy  bodings  vanish,  blinded  by  his  weapon's 
glance. 

"  Far  otherwise  't  is  here:  for  grief  unspeakable  has  thrown 
Her  dark  wings  round  my  forehead;  like  a  dreamer  pass 
I  on: 


Kkiii  165 

Never  can  1  Haider's  grove,  or  I  ngborg'i  loving  oat: 


:n  to  me.  —  SHI  never  broke  it;  gods,  in  fury,  can- 

celled K. 

•ic  race  of  man  detesting,  jealous  view  a  fondness 

blc 

My  rose-bud  sweet  they  snatched  away,  and  planted  it  in 
\\  s  breast: 

Little  knowcth  he  its 

Ic  hii  frosty  breathing  covers  bud,  and  leaf,  and  stem 

With 

While  thus  he  sorrowed,  they  their  way  into  a  lonely  dell 

had  made,  — 
Dark  and  hill-surrounded,  overspread  with  birch  and  alder 

Ring,dismountinp,  quoth,  —  "  How  cool  and  pleasant  d«»th 

the  grove  appear: 
Weary  am  I  ;  let  us  rest,  and  for  an  hour  I  Ml  slumber 

hc:< 

"  Here  thou  may'st  not  sleep,  O  King,  for  such  a  slumber 

brin^eth  pain, 
Up!  The  ground  is  hard  and  cold,  full  soon  I  '11  lead  thee 

home  again." 
"  Like  other  gods,"  the  old  man  said,  "sleep  cometh  when 

we  hope  it  least, 

And  su.  s  host  my  guest  will  scarce  begrudge  a 

little  rev 


166  FRI  II I  l()l  fl  S  \G  \ 

Then  Frithiof  took  his  mantle  off,  and  spread  it  out  in-- 

neath  the  trees, 
And  trustfully  the  old  King  laid  his  head  upon  the  you  ML; 

man's  knees, 
Slept  soundly,  as  upon  his  shield  a  warrior  after  v 

alarms, 
And  softly  as  an  infant  sleeps  within  its  mother's  loving 

arms. 

As  he  slumbers,  hark!  there  sings  a  coal-black  hinl  from 

off  a  bough : 
"  Haste  thee,  Frithiof,  slay  the  Greybeard,  end  thy  sorrows 

at  a  blow; 
Take  the  Queen,  she 's  thine,  since  once  to  thee  betrothal's 

kiss  she  gave; 
Here  no  mortal  eye  beholds  thee;  deep  and  silent  is  the 

grave." 

Frithiof  listens, — hark !  now  sings  a  snow-white  bird  from 

off  a  bough : 
"Though  no  mortal  eye  behold  thee,  Odin's  eye  can  see 

thee  now: 
Coward!  would'st  thou  murder  sleep?  Shall  helpless  age 

by  thee  be  slain? 
Such  deed,  whate'er  to  thee  it  bring,  can  never  peace  or 

honor  gain." 

So  the  birds  sang,  both  in  turn,  but  Frithiof  took  his  bat- 
tle-blade, 

Shuddering  he  flung  it  from  him,  far  into  the  gloomy 
shade; 


167 

black  bird  back  to  Nut  rand  flies;  but,  borne  Along 
i  f hining  wings, 

With  song  as  sweet  j  :  harp,  ihc  while  one  up  to 

sunshine  springs* 

Straight  the  old  King,  waking,  quoth, "  Much  rest  did  my 

short  sleep  afford; 
*T  is  sweet  to  slumber  in  the  thadc,  protected  by  a  brave 

man's  sword; 
But  whc  stranger,  is   thy  blade,  the  lightning's 

brother,  whither  *p< 
And  who  hath  separated  you, so  little  wont  to  separate.'" 

"It  matters  little,"  Frithiuf  said/4 for  swords  are  plenty  in 
the  Nor 

p-tongucd  is  the  blade,  ()  King;  no  word  of  peace  it 
speaker! 

W  it  hi  n  the  steel  doth  evil  dwell, a  spirit  dark  from  N  iffelhcm , 
Against  him  sleep  no  safety   hath;  gray  hairs  are  but  a 
snare  to  htm." 

^cmhled  was  my  slumber,  youth,  to  prove  thee,"  aged 
Ring  replied; 

"The   wise  should  never  trust  himself  to  man  or  sword  of 
man  untried. 

thiof;  when  my  hall  thou  entcred'st  I  knew 
thec  well: 

Old  Ring  hath  long  been  'ware  of  what  his  guest  sou. 
conceal. 

•/re fore,  thus  disguised  and  nameless,  'ncath  my  roof- 
tree  didst  thou  glide? 


168  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

Wherefore?  Was  it  from  the  old  man's  anus  to  str.il  away 

his  bride? 
Honor,  Krithiof,  never  sittcth  nameless  at   the   banquet 

gay; 

Frank  and  open  is  its  visage,  and  its  shield  is  bright  as  da\ . 

"The  dread  alike  of  gods  and  men,  to  me  a  Krithiof  far 

was  famed; 
Shields  he  cleft;  by  him  insulted,  sacred  shrines  in   ruin 

flamed; 
Soon  with  fierce  array  he  '11  come,  I  ever  thought,  to  vex 

my  land, 
And  he  came, — in  beggar's  raiment,  and  a  staff  was  in 

his  hand. 

"Yet,  wherefore  turn  away  thy  ga/.c?  I,  too,  have  felt 
youth's  angry  strife; 

It  is  the  time  of  Berserk-rage  in  each  man's  ever-strug- 
gling life: 

In  clash  of  arms  its  course  must  pass,  until  appeased  its 
fierce  mood  be: 

Thy  fault  in  pity  I  forget,  since  I  have  proved  and  par- 
doned thee. 

41  Thou  seest  I  am  aged  grown,  and  to  the  grave  must  soon 

decline; 
Then  take  to  thee  my  realm,  and  take  the  Queen,  for  she 

is  thine. 
Meanwhile,  remain  my  son,  and  dwell  within  my  palace 

as  before; 
Guard  me,  thou  swordless  warrior;  our  ancient  strife  is 


Kkirmn          ;A  169 

M Never,"  gloomy  J  answered,  "came  1  is  a  th 

th. 

:  1  willed  in  uke  ihv  <,>ureM,  could  any  mail  have 
huui< 
ily  longed  my  bride  to  tee  but  once,  alas1  but  once 

And,  woe  is  me1  the  half-<juciu  hnl  flume  rekindle.: 
cr  pain. 

**Too  long  within  thy  halU  I  *ve  staid,  and  now  no  further 

Full  heavily  upon  my  head  the  rage  of  angry  gods  doth  lie; 
with  the  radiant  lockv  ,  mankind  be- 

sides doth  see 
With  love,  detestcth  me  alone,  and  me  alone  rejecteth  he. 

U'T  i  caused  his  shrine  to  flame,  and  Varg-i-\ 

call  they  me; 
To  hear  my  name  the  children  scream,  and  gladness 

the  feast  doth  flee; 
Its  offspring  lost.  rherland  with  indignation  forth 

doth  cast, 
And  I  am  peaceless  in  my  home,  and  peaccless  in  my 

mourning  breast. 

"No  more,  no  more,  for  peace  in  vain  I'll  seek  upon  the 
grassy  earth; 

rath  my  footsteps  burns  the  soil,  no  shade  to  me  the 
trees  give  forth ; 

My  Ingeborg  is  lost  to  me, alas!  by  aged  Ring  she's  owned; 
•'s  sun  for  me  is  set,  and  wide  is  sorrow's  darkness 
spread  around. 


FRITHIOF*S  SACJA 

"And,  therefore,  to  my  waves  again.  A\\-a\,    i\\a\,  m\ 

dragon  good, 
Th\  saMe  breast  plunge  merrily  once  more  into  the  briny 

flood; 
Spread  to  the  clouds  thy  pinions  bright,  the-  hissing  ocean 

proudly  tear, 
And  fly  as  far  as  stars  can  lead, as  swift  as  conquered  waves 

can  bear. 

"Let  me  hear  the  storm  tremendous,  let  me  hear  fierce 
thunder's  voice; 

When  tumultuous  din  surrounds  me,  calmly  can  my  breast 
rejoice. 

In  clang  of  shields  and  hail  of  arrows  be  my  furious  sea- 
fights  passed, 

Till  glad  I  fall,  and  rise,  forgiven,  to  the  gods  appeased  at 
last." 


XX 

I  H   OK   KINC;   RING 

\Vi  i  M  .-Mm  mane  gleaming, 

re  nobly 
Drawcth  the  tun  from  the  waves  than  bcf« 

Ding's  bright  beaming 
Illumineth  doubly 
The  hall  of  the  monarch;  then  opens  the  d> 

Gloomy  and  grieving 

Krithiof  seeketh 

The-  K:nt;;  pale  hi  fair  Ingeborg's  breast 

Like  ocean  is  heaving; 

The  stranger  he  spcaketh 
Words  of  departure,  in  trembling  expressed: 

M  I  he  blue  billows  chafe 

My  swift-winged  steed, 

My  sea-courser  longeth  to  bound  from  the  strand; 
He  doth  pine  for  the  wave, 

So  forth  I  must  spe< 
from  dear  friends,  and  away  from  the  land. 

;s  ring  take,  thine  own  a. 
Ingborg;  there  li\eth 
Holy  remembrance  within  it  for  thec; 
Give  it  to  none  again ; 

thiof  forgivcth, 
But  now  never  more  on  earth  seest  thou  me. 


i72  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

nokc  ne'er  shall  I  sec 
Ever  rising  again 

Forth  from  the  North.  Man  is  only  a  slave 
To  what  Nornas  decree; 

The  \va\c-tossing  main 
Henceforth  is  my  fatherland,  shall  be  my  grave. 

uThy  bride  to  the  strand, 
( )  Ring,  shun  to  take, 

Above  all,  when  the  starlight  illumines  the  sky; 
For,  perchance,  on  the  sand, 

By  ocean  cast  back, 
The  corse  of  the  wandering  Viking  may  lie." 

Then  quoth  the  King: 

"'Tis  bitter  to  hear 

A  man  thus  lament,  like  a  sorrowing  maid; 
Full  long  doth  Fate  sing 
Her  dirge  in  my  ear; 
What  matters  it?  All  that  is  mortal  must  fade. 

"Norna's  decreeing, 
However  it  fall, 

Strive  we,  or  grieve  we,  we  cannot  withstand. 
To  thee  leave  I  my  Queen, 

And  my  power,  and  all, 
So  thou  guard  for  my  young  heir  his  ancestors'  land. 

"To  many  friends  spake  I 

Full  oft  in  the  hall, 
And  golden  peace  ever  loved  truly  and  well; 


KkllHlo  173 

>hieKU  in  ihc  \alc, 
Shield*  on  the  wave,  and  1  never  grew  pale. 

"  Now  will  I  carve  amain 

rsodd,  and,  bleeding, 

No  straw-death,  ill  seeming  a  King,  I  '11  r< 
Nor  if  the  parting  pain 

^  Mtfc  monarch*!  heeding; 
It  scarce  can  be  harder  to  die  than 

So  carvcth  he  sprightly 

>din, 

Into  bosom  and  arm  the  deep  death-runes  are  pressed; 
Miming  forth  b 

lc  blood-drops  flowed  on, 
klmg  through  silver  hairs  over  his  breast. 

"  Reach  forth  the  horn , 
Loud  skal  shall  arise 
Skil  to  thy  glory,  thou  beautiful  North ! 
Plentiful  corn, 

And  counsellors  wise, 
And  labor  in  peace  for  thcc  sought  I  on  earth. 

"Vainly  and  wildly 

mquest  I  sought  her, 

Sought  I  for  peace,  who  still  further  did  flee; 
Now  stands  she  mildly , 

The  grave's  gentle  daughter, 
he  feet  of  the  gods  she  is  waiting  for  me. 


I74  1-KI  Tlih  >PS   SAGA 

"  Hail,  yc  ilcMtics  bright1 

Ye  Valhalla  sons! 

Earth  fadeth  away;  to  the-  iu-avenly  fr. 
Glad  trumpets  invite 

Me,  and  blessedness  crowns, 
As  fair,  as  with  gold  helm,  your  hastening  guest." 

So  spake  he,  pressing 

The  hand  of  his  spouse, 
i-ting  his  sorrowing  friend  and  his 
And  then,  his  eyes  closing, 

Ring's  spirit  arose, 
And  sped  on  a  sigh  up  to  Allfather's  throne. 


RIV  i'A 

he  grave  littcth 
Ring,  greatest  of  monarchf ; 
Betide  him  his  battle-sword, 
Shield  on  hit  U 
Hit  charger,  the  noble, 
Neighing  bcncuth  him, 

i  gilded  hoof  paweih 
The  wall  of  hit  grave. 

ioth 

Ring  rest, 

Arched  is  the  bridge 

eh  to  meet  him  descends; 
Wide  spring  the  portals 
Of  noble  Valhalla, 
Gods  grasp,  rejoicing, 
The  chief  by  the  hand. 

Thor  is  not  present, 

off  he  warrcth; 
Val fader  beckons, 
The  beaker  is  brought; 
The  crown  of  the  monarch 

•h  corn-ears  Frey  decketh; 
And  flowers  among  them 
Doth  Frigga  cntw 

Brage,  the  aged, 
Sweepcth  the  harp-strings, 


176  I  RITHIOF'S  SAC; A 

ecter  than  ever, 
1  he  tones  of  his  song. 
Vanadis,  listening, 
O'er  the  board  leancth ; 
Glowing,  her  snowy 
Bosom  doth  heave. 

u  High  sing  the  clashing 
(  )f  sword  upon  helmet, 
Murmuring  billows, 
Heaving  in  blood: 
And  might,  the  good  gift 
Of  the  happy  immortals, 
Which,  keenly  as  Berserk, 
Biteth  the  shield. 

"Therefore,  by  us  was 
Ring  well-beloved: 
His  shield  ever  guarding 
Regions  of  peace. 
Whence  the  loveliest  image 
Of  might  unoffending, 
Before  us,  like  incense, 
Forever  arose. 

"  Words  of  deep  wisdom 
Valfader  speaketh, 
Sitting  by  Saga, 
Soquaback's  maid. 
So  the  words  sounded 
Of  Ring  ever  clearly, 


11  UK  H    .     .    \.  177 

As  Miiiirr\  hn^hl  billows,  — 
Deep,  too,  if  they. 

raccful  Forme 

ling, 
Ruicth  by  Urda's 

Aye-heavmg  w.» 

I 

Sat  (he  U.IM  h, 

Appeasing  the  rage  of 
Avengers  of  blood. 

44  Ne'er  was  he  niggar 

Round  him  he  s^ 

u  Dragon's  bed  gathered) 
1  he  daylight  of  dwarfs. 

[  ts  sped  forth  gladly 
From  hand  ever  ope 
And  comfort  for  grief 
From  his  lips  ever  fell. 


-  UY\  DON    dn  •  u:sc  one, 
Heir  of  Valhalla! 
Long  in  the  Northland 
Liveth  thy  fame. 
Bragc,  with  greeting, 

h  the  mead-horn 
To  thcc,  the  Nome's  herald 
peace  from  the  North 


XXII 
THE  KING'S  ELECTION 

To  the  Ting !  the  Ting!  Budkaflc  goes 

From  home  to  home: 
King  Ring  is  dead.  A  king  to  choose 

The-  Northmen  come. 

I  1 0111  idle  wall  is  ta'en  the  braml 

( )f  purple  steel: 
Kach  warrior,  with  practised  hand, 

Its  edge  doth  feel. 

The  little  sons  behold  with  joy 

Its  glitter  bright: 
Two  raise  it  up,  for  either  boy 

Too  heavy  weight. 

The  daughter  scrubs  the  helmet  clean, 

ht  must  it  glare; 

Then  blushes  red,  for  she  has  seen 
Her  image  there. 

He  taketh,  last  of  all,  his  shield,— 

A  sun  in  blood. 
Hail  to  thee,  freeborn  warrior,  mailed, 

Thou  yeoman  good ! 

From  thy  free  breast  alone  can  grow 

A  nation's  pride; 
In  war,  thy  country's  rampart  thou; 

In  peace,  its  guide. 


<;A  179 

Assembled  round,  with  warlike  cry. 

In  proof  arrayed, 
I  rir.:  weapons  clash;  the  heaven  high 

Th<  *  made. 

And  I  nihiof  stands  upon  the  judging-ttot 

And  with  him  tr 
A  little  chiUl,  the  late  King's  only  son, 

With  golden  ha 

There  pasted  a  murmur  through  the  people 

"Too  young  U  hr 

To  judge  our  wrongs,  and  of  our  hosts  in  war 
I  he  chief  to  be." 

Up  on  his  shield  set  Frithiof  bold 

The  child,  and  ci 

"  Here,  Northmen,  stands  your  King!  Behold 
The  Northland's  pride. 

"See  how,  with  Odin's  likeness  fili< 

And  fair  as  he, 

He  standeth  bold,  on  slippery  shield, 
As  fish  in  sea. 

U   :i    H     d  and  steel  will  I  defend 

realm's  renown, 

And  round  the  child's  young  brow  will  bend 
The  father's  crown. 

"Forsete,  son  of  Balder  bright. 
Record  my  \ 


i8o  FRITHlni-'S  SAGA 

And  lay  me,  ere  its  bond  I  slight, 
In  darkness  low." 

Shield-throned  sat,  with  fearless  eye, 

Ring's  royal  son, 
As  eagles'  young,  from  eyrie  high, 

(  J.i/c  on  the  sun. 

But  Time's  course,  to  the  child's  young 
Seemed  far  too  slow; 

With  royal  bound,  in  courage  proud, 
He  sprung  below. 


Loud  rose  the  shout  through  all  the  Ting  — 

"We  Northmen  yield; 
Rule  us,  as  ruled  thy  father  Ring, 
Son  of  the  Shield  ! 

"  Be  Frithiof  regent  of  thy  house 

Till  grown  art  thou  : 

Yarl  Frithiof,  Ingborg  as  thy  spouse, 

We  give  thee  now." 

"A  King's  election,"  Frithiof  cried, 

"Is  held  to-day, 
But  not  a  bridal:  I  my  bride 
Choose  my  own  way. 

"To  Balder's  grove  now  must  I  speed, 

For  earnest  speech 

Prepared,  my  Nornes,  full  long  delayed, 
Are  waiting  each. 


FkilHlo  181 

eld-maids  by  me 
There  mutt  be  (old, 
Where  they,  arou 

Their  dwelling  hold. 

"Snl!  .•. .Men-haired,  doth  frown 

In  .u»|M 

Mr  t....*  m\    !>rulc,  and  he  ul- 
Can  he  i 

Then  \s  saluted  he 

The  new  King's  brow, 
And  slowly  o'er  the  heath  they  see 

Hun    si'.rnt   gO. 


XXII! 
I  RITHI01     IJI-.SIDE   HIS  FATHER'S  GRAVE 

v  I  AIR  shines  the  sun,  and  from  its  rays  of  glory, 
From  bough  to  bough  the  gentle  glitter  leaps; 
I -'n»m  heaven  darts  the  glance  of  Odin  hoary, 
In  dew-drops  bright,  as  over  ocean's  deeps; 
Like  blood  on  mighty  Haider's  altar  gory, 

In  purple  all  the  mountain-tops  it  steeps. 
But  soon  the  earth  shall  disappear  in  night, 
Soon,  'neath  the  wave,  sink  down  the  shield  of  light. 

"Yet  first  must  I  behold  each  spot  so  dear, 

Through  which,  a  joyous  child,  so  oft  I  sped; 
Round  the  same  spring  the  self-same  flowers  appear, 

In  the  same  wood  the  self-same  birds  are  bred. 
Still  dash  the  waves  upon  the  cliffs  severe, 
Oh!  happy,  had  I  never  o'er  them  fled, 
The  same  false  tale  of  glory  ever  telling 
That  lured  me,  restless,  from  my  happy  dwelling. 

"I  know  thee  well,  O  stream,  thy  ripples  bounded 

Full  often  as  my  swimming  form  they  bore; 
Valley,  I  know  thee,  where,  with  shade  surrounded, 

A  lasting  love,  unknown  to  earth,  we  swore; 
Ye  birch-trees  bright,  whose  bark  so  oft  I  wounded 
With  deep-graved  runes,  ye  stand  forth  as  before, 
Bearing  on  silvery  stems  the  forest  crown: 
All  is  unchanged,  except  myself  alone. 

"Is  all  unchanged?  oh!  where  is  Framnas*  hall? 
Where  Haider's  temple  on  the  sacred  strand  ? 


;A  183 

All  the  dour  beauty  of  my  native  vale, 

Marred  by  the  sword,  disfigured  by  the  brand, 
rage  of  men  and  wrath  of  gods,  sad  tale 
To  wanderer*  tells  the  devastated  land. 

•us  wanderer,  hither  §hun  to  m 
Where  beasts  have  made  their  dens  in  Haider's  grove. 

44  Ay,  a  betrayer  stalks  through  life  untiring, 

The  gloomy  Nidhogg  from  the  gloomy  waste, 

He  shuns  the  Asa-h/ht,  the  proud  aspiring, 

•:«-ri  on  flashing  sword  and  dauntless  crest. 
H<   nukrih  us  t<>  his  desiring, 

K  Mm.!,  he  rc\rls  in  rage  unrepressed, 
And  when  a  temple  flames,  delightingly 
Clappeth  his  coal-black  hands  in  tun.ms  glee. 

-•  Hath  no  atonement  place  in  Valhall's  hall? 

Can  naught,  bright  Balder,  soothe  thine  angry  mood? 
Men  can  be  pacified  whose  comrades  fall: 
The  lofty  gods  we  reconcile  with  blood; 
And  thou  an  called  the  mildest  <>t  them  all, 

ik,  and  I  offer  gladly  all  my  good. 
I  h\  temple's  burning  Krithiof  never  willed, 
Take  this  disgrace  from  his  once  stainless  shield. 

novc  the  weighty  burden  of  my  woes, 

vc  from  my  soul  the  ghosts  of  gloomy  thought; 
Let  life-lung  grief  and  sorrow  interpose, 

To  wipe  away  the  guilt  a  moment  wrought. 

I  should  not  quail,  though  Thor  were  of  my  foes. 

And  ghastly  Hcla  fearless  should  be  sought; 


184  H<l  NIK  >F'S  -s  VGA 

But  thee,  great  spirit,  shining  bright  and  clear,— 
I  hoc,  and  the  vengeance  sent  by  thec,  I  ft 

"Here  rests  my  father:  if  a  hero  slec; 

Thither  whence  none  reiurneth  he  is  gone; 
Mead-quaffing  in  the  starry  tent,  he  keeps 
Glad  revel,  joyous  in  his  armor's  tone; 
Guest  of  the  gods!  glance  down  wards  through  the  deep, 
Thine  offspring  calls  thee,  Thorsten,  Viking's  son, 
With  spells  of  deep  enchantment  come  not  I  ; 
How  shall  I  Haider  please?  is  all  my  cry. 

"Giveth  the  grave  no  answer?  For  a  sword, 
Angantyr,  long-departed,  spake  not  he? 
Tirfing  was  good,  yet  little  worth  such  word, 

I  ask  for  more,  no  sword  contenteth  me; 
Battle  can  weapons  plentiful  afford. 

Bring  thou,  ()  father,  peace  from  heaven  with  thee; 
Be  thou  the  pleader  of  my  sorrowing  prayer; 
No  noble  heart  can  Balder's  anger  bear. 

"No  sound,  my  father?  hark!  the  ocean  sings, 

In  its  sweet  voice,  oh!  speak  a  word  to  me, — 
The  storm-wind  flies,  hang  thee  upon  its  wings, 

And  whisper  to  me  as  its  swift  gusts  flee; 
The  western  sky  hangs  full  of  golden  rings, 

Let  one  of  thy  dear  counsel  herald  be. 
What!  For  thy  son's  despair  no  sign,  no  breath? 
How  poor,  my  father,  is  the  sleep  of  death!" 

The  day  sank  down,  with  evening  breezes  singing 
To  man  their  lullaby  so  soft  and  mild; 


FKIIHK'.  ;A  185 

The  sunset,  rosy-cheeked,  iu  glories  flinging 
In  purple  ml  t  the  heavenly  sh 

md  azure  heights  and  verdant  valleys  clinging, 
lhalla's  semblance  all  (he  circle  filled: 
sudden  uVr  the  western  billows  came 
cly  vision,  weft  of  gold  and  flu 

O'er  Haider's  bounds  the  gentle  Hagring  hovers, 

so  we  call  ii,  (hough  in  Valhall  bright 
More  sweetly  named),  and  floating  downwards,  covers 

n  hill  and  dale  in  coronet  of  light. 
Spreading  around,  as  far  as  eye  discovers, 

Unfancied  splendor,  wondrous  to  the  night, 
And  as  at  len  \n  to  earth  descends, 

.pic,  on  the  temple's  site,  it  stands. 

>n  of  Breidablick !  Towards  heaven  rearing 

,  (he  walls  with  silver  seem  to 
The  M-.:.:h:\   pillars  of  dark  steel  appearing; 

A  single  jewel  forms  the  altar  high; 
Forth  hangs  the  dome,  as  if  by  spirits  bearing, 

Starry  and  beauteous,  like  the  winter  sky, 
And  there,  in  azure  garb  and  golden-crowned, 
The  gods  of  Valhall'  seem  to  sit  enthroned. 

Within  the  portal  stands  each  noble  Nome, 
Together  bearing  Fate's  Rune-written  shield; 

Three  roses  gathered  in  a  single  urn, 
Solemn,  but  wondrous  beautiful  and  mild. 

Urd  towards  the  ruined  shrine  doth  silent  turn, 
ild  to  the  vision  of  (he  new  revealed; 


186  !  RITHIOF'S  SA(,  A 

And  scarce  is  wond'ring  Frithiof  conscious  grown, 
From  glad  amaze,  ere  all  again  is  flown. 

"Oh!  I  have  comprehended,  maidens  fan1 

My  father,  thou  hast  shown  a  sign  of  good : 
The  ruined  temple  I  again  shall  rear, 

Superb  upon  the  rock  where  once  it  stood. 
Oh !  happy  thus,  no  longer  to  despair, 

Of  peaceful  deeds  atoning  insult  rude. 
Again  in  hope  the  outcast  wretch  may  live, 
Since  Balder  bright  doth  pardon  and  fort' 

" 1  hail  you,  stars,  as  gently  ye  arise! 

Your  silent  course  again  with  joy  I  see. 
Hail,  northern  lights,  around  the  arching  skies! 
A  temple's  flames  full  oft  ye've  seemed  to  me; 

w  green,  dear  grave,  again;  again  arise 
Forth  from  the  waves,  thou  wondrous  melody! 
Here,  slumbering  on  my  shield,  I  '11  dream  in  peace, 
Of  man  forgiven,  and  immortal's  grace." 


XXIV 
\U1.1  \  I  1 

COMPLETED  now  was  Balder'*  temple.  Round  about 
1  not,  as  once,  a  willow-pale ;  |  r.m^ht, 

h  golden  knob  on  every  rail,  was  set  the  fence 
Of  Balder*!  grove,  and  like  a  steel-clad  armament, 

.  rulberts  bright  and  golden  helmets,  stood  it  forth. 
And  sentinelled  the  sanctu.i  .ved. 

ighty  stones  enormous  was  its  orruit  built, 
•ndrous  art  together  joined,  a  giant  work, 
ndless  ages  raised,  like  Upsal's  lofty  shrine, — 
i  an  earthly  form  the  North  Valhalla  sees. 
Proud  stood  it  on  the  lofty  cliff,  and  mirrored  forth 
Its  towering  summit  in  the  ocean's  shining  wave; 
And  far  around  it,  like  a  splendid  belt  of  bloom, 

.id  Haider's  valley  fair,  with  all  its  rustling  groves, 
With  all  its  songs  of  joyous  birds,  a  home  of  peace: 
High  stood  its  copper-bolted  portals,  and  within 
>  pillars  tall  upon  their  mighty  shoulder-blades 
fid  the  lofty  dome,  which  hung  forth  beautiful 
Above  the  temple,  like  a  giant  shield  of  gold. 
Farther  within  great  Balder's  altar  stood,  out-hewn 
From  one  huge  block  of  northern  marble,  and  around 
A  sculptured  serpent  cast  its  coils,  deep-graved  with  Runes 
In  wisest  words  from  Vala  and  from  Havamal. 
Hut  in  the  wall  above  a  space  was  found  adorned 
With  stars  of  gold  upon  a  ground  of  blue;  and  there 
The  god  of  Goodness*  silver  image  was,  as  fair 
As  silver  moonshine  throned  upon  the  azure  sk. 
So  seemed  the  temple.  — Now  in  pairs  there  entered  in 


i88  FRITHIOFS  SAGA 

Twelve  temple-maidens  fair,  in  silver  raiment  clad, 
With  roses  blooming  on  their  cheeks,  and  roses,  too, 
Within  their  guileless  hearts:  before  the  image  dread 
They  danced  around  the  altar  newly  consecrate, 
As  spring-time's  breezes  dance  above  the  rivuK 
As  forest  elves  dance  lightly  o'er  the  tall-grown  grass, 
While  still  the  morning  dew  lies  glittering  around. 
And  midst  their  dancing  sang  they,  too,  an  holy  song, 
Of  Balder,  the  all-pious ;  how  beloved  was  he 
ill  creation :  how  by  Hoder's  dart  he  fell ; 
How  earth,  and  sea,  and  sky  lamented;  —  such  a  song 
It  seemed  as  ne'er  from  out  a  mortal  bosom  spru 
But  like  a  tone  from  Breidablick,  the  Bright  One's  hall; 
Like  dream  of  loved  one  which  a  lonely  maiden  dreams, 
When  in  the  peace  of  silent  night  deep  pipes  the  quail, 
And   moonlight   beameth   o'er   the   birch-woods   of  the 

North. — 

Delighted  Krithiof,  leaning  on  his  sword,  beheld 
The  dance;  and  many  a  scene  of  childhood's  gladness 

sped 

Before  his  sense,  a  merry  race  and  innocent. 
With  eyes  of  heavenly  blue,  and  lovely  heads,  adorned 
With  curling  locks  of  floating  gold,  they  nodded  forth 
A  loving  greeting  to  the  comrade  of  their  youth. 
Then  like  a  bloody  shadow  sank  his  Viking's  life, 
With  all  its  battles  fierce,  its  past  adventures  wild, 
Down  into  darkness,  and  unto  himself  he  seemed 
To  stand,  a  flower-decked  Bauta-stone,  upon  its  grave. 
And  ever  as  the  song  swelled  high,  his  spirit  rose 
From  lowly  vales  of  earth  on  high  to  Valaskjalf; 
And  earthly  rage  and  earthly  hate  were  melted  down, 
As  Winter's  icy  mail  from  breast  of  Earth  dissolves, 


mini"  ;A  is,, 

n  shinr  spring;  a  flood  of  gentle  peace, 

glad  del  .e  bosom  overflowed. 

It  seemed  at  if  the  bean  of  Nature  be  could  »• 
To  throb  with  hit;  at  if  with  gladness  be  could  clasp 

•iskringh  in  his  loving  arms,  and  nuke 
In  sight  of  heaven  a  I  <•  with  earth. 

If;  1  Haider's  sacrificing  priest  the  shrine, 

Not  young  and  fair  as  Balder,  but  a  towering  t 

>.ly  mildness  in  his  noble  count 

And  downward  to  his  belt  his  beard  of  silver  flowed. 
Then  new-fell  reverence  filled  KrithioPi  haughty  Soul; 
And  lowly  l»ent  the  eagle-wings  upon  his  helm 

the  sage,  who  thus  in  words  of  friendship  spake : 

rhiof,  welcome  hither:  I  have  watched  for  thee: 
youthful  Mgor  wanders  glad  round  earth  and  sea, 
Like  Berserk  pale,  who  bitcth  furiously  the  shield, 
Hut  wearily  and  thoughtful  wanders  home  at  last. 
Full  oft  enough  to  Jotunheim  sped  mighty  Thor; 

-pitc  of  magic  belt,  and  spite  of  gloves  of  steel, 
Utgarda-Loke  sitteth  ever  on  his  throne; 
To  no  might  Kvil,  mighty  in  itself,  will  yield. 
And  profitless  is  piety  unmatched  with  power, — 
'Tis  like  the  sunbeam  playing  over  JKgir's  breast, — 
A  changing  glow  that  sinks  and  swells  with  every  wave 

•  >ut  a  settled  depth,  unstable,  insecure. 
But  power  wanting  piety  devours  itself, 
Like  buried  battle-blade;  it  is  life's  wild  carouse, 
Where  o'er  the  beaker's  brim  oblivious  Haeger  soars, 
And  when  the  drinker  wakes,  he  blushes  for  his  deed. 
All  vigor  is  of  earth,  from  corpse  of  Ymcr  sprung; 
Forth  from  its  veins  the  stormy  waste  of  water  flows, 


i9o  PRITHIOrS  SAGA 

And  all  its  sinews  arc  »t"  bra  /en  metal  forged. 
But  void,  and  desolate,  and  fruitless,  it  must  lie, 
Till  Piety,  like  heavenly  sunlight,  shines  thereon. 
Then  grass  grows  green,  and  spreads  a  carpet  flown  -we -t  t , 
Then  lift  the  trees  their  crowns,  then  gleams  the  golden 

fruit, 

And  man  and  beast  draw  life  from  mother  Nature's  breast ; 
So  is  it,  too,  with  Asker's  offspring.  Odin  hath 
Two  weights  within  the  balance  of  each  mortal  lift-, 
l.u  h  counterpoising  each,  when  fairlv  stands  the  scale, 
And  they  are  named,  the  Love  of  Heaven,  the  Might  of 

th. 

Full  strong  is  Thor,O  youth, when  close  he  clasps  around 
His  mighty  loins  the  magic  belt,  and  strikes  amain; 
And  wise  is  Odin,  when  on  Urda's  silver  wave 
He  gazeth  down,  and  round  about  his  ravens  fly, 
And  bring  him  tidings  up  from  earth  to  lofty  heaven ; 
Yet  pale  grew  both, and  half  was  quenched  the  gleam  that 

decked 

Their  royal  crowns,  when  Balder,  pious  Balder,  fell; 
The  clasping  link  was  he  in  Valhall's  wreath  of  gods. 
Then  yellow  grew  the  splendor  of  the  tree  of  Time; 
And  Nidhogg  gnawed  upon  its  root;  then  loose  were  set 
The  powers  of  aged  Night;  the  Midgard  serpent  raised 
To  heaven  its  coils  envenomed,  and  Fenris  howled; 
From  Muspelheim  the  sword  of  Surtur  lightened  forth. 
Since  then,  where'er  the  eye  can  turn,  the  battle  fierce 
Throughout  creation  rageth  on;  in  Valhall  crows 
The  cock  gold-crested,  and  the  red  one  crows  to  war, 
On  earth  and  deep  beneath  the  earth.  Yet  erst  was  peace, 
Not  only  in  the  hall  of  gods,  but  here  on  earth: 
In  breast  of  men,  as  well  as  breast  of  lofty  gods. 


rkirni<>r>  SAGA  191 

whatsoever  happens  here  hach  happened,  too, 
More  wondrously  above;  and  to  th«  men 

If  but  an  image  slight  of  Valhall;  heaven's  light 
Reflected  down  on  Saga's  rune-engraven  shield; 
And  every  heart  of  man  its  Balder  hath.  Thou  \t  known 
a  t 

a  peace  within  thy  bosom  dwelt,  and  gladsome  sped 
Thy  ke  dream  of  sweet-voiced 

When  winds  of  summer  night  rock  gently  to  and  fro 
His  greenwood  nest,  and  bend  the  heads  of  slumbering 
flowers, 

Then  Mulder  still  was  dwelling  in  thy  stainless  soul, 
•  rn,  th»u  wandering  type  of  Valhall  pu 

v  hildrcn  still  doth  Balder  live,  and  Hela  yields 
Her  booty  back  as  oft  as  child  of  man  is  born. 
Mut  in  each  heart  of  man,  with  Balder,  groweth  up 
His  br.  •:      ,  11      <  r,  blind,  the  child  of  N  :  111, 

Like  young  of  bears,  is  sightless  born,  and  darkness  is 
His  covering,  while  Balder  clothes  himself  in  light. 

cr-tnm  npts  unceasingly, 

Misleads  the  blind  one's  murderous  hand,  and  guides  the 

spear 

Against  the  heart  of  Balder,  Valhall's  best  beloved. 
Then  Hate  awakeneth,  t«>r  prey  Might  springeth  up; 
Like  hungry  wolf,  o'er  hill  and  dale,  the  greedy  sword 

•  prowl,  and  dragons  swim  upon  the  bloody  waves; 
And  shadow-like,  of  power  bereft,  doth  IV 

•Ilk!  Hela  sit,  as  dead,  amongst  the  dead; 
And  low  in  ashes  Mai.:  temple  lies; 

And  thus  the  life  of  gods  above  foreshadoweth 
The  lit'c  of  men  below,  and  both  together  are 


i92  I  kl  HOOFS  SAGA 

Allfather's  silent  th. nights,  which  never  know  a  change. 
What  hath  been,  what  shall  be,  doth  Vala's  deep  song 

tell,- 

A  song  at  once  the  lullaby,  the  dirge  of  Time. 
Therewith  in  unison,  Heimskringla's  tale  is  told, 
And  thence  may  each  man  hear  his  own  heart's  histon  ; 
And  Vala  asks  of  thee, — 4  Canst  understand  thine  <>u 

"Atonement  seekest  thou.  —  Oh!  know'st  th<m  uh.tt 

it  is? 

Gaze  in  mine  eyes,  oh  !  Frithiof,  gaze,  and  turn  not  pale; 
Atonement  bears  on  earth  no  other  name  than  Death; 
All  time  is  but  a  measure  of  eternity; 
All  life, — an  emanation  from  Allfather's  throne; 
Atonement, — thither  purified  to  hie  thee  home. 
The  lofty  gods  themselves  are  fallen.  Ragnarok 
Is  their  atoning-day  appointed;  day  of  blood 
( )n  Vigrid's  hundred  leagues  of  plain ;  there  must  they  fall, 
But  never  unavenged;  since  Evil  then  must  die 
Eternally,  and  fallen  Good  arise  on  high, 
From  flames  of  earth  to  loftier  being  purified. 
'Tis  true,  the  ray  less  wreaths  of  pale-grown  stars 
Shall  fall  from  heaven  above,  and  Earth  in  ocean  sink; 
But,  joyously,  another  new-born  Earth  shall  raise, 
From  ocean  forth,  its  fairer,  flow'r-adorned  head; 
And  wandering   stars    renewed,  with    sweet,   benignant 

beam, 

Above  the  new  creation  take  their  silent  course. 
Once  more  shall  Balder,  then,  upon  the  grassy  hills, 
Rule  God's  regenerate  and  purified  mankind. 
The  Rune-writ  golden  tablets,  lost  so  long  ago 
In  early  dawn  of  time,  shall  then  again  be  found 


mi  HIM  193 

a's  plains,  by  Valhtll's  rr  race. 

I  hus,  .!<-.it  h  .s  luit  an  ordeal  for  fallen  good. 
And  its  .r  th  into  a  better  | 

fi  thither,  whence  it  came, 
ing  guileless,  as  a  child  on  parent's  knees. 
Alas1  that  all  that  noblest  is  must  lie  beyond 

grave — the  grassy  gate  of  heaven;  and  all  that  dv 
Beneath  the  stars  be  base,  by  evil  maculate. — 

tome  atonement  still  may  here  on  earth  be  found, 
A  partial,  gentle  prelude  to  the  perfect  one; 

hand  of  minstrel  straying  o'er  his  harp,  bet 

h  skilful  ringers,  he  awake  c  of  song; 

By  gentle  proof  he  tries  the  tuned  accord,  and  then 
His  bold  hand  striketh  mightily  the  golden  strings, 

out  the  grave  invoking  memories  of  yore, 
And  Valhall's  brightness  flasheth  from  his  tranced  eyes. 
So  earth  the  sh.ui.»w  seems  of  heaven  above;  and  like 

entrance  court  to  Haider's  temple  in  the  skies; 
And  sacrifice  to  gods  is  made;  by  purple  rein 

steed  is  led  in  golden  trappings  to  their  shrines. 

rein  a  figure,  deep  of  meaning,  lies;  for  blood 
Must  be  the  morning-dawn  of  all  atonement-days. 
Hut  neither  type  nor  figure  can  themselves  atone ; 

.  deeds  of  evil  done  can  none  make  good  for  thee. 
Atonement  for  the  dead  is  in  Allfathcr's  breast; 
Atonement  for  the  living  in  each  living  heart. 

sacrifice  I  know,  in  heaven  above  more  dear 
Than  smoke  of  slaughtered  oxc  offer  up 

Thine  own  heart's  angry  rage,  thine  own  revenge. 

:  thou  not  blunt  the  edge  of  passion,  and  forgr 

i,  Frithiof,  naught  hast  thou  to  do  in  Haider's  house: 
And  vain  must  be  the  temple  which  thou  here  hast  reared. 


194  FRITHIOF'S  SAGA 

h  stones  thou  canst  not  please  the  god;  with  peace 
alone, 

On  earth  below,  and  heaven  above,  forgiveness  dwells. 
Be  reconciled  to  thy  foe  and  to  thyself, 
And  so  shalt  thou  be  reconciled  to  Haider  bright. 

I   is  said  a  Balder  southward  dwelt,  the  Virgin's  son, 
Allfather  sent  him  forth  to  make  the  purport  known 
Of  writings  dark  till  now  upon  the  shield  of  Fate. 
His  rallying-cry  was  Peace,  and  Love  his  shining  sword, 
And  Innocence  sat,  dove-like,  on  his  silver  helm. 
He  lived  the  holy  life  he  taught;  forgiving,  died ; 
And,  far  away,  'neath  spreading  palms,  his  grave  is  made-. 
They  say,  his  teaching  spreadeth  on  from  vale  to  vale, 
And  melteth  hardened  hearts,  and  layeth  hand  in  hand, 
Erecting  strifeless  empires  on  the  peaceful  earth. 
I  know  not  well  the  lore  he  taught,  and  yet,  mcthinks, 
At  times,  in  better  hours,  its  thoughts  have  come  to  nu -; 
At  times  such  thoughts  fill  all  men's  hearts  as  well  as  mine. 
The  day  will  come,  I  know,  when  he  shall  gently  \\ 
His  snowy,  dove-like  pinions  o'er  the  northern  hills. 
But,  ere  that  day,  the  North  shall  pass  from  us  away, 
And  oak-trees  murmur  over  our  forgotten  graves. 
Oh'  generations  blessed,  privileged  to  quaff 
The  beaming  cup  of  new-born  light,  I  bid  ye  hail. 
Rejoice!  rejoice!  when  it  shall  drive  each  cloud  away, 
That  hung  its  misty  veil  before  the  sun  of  life; 
Yet  shun  to  scorn  our  race,  which,  ever  constant,  sought 
With  unaverted  gaze  its  heavenly  beams  to  view: 
Allfather,  though  but  one,  hath  many  messengers. 

"  Thou  hatest  Bele's  sons.  And  wherefore  hatest  thou  ? 
Because  with  thee,  a  yeoman's  son,  they  did  not  will 


FRliHlo  195 

To  match  thr  it  tpning  from  Settling's  blood, 

The  ton  ',  and  because  thnr  pedigree 

Aicendcth  up  to  ValhallN  proud. 

Hut  -'  Birth  it  chance,  and  not  dev 

nan,  bcli  i,  of  hit  desert*  is  pr« 

*TU  but  his  tune;  and  the  best  of  all 

Is,  after  all,  a  gift  of  Heaven.  Art  thuu  not  proud 
Of  all  thy  valiant  deeds,  of  all  thy  matchless  mi 
And  was  that  might  conferred  not 

kmt 

sinews  of  thine  arm  as  firm  as  branching  oak  ? 
Is  thine  high  heart  no  gift  of  God's,  that  boundeth  glad 
Within  that  citadel,  thine  arching  breast?  Ar 
That  lightning  not  of  hca.  -ia>hcth  in  thine  eyes? 

•fty  Nornes  already  by  thy  cradle  sang 
life  to  come;  therein  th\   im-nt  is 
No  greater  than  a  king's  son's  for  his  royal  birth. 
Condemn  not  others' pride,  lest  thine,  too,  be  condemned. 
is  Helgc  fallen."  "How!"  cried  Frithiof  loud, 
Helgc  fallci  B,  and  when  u  know- 

\vcll 

•  while  thy  temple  thou  wast  building,  he  was  gone 
To  war  in  Finnish  highlands.  On  a  lonely  cliff 
An  ancient  shrine  he  found,  of  Jumala  the  seat, 

many  a  year  gone  by  closed  up  and  desolate; 
But  still  an  aged,  wondrous  image  of  the  god 
Above  the  gate  remained,  and  nodded  to  its  fall; 
Hut  no  man  dared  to  venture  near,  fur  it  was  said 
Amongst  the  Finns,  from  sire  to  son,  whoever  first 

hat  temple  trod  should  Jumala  behold. 
This  Helgc  heard,  and  blindly  scaled,  in  bitter  rage, 
The  lonely  steps  that  led  to  the  detested  god, 


196  i  RI  IHK  >rs  SAGA 

Desiring  to  destroy  the  shrine.  He  reached  thr  top; 
The  key  was  rusted,  fast  within  the  portal  locked. 
He  laid  his  hands  upon  the  post;  in  rage  he  shook 
The  rotten  portals;  all  at  once,  with  frightful  crash, 
The-  idol's  image  fell,  and  crushed  beneath  its  weight 
The  heaven-born  Helge.  —  Thus  he  Jumala  beheld. 
A  messenger  this  night  hath  brought  the  tidings  home; 
Alone  now  sitteth  Halfdan  on  King  Bele's  throne. 
(live  him  thine  hand;  to  heaven  thine  anger  sacriti 
This  ofPring  Haider  doth  demand,  and  I,  his  priest, 
As  proof  that  now  thou  mockest  not  the  peaceful  god. 
If  thou  refuse,  in  vain  this  temple  hast  thou  reared, 
And  vainly  I  have  spoken." 

Halfdan  entered  now 

Across  the  copper  threshold,  and,  with  doubtful  glance, 
He  stood  aloof  from  Frithiof  feared,  and  held  his  peace. 
Then  Frithiof  snatched  the  breastplate-hater  from  his  side, 
Against  the  altar  set  his  golden-orbed  shield, 
And  all  unarmed,  advancing,  stood  before  his  foe. 
"In  such  a  strife  as  this,"  he  spake  in  kindly  voice, 
u  He  noblest  is  who  offers  first  a  friendly  hand." 
King  Halfdan  blushed,  and  off  his  glove  of  steel  he  drew : 
Those  hands  so  long  apart  were  joined  again 
In  vig'rous  clasp,  as  firm  as  rock's  deep  base. 
The  greybeard  then  the  heavy  ban  revoked  that  lay 
Upon  the  Varg-i-Veum,  excommunicate. 
And  sudden,  while  the  words  he  spake,  came   Ingborg 

in, 

In  bridal  garb,  —  in  ermine  mantle, — maidens  fair 
Behind  her  following,  as  heavenly  stars  the  Moon. 
With  tears  within  her  beauteous  eyes  she  fell  upon 


KK1IHK'  197 

i>r..thcr  Halfdan'i  brcmsc  -,  but,  deeply  moved,  he  laid 
Hii  filter,  well  beloved,  on  Krithioft  faithful  heart. 
A  ml  Ingborg,  over  Haider's  altar,  gave  her  hand 
To  )  Ihood't  friend,  her  heart'*  delight. 


AND  NOTES 

EXPLANATORY  OF  KAMI!  AND  TERMS  OCCURRr 
IN  THE  rftJTHIor-iA* 

AIGIR.  The  occmn  god.  Daughters  of  Acgirv  the  warn. 

I  l.r  twelve  higher  gods  namely,  Odin,  Tfcor,  Njord,  Frry, 

H«,ur ,  and  Fonete,  with 
thc.r  |,r,v 

ALFADia  (All-Father).  The  highest  title  of  Od.n 
AMGVIVADIL  (Flood  of  anguish).  The  name  of  FritbioT*  »word. 

Aim.  TV  god*.  Asa-sons,  or  Aacn-sontt  •  name  generally  given  to 
£S  who  were  MippOKd  to  trace  descent  from  the  god* 


ASKIR,  or  ASK.  The  first  man. 
AM;  A »D.  The  city  of  the  gods. 
10.  The  god  of  Love. 

BALDER.  The  god  of  Light,  typified  by  the  Sun.  The  following  account 
•  •m  the  /Vw/£^,ch.  xx  ii:"  The  second  son  of  Odin 
it  Balder,  and  it  may  be  truly  said  of  him  that  hr  IN  the  best,  and  that 
all  the  race  of  man  are  loud  in  hi»  praise.  So  fair  and  dartKng  is  hr  in 
form  and  feature*,  that  rays  of  light  teem  to  issue  from  him.  Balder  it 
^t,  the  miUlcM,  thr  mo»t  eloquent  of  all  the  Ae*irj  yet,  Mich  t» 
iM.rr,  that  thr  judgment  he  has  pronounced  cannot  be  altered, 
lie  ,N%rlN  in  the  heavenly  mansion  called  Breidablik,  into  which  noth- 
ing unclean  ran  entrr."  BaUer,  «r  Day,  was,  at  the  instigation  of  Loki, 
god  of  Mischief,  tbin  by  the  blind  god,  Hbdur,  or  Darkness. 

BALI-PI Rl.  A  beacon-fire.  That  referred  to  in  the  t  xui, 

was  the  fire  kindled  on  Midsummer's  Eve,  in  honor  of  Balder,  the  god 
of  Light,  whose  symbol,  the  Sun,  at  that  period  seemed  to  rea> 
highest  po  IT  remarked,  m  pacing,  that  ignorance  of  the 

•  The  Translator  •  indebted  for  the  extracts  from  the  J»r«ar  EM*,  in  this 
Glossary,  to  Mr.  I.  A.  Bbckwrll't  trantUtion  of  that  production,  contained  in 
his  new  edition  of  Mallet'*  AWrArr.  ^•ry»i/«i.  1(47 ;  and  has  aJso  pronted 
Urrely  by  remarks  in  other  parts  of  his  work,  whkh  he  takes  the 
of  scknowkdrnr 


200  ALPHABETICAL  GLOSSARY 

history  and  meaning  of  the  word  H  , 

it*  original  sense  in  our  UM  Mjx.und,  kili-ful,  which,  pr-. 

signifying  fiery,  full  of  light,  or  flame,  is  UM .1  in  Knglish  in  tin-  sense 
of  nudig fiant.  The  heathen  custom  <>t  lighting  bale-fires  or  bonfu 
Midsummt  ;       1  -till  continued  in  parts  of    Northern  On; 

Scotland,  and  Ireland,  though  the  practice  is  generally  supposed  to  be 
intended  in  honor  of  the  coming  festival  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  which 
falls  on  Midsummer  Day. 

BAUTA-STONK.   A  memorial  raised  over  fallen  warriors,  and  formed 
generally  of  a  block  of  unhewn  stone,  projecting  several  feet  out  of 
the  ground.  The  Bauta-stone  differed  from  the  Rune-stone  in  being 
uninscribed,  the  memorial   Rune-stone  bearing,  on  tin-  contra:' 
inscription  in  tl.  nit,  surmounted  by  the  sign  of  a  ham- 

mer, the  emblem  of  Thor,  god  of  War. 

BERSERKIR.  A  cla^s  of'  mythical  heroes  imbued  with  an  implacable 
frenzy  for  war.  Hence  a  proverbial  expression  for  any  warrior  of  un- 
usually ferocious  disposition. 

BIFROST.  The  rainbow.  It  may  be  interesting  to  remark  the  coinci- 
dence between  the  Eddaic  account  of  the  rainbow  and  Sir  D.ivid 
Brewstcr's  theory  of  three  primitive  colors.  The  following  is  from  the 
Prose  EtUay  ch.  xiii:  "  'I  must  now  ask,'  said  Gangler,  'which  is  the 
path  leading  from  earth  to  heaven  ?'  'That  is  a  senseless  question/ 
replied  Har,  with  a  smile  of  derision  :  '  hast  thou  not  been  told  that 
the  gods  made  a  bridge  from  earth  to  heaven,  and  called  it  H:: 
Thou  must  surely  have  seen  it;  but,  perhaps,  thou  callest  it  the  rain- 
bow. //  is  of  three  hues,  and  is  constructed  with  more  art  than  any 
other  work/  " 

BJORN  (Bear).  The  name  of  Frithiofs  comrade.  Hence  the  play  on 
words,  page  112  — 

**Bjbrn,  come  to  the  tiller, 
Hold  it  fast  at  bcart-kug" 

BLCKTAND.  Blue-toothed. 

BLOOD-EAGLE  (to  tear  the).  A  custom  of  putting  to  death  an  enemy 
under  circumstances  of  peculiar  atrocity.  The  ceremony  consisted  in 
carving  on  the  back  of  the  prostrate  foe  the  figure  of  an  eagle,  and  so 
separating  the  ribs  from  the  back -bone.  In  the  text,  Bjorn  promi 
perform  such  vengeance  on  FrithioPs  slayer,  should  his  chief  fall. 

BRACE.  The  god  of  Poetry  and  Song. 


AND  NO  I  201 

.  liraad^leaming,  latsfoJjgent,  Balder**  palace  in  ibe  beair- 

n.-. 

\PLL  The  bttiding-uarT.  A  wand  about  a  foot  in  length,  m- 
MTibeti  wuh  certain  character*  of  authority  t  and  which,  MM  from 
house  to  home  with  great  despatch,  formed  •  summon*  for  the  laum 
bly  of  the  whole  nation  to  dcbbrratc  on  public  matter*  of  moment. 

,  upturn  bear,  a  Mrong  analogy  to  the  tending  round  of  *r 
croat  in  the  Scotch  Highknd*on  the  like  orc**iom.  The  pract 
Scandinavia.**  well  as  in  Scotland,  i%  minutely  described  by  Sir  Waller 
.;./,  »j  tkt  Lmk%  Canto  in,  Mania  i. 

(he  idea  that  the  Earth  wa»  supported 

by  four  dwarfs  North,  South,  Ea%t.  and  Woi  (tee  page  51,  line  17), 

came  the  belief  in  th<  -f  a  Mibterranean  race  of  dwartY,  who 

opposed  to  be  lighted  by  the  vein*  of  gold  in  the  bowel*  of  the 


DELLIXC.  Twilight,  dawn.  Son  of  Delling  — - Dagr,  Day.  See 

.u^l  Drlling,  of  the  Ar«ir  race,  and 

on  was  Day,  a  child  light  and  beauteous  like  his  father.  Then 
Allfathcr  tcx>k  Night,  ami  Day,  hrr  son,  and  gave  them  two  horse* 
and  two  cars  »  •>  the  heavens,  that  they  might  drive 

successive! \  \ight  ride*  first  on  her  horse,  called 

or  frosty-maned),  who  every  morning,  as  he  ends  his 
course,  bedew*  the  earth  with  the  foam  which  falls  from  his  bit.  The 
horse  made  use  of  by  Day  hining-maned),  from 

whose  mane  ligl  .rr  the  earth  ami  the  hea\ 

DISARIAL.  The  hall  of  goddesses. 

DRAGON'S  BED.  The  dragon  Fafner,  guardian  ot  >gen  trea*- 

••  as  fable* I  to  lie  ujx>  ,  gold  was  said  to  be  gathered 

.c  dragon's  bed. 

DRAPA.  A  triumphal  song  in  honor  of  departed  heroes,  sung,  for  the 
most  pan,  at  the  "gr  >  ••%  hich  all  heirs,  on  succeeding  to  their 

fathers  were  bound  to  hoi.'     '  mg  by  Brage  himself,  the  god  of 

Song  (as  in  Canto  x  \  ?ies  a  hymn  of  welcome  rather  than  a 

dirge. 

ErjESUND.  In  the  Orkneys,  of  which  Angantyr  was  Varl. 

Kim  (Chosen  heroes).  All  who,  dying  a  violent  death,  were  ad- 
mitted to  the  joy*  of  Valhalla. 


202          ALPHA  HI-.  IK  A  I.  GLOSSARY 

-OATB.  The  solemn  progress  \\hirh  tin-  Scandii, 

i»  make  through  their  whole  realm  at  K  r  thm-i-orm. 

K.  Tin-  dragon  set  to  watch    over  the  golden  t K  .t-inc,  I., .• 
queretl  by  Sigurd,  the  Siegfried  of  the  NiMuttgenliiJ. 

FAFNER'S-BANK  •  i.  A  surname  given  to  Sigurd  for 

the  exploit  referred  to  above. 

FOLKVANG.  The  palace  of  Freya  in  the  heaven*,  the  supposed  lulu 
of  virtuous  and  beautiful  women  after  death. 

FORSETE,  or  FORSETI.  The  god  of  ]\\ 

i  .  "  One  of  the  most  celebrated  of  the  gods.  He  presides  over  rain 
and  sunshine,  and  all  the  fruits  of  thi  I  should  be  invoked  in 

order  to  obtain  good  harvests,  :nid  -«ls<>  f'»r  peace."  Prose  Edda,  ch.  xxiv. 

FREYA.  The  goddess  of  Love.  "  The  most  propitious  of  the  goddesses} 
her  abode  in  heaven  is  called  Folkvang.  To  whatever  field  of  luttle 
she  n  rts  her  right  to  one-halt  of  the  slain,  leaving  the  rest 

to  Odin."  Prose  Edda,  ch.  xxiv. 

FRIGGA.  The  spouse  of  Odin,  and  mother  of  the  Ac 
IK.  The  White  Sea. 

GEIRSODD  (Spear-death).  In  contradistinction  t<.  straw-death,  *>. 
death  from  disease  or  age.  Suicide,  practised  by  aged  warriors  to  insure 
their  admission  to  Valhalla,  where  none  dying  a  natural  death  were 
admitted. 

GERDA.  The  most  beautiful  of  women ;  spouse  of  Frey. 
GLITNIR.  The  palace  of  Forsete  in  the  heavens. 

HACKING.  The  Fata  Morgana.  A  well-known,  though  rarely  witnessed 
phenomenon, said  to  be  occasionally  presented  on  the  Norwegian  < 

HAM  and  HEYD.  Two  storm-demons,  or  weather-sprit. -s. 

HAVAMAL.  (The  lay  of  the  sublime.)  An  Eddaic  poem,  containing  a 
number  of  precepts  said  to  have  been  given  by  Odin  to  mankind. 
Many  of  those  given  by  Bele  and  Thorsten  to  their  sons  in  the  text 
are  actually  adopted  by  Tegner  from  the  Havamal,  as  may  be  seen  by 
comparing,  for  instance,  page  54,  stanzas  i,  2,  with  the  following  ex- 
from  the  ancient  work :  "  Praise  the  fineness  of  an  ended  day ; 
a  woman  when  she  is  buried  ;  a  sword  when  you  have  tried  it ;  the  ice 
when  you  have  crossed  it ;  and  liquor  after  it  is  drunk."  —  "Tru 


AND  NO  I  203 

•rd*  which  a  woman  utters  for  their  bram  have  been  made  fifcY 

thr  »i.r.  ice  of  one  day'*  freemf  § 

nrifhrr  to  thr  »lrrping  wrr  , 

HciM»4RittGiA.  The  univrnr. 

iiodde*.  of  Death  iniler  of  Ntfcmnii^  the  abode  of  all 
who  died  of  di%ea»e  or  old  age. 
ihegoddraofWar. 
«.  The  god  of  Darfcne*.  See  AaC*r. 

•ingle  comhai.  So  called  from  bring  very  frequently 
decided  upon  a  lonely  Uland  (Holm),  without  witness**,  and,  of  course, 


L  The  spou»e  of  Bragi,  god  of  Song.  She  b  keeper  of  the  apple* 
of  immortality,  by  which  the  youth  of  the  gods  is  continually  re- 


IDA'S  PL  AIM*.  Orign  Icia-vallcn.  The  dwrlling  of  the  god*  after  thr 
destruction  of  th< 

JUMALA.  A  deity  worshipped  by  thr  Finns.   Ihr  trrm  hat  paMed  into 
a  nan  l^ing,  and  (as  the  Countes*  ron  ImhorT  re- 

mark*)  our  Lord  u  named  n>  thr  Jumala  Poyke. 

JoTENMtiu,  or  JirriNHUM.  The  giant*'  home, or  region  of  the  giants. 

Lorn  (»ometime»  LOPNA,  but  le«  correctly).  The  presiding  deity  of 
inony.  The  term  (from  which  our  word  low  \\  derived)  signihes 
unchangrablc  atfr. 
LOKI.  The  god  of  Evil  and  Mischief;  descended  from  the  race  of  the 

MIDCARD  SIRPENT.  The  great  terpent  said  to  encompass  the  whole 
earth. 

Minv  Thi\  rxpm«ioo  (Canto  xin,  Mania  i)  may  sound 

uran.  brar  ID  muul  that   in  parts  of 

rn  and  Norway  the  »un  does  not  sink  below  the  horison  at  all  at 

the  period  (Midsummer)  rcfcrml  to  in  the  text,  but  remains  visible 

>gh  ground  through  the  whole  night. 

Miura.  The  owner  of  the  wrll  of  wit  and  wUdom,  at  the  root  of 
Yggdrassil  (the  ash-tree,  symbolical,  according  to  Finn  Magnum, 


204  ALPHABETICAL  GI .<  >SS  \RY 

•ofunivcrs.il  nature).  Mimcr,  always  drinking  of  his  well,  w.-is  imhmd 
with  the  highest  wisdom. 

MORVEN.  The  north  of  Scotland. 

MUSPELHEIM.  The  r  ,  thus  de- 

scribed in  the  Prose  Edda,  ch.  i\-:  "In  tin-  south  is  the  \v,,rld 
pel.  It  is  a  world  too  luminous  and  glowing  to  be  entered  by  any  not 
•-h(t  sittrth  on  it-  Ixirdrrs  to  guard  it  is  calk-d  Surtur. 
In  his  hand  he  beareth  a  flaming  falchion,  and  at  the  end  of  the  world 
shall  issue  forth  to  combat,  shall  vanquish  all  the  gods,  and  consume 
the  universe  with  fire." 

MUSPEL'S  SONS.  Flames. 

NANNA.  The  spouse  of  Balder,  who  died  with  grief  at  her  hus! 
death. 

NASTRAND.  The  strand  of  the  dead. 

NIDHOCC.  (The  down-hewer,  or  down-gnawer.)  A  dragon,  said  con- 
tinually to  gnaw  at  the  root  of  the  aj>h,  Yggdrassil. 

NIFFELHEIM.  The  land  of  shadows. 

NORXES.  The  Fates,  or  Destinies,  three  in  number.  Their  dwelling  was 
beneath  the  ash,  Yggdrassil,  by  the  fountain  of  Mimer.  See  Voltisp.i, 
stanza  17:  "Thence  come  the  much-knowing  maidens,  three,  from 
that  fountain  which  is  beneath  the  tree.  One  is  called  Urd  (the  1' 
another,  Verdandi  (the  Present) ;  and  the  third,  Skuld  (the  Future). 
They  engrave  the  Runic  tablets;  they  determine  the  lives  of  the  sons 
of  men ;  they  lay  down  laws ;  they  settle  destinies/' 

NORRANA  TUNGA.  The  old  Norse  language. 
ODIN.  The  most  mighty  of  all  the  gods. 

ODIN'S  BIRDS.  "Two  ravens  sit  on  Odin's  shoulders,  and  whisper  in 
his  ear  the  tidings  and  events  they  have  heard  and  witnessed.  They  are 
called  Hugin  (Thought)  and  Munin  (Memory).  He  sends  them  out 
at  dawn  of  day  to  fly  over  the  whole  world,  and  they  return  at  eve, 
towards  meal-time.  Hence  it  is  that  Odin  knows  so  many  things, 
and  is  called  Hrafhagud  (the  raven's  god)."  Prose  EdJa,  ch.  xxxviii. 
Hence  ravens,  generally,  are  called  the  birds  of  Odin. 
OEDUR.  The  spouse  of  Freya.  He  "left  his  wife,  to  travel  into  very  re- 
mote countries.  Since  that  time  Freya  continually  weeps,  and  hci 
are  drops  of  pure  gold.  She  has  a  great  variety  of  names  j  for,  having 


AM  205 

,i,4i.V    .  .-  .:  .If,-  -      :.    -  4',  V    .  ••    I.     •    !     .!.,:.  !  .    ,  a-  I  .    j  -    .-     r    .   ,  . 

.rlerent  name.**  rVw/  &£/,< 

.»»  ur  SHAME.  HMW  wm  the  Nirfiaf  poaa,  or  memonak  «m 
thr  name  of  any  one  guilty  of  cowardice  or 

n.l.  .!•.!•!    "A-    »  -.    •  :.'•.•! 


RACK  ARAB  (The  twifight  of  the  god.).  Tbr  docmctioQ  of  tW  «^ 


riod  i»  rrfrrrrU  to  in  Canto  xuv,  wbrrv  the 
plain  tbemtehrc*. 

TW  foddm  of  tke  wa. 
ROTA.  One  of  the  Valkyrie,  «*h.rh  .cr. 

».  The  character*  of  «rian  alphahet,  sixteen  in  num- 

ber. To  thete  letter*  many  manrellout  pcopertie*  were  awigncd  ,  they 

iiacd  aomctimeft  a»  charm«  againtt  mi»fonunr«,  •omeiimci  against 

enemies  •umetime*  to  icoire  victory.  They  were  «aid  to  haw  been 

invented  by  Odin  hiimelt.  u  well  for  the  common  puipom  of  fife  at 

!..:   n.4/..i. 

NBALK.  A  >tarf,  graven  with  Rune«,  and  »uppo*ed  to  have  tome 

SAGA.  The  goddes*  of  History. 
SEMING.  A  ion  of  O 

RO.  The  Siegfried  of  the  S.M^^UJ,  conqueror  of  the  dragon 

FafV, 

SKAL.  A  toatt  in  honor  of  any  penon  or  thing. 
SKALD.  The  title  of  the  northern  bard*. 
SKINFAXI.  The  hone  of  Day.  See  Drfuaj. 

;D.  See  Nornt. 

SLEIPKER.  The  steed  of  Odin,  having  eight  legs,  and  excelling  all 
hones  ever  possessed  by  gods  or  men. 

SOLU  HOAR-OIL  The  Hebrides. 

SoquABACK.  The  mansion  of  Saga  in  the  beavr 

I  he  god  of  Fire.  See  MiufvlMfim. 

THO«.  The  god  of  War,  wieldr:  ;>rc^ented  alway« 

afoot,  and  armed  with  a  short^hafted  hammer. 


206  ALPHABETICAL   (iLOSSARY 

THRUDVAN*..  The  dwelling  of  Timr. 

The  general  assembly  of  the  Northmen,  \vhirh  all  capable  of 
bearing  arms  were  bound  to  attend  <>n  occttkms  requiring  deliberation 
or  action.  The  word  is  still  used,  Volkv-Thing  being  applied  t<>  the 
Swedish  assembly. 

TIRFIN  The  sword  of  a  warrior  named  Angantyr,  which  wasburird 
with  its  (.\vner.  His  daughter  Hc-rvor,  however,  desiring  to  gain  the 
weapon,  caused  her  dead  sire  to  remonstrate  against  the  proceeding. 

UTGARDA-LOKI.  See  I.oki.  Thus  called  from  his  dwelling,  Utgard,  v.iid 
to  be  at  the  utmost  limit  of  the  universe. 

URDA.  See  Nornf. 
VALA.  A  spaewife  or  prophetess. 
VALASKIALF.  Odin's  dwelling  in  heaven. 
VALHALL,  VALHALLA.  The  paradise  of  warrior*.. 

VALKYRIA,  VALKYRIE.  Choosers  of  the  slain.  Prose  EJJa,  ch.  xxxvi : 
"There  are,  besides,  a  great  many  other  goddess,  whose  duty  it  is  t«. 
serve  in  Valhalla ;  to  bear  in  the  drink,  and  take  care  of  the  drinking- 
horns.  They  are  called  Valkyrior.  Odin  sends  them  to  every  field  of 
battle,  to  make  choice  of  those  who  are  to  be  slain,  and  to  sway  the 
victory." 

VALUNDER.  The  god  of  artificers,  represented  as  lame,  and  bearing  a 
close  analogy  to  the  classic  Vulcan. 

VANADIS.  One  of  the  names  of  Freya,  which  see. 
VAR.  The  goddess  presiding  over  oaths. 
VARC-I-VEUM.  Lit.,  Wolf  in  the  sanctuary. 

VECTAMsquiDA  (The  wanderer's  lay).  One  of  the  mythological  class 
of  Icelandic  sagas,  or  legendary  lays. 

VIDAK.  The  god  of  Silence. 

VALFATHER  (The  choosing  father).  A  name  of  Odin,  as  chooser  of 
the  slain  who  should  enter  Valhalla. 

VIGRID'S  PLAIN.  The  great  battle-ground,  one  hundred  leagues  in 
breadth,  on  which  the  race  of  gods  were  destined,  at  Ragnarok,  to 
contend  with  Surtur  and  his  powers. 

VINGOLF  (also  GIMLI).  The  future  dwelling  of  the  righto 


AND  NO  I  207 

-Q.  Talc  given  to  the  ancient  »r»  ruverv 

\  code  of  lam  wriitm  for  iKr  govtiMMBt  of  a  pint* 

Balk  (%c*  A*«rWW*),  prap^jr  a  Ar««j  benrr,  a  Ma€  on  wWb 

Icflrr-     «rrr     .  -jvr          I  :  r    •  •  4     - UlOT    IMMC    plml    meinraJ   BctMt  Of 

nccrtMty  for  making  the  word  rtijrme  with  4n«4(  in  ibe  *rcood  fiat 
--loounod  with  an  ending  like  that  of  fflfr. 

YAM  (whmcv  KAIL).  One  holding  kingly  power, DM  paying  tribute. 
•    A  mighty  giant,  of  who*  corp*  the  earth  wia  Mid  ID  have 


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THE  AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN    REVIEW 
.me  I.  1913.  192  pages.  Price  $4.00 

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SECEETAEY  or  THE  AMEEICAK-SCANDINAVIAN  FOUKDATIOK 
25  Wfit  4  5  th  Strtft,  New  York  ( 


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