Fridthjof's Saga; a Norse romance by Esaias Tegner
page 18 of 162 (11%)
page 18 of 162 (11%)
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Before you now to Valhal we old men hasten,
And may their fathers' spirit our children's chasten." The king said much concerning brave Fridthjof's worth, Heroic power surpassing all royal birth; And much was said by Thorstein, how graces cluster Round Northland's honored monarchs, with Asa-lustre. "But hold ye fast together, ye children three, The Northland then your conqueror shall never see; For royalty and power, when duly ordered, Are like a bright shield golden, by blue steel bordered. "Salute my daughter Ing'borg, the rosebud sweet, In quiet was she nurtured, as seemed meet: Protect her, lest the storm-king, with cruel power, Should fasten in his helmet my tender flower. "I lay on thee, king Helge, a father's care, Love Ing'borg as a daughter, the jewel rare! Restraint galls noble spirits, but gentle manner Will lead both man and woman to right and honor. "But lay us now, ye children, in two mound-graves. Close where the blue gulf tosses its ceaseless waves; Our souls shall then forever enjoy the ringing Of dirges which in breaking the waves are singing. "When the moon's pale beams the mountains and valleys fill, |
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