The work which was thus destined to mark the opening of a new
era in Norwegian letters was written in the twenty-fifth year of
its author's life. The son of a country pastor, Bjornstjerne
Bjornson was born at Kvikne, December 8, 1832. At the age of
six, his father was transferred to a new parish in the Romsdal,
one of the most picturesque regions in Norway. The impression
made upon his sensitive nature by these surroundings was deep
and enduring. Looking back upon his boyhood he speaks with strong
emotion of the evenings when "I stood and watched the sunlight
play upon mountain and fiord, until I wept, as if I had done
something wrong, and when, borne down upon my ski into one valley
or another I could stand as if spellbound by a beauty, by a longing
that I could not explain, but that was so great that along with
the highest joy I had, also, the deepest sense of imprisonment
and sorrow." This is the mood which was to be given utterance in
that wonderful lyric, "Over the Lofty Mountains," in which all the
ardor and the longings of passionate and impatient youth find the
most appealing expression. The song is found in "Arne," and may be
thus reproduced, after a fashion, in the English language.

"Often I wonder what there may be
Over the lofty mountains.
Here the snow is all I see,
Spread at the foot of the dark green tree;
Sadly I often ponder,
Would I were over yonder.
"Strong of wing soars the eagle high
Over the lofty mountains,
Glad of the new day soars to the sky,