Fridthjof's Saga; a Norse romance by Esaias Tegner


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Page 29

------
See the sea advances,
Seeking now a wreck,
Ere the eye can glance,
Clears the starboard deck.

Fridthjof's sinewy arm adorning,
Shone a massive golden ring,
Bright its rays of early morning,
'Twas the gift of Bele, king.
This in many pieces broken,--
Made by dwarfs with skillful art,--
Gives to all on board a token.
Every man receives a part.

"Gold is good to carry
When you go a-wooing,
Empty-handed no one
Comes to sea-blue Ran.

Cold is she to kisses,
Flee'th from embraces,
But the sea-bride yieldeth
Met with shining gold."

Now with threatenings new
Falls the frozen storm,
Rends his sail in two,
Snaps the brittle arm.

O'er Ellide's side prevailing
Entering rolls the mountain wave,
Men of giant strength are bailing,
'Gainst, the sea make battle brave.
Fridthjof cannot fail discerning
That he carries death on board;
Then above the billows storming
Rises his commanding word.

"Bjorn, attend the rudder,
Grip it with a bear's paw;
Valhal's holy powers
Never sent such storm.

Goblins rule the voyage;
Coward Helge chanted
Safety o'er the waters;
I will up and see."

Like a bird he flew
Up the icy spar,
Sat on high to view
Fiendish goblins war.

See, before Ellide gliding,

Like an island floating free,
Sea-whale on whose back are riding,
Loathsome goblins of the sea.
Heyd a snowy pelt, doth cover,
Figure like a polar bear;
Ham hath wings which, waving hover
Eagle-like in stormy air.

"Now. Ellide, ready!
Show if hero temper
Dwells within your banded
Convex breast of oak.

Listen to my order;
Are you Valhal's daughter?
Strike with keel of copper,
Gore the conjured whale!"

-----
Brave Ellide hears
Fridthjof's proud behest.
With a spring she rears
'Gainst the monster's breast.

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Books | Photos | Paul Mutton | Thu 26th Jun 2025, 16:18