The feast, where with wassail they drink and sing,
For three days lasted,
But they sought the fourth morning what answer they'd bring
From Helge king,--
For now their return must be hasted.
In the grove Helge offered both bird and beast,--
A sacred duty;
Asked counsel of vala, consulted the priest
What answer was best
For the queen of affection and beauty.
The offerings and vala and priest denied
The wished-for token;
And Helge, affrighted by signs he'd tried,
With "No," replied,
For men must obey when the gods have spoken.
But merry king Halfdan laughed gayly, and said,
"The feast is ended,
King Gray-beard himself should have come instead,
I'd glad have led
His beast, and his mounting attended."
Indignant the embassy went away,
Nor longer tarried;
"King Graybeard his honor'll avenge one day,"
Is Ring heard to say,
When to him the curt message is carried.
He strikes his bright shield hanging high on a bough,--
His weapon seizes;
And many a dragon is hurrying now,
With blood-red prow,
And helmet plumes wave in the breezes.
The tidings flew swiftly to Helge king,
Who answered slowly:
"The strife will be bloody, for mighty is Ring;
My sister bring
To the temple of Balder, the holy.
Pages:
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52