Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - The Frithiof-Saga - XXIV. Reconciliation
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
j FRITHIOF’S SAGA 196
Desiring to destroy the shrine. He reached the 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.
Give him thine hand; to heaven thine anger sacrifice,
This ofPring Balder 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,
" 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
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
