King Hacon's Death, and Bran and the Black Dog: Two Ballads

Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas J. Wise pamphlet by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
TWO BALLADS
by GEORGE BORROW
London: printed for private circulation 1913
And now has happened in our day What was in ancient time foretold: Beneath his hand all Norroway’s land Has Hacon brought, the wise and bold.
Full many a warrior summons he From all the country far and near; To Scotland’s realm, with shield and helm, Across the sea the King will steer.
As many as sword and helm can bear With him must sail across the foam; All of fit age must follow their liege, Those who are not may tarry at home.
It was Hacon, Norroway’s King, Survey’d the gallant band with pride: “I’m missing one—my Andfindson, O where does Olaf the stripling bide?”
Then answer’d him the little footboy, Not far that stood from the Monarch’s knee: “Olaf, my Lord, will come on board As soon as weigh’d the anchors be.”
Then out they stood from Bergen town, And out from Bergen’s mole, I trow; Silk is the sail they spread in the gale, Painted with blue is the deck below.
“Now Magnus hear, my son so dear, At home I tell thee thou must stay: Aarhus to ward and Bergen to guard, For the keys of Norroway’s land are they.”