Frithiof's Answer
While King Helge gathered his warriors to fight King Ring, the angry Frithiof was playing chess with his friend Bjorn. Hilding urged him to forget his anger and go into battle to fight for his king and his country. "The times are evil, dear foster-son," said the good Hilding, "and you are all the people's hope."
Kindly but firmly said the youth: "My resolve is firm. I will not obey Helge. He and Halfdan may be angry and threaten. They are kings, but I bid defiance to their power and their threats."
Then said Hilding sadly: "Is this the reply to my pleading?"
Frithiof then arises, laying
Hilding's hand in his, and saying:
"My resolve is firm and steady,
And my answer you have heard.
"Go to Bele's sons and warn them
Peasants love not those who scorn them;
To their power I bid defiance,
Their behests will not obey."
"In thy chosen way abide thee,
For thy wrath I cannot chide thee;
Odin must be our reliance,"
Hilding said, and went his way.