The guardian of a secret grave confided to his care,
For which the world no language hath, nor mortal clay an ear,
Such Balder seem’d; spite of his mild and gentle soul, I trow,
If he but cast a glance on Thor, with reverence Thor must bow.
Such softness with such strength combined no Asa boasts but he;
Spite of his blithesome brow, it bears the stamp of sovereignty:
It could appease the wrath of Ran; on him she loved to gaze:
Then smiled she like a wave, on which a star benignant plays.
Mother of pearl and coral bright upon the board she laid:[69]
To Nanna, Balder’s consort, she presented them, and said: