Lifandi veru
Líkar sorgröddum.
[52]. The raven was regarded as sacred, and greatly venerated by the old Norse Vikings, who had always one or two of these birds in their ships. When setting out on marauding expeditions the raven was let loose and his flight followed by the bold voyagers, in the belief that he led them to war and victory. These birds it was supposed lived to a fabulous age. Odin’s shield had a raven on it, and so had the Landeyda or battle-flag of Sigurd, which ever led to victory, although its bearer was doomed to die. Hialtland is the ancient name of Shetland. The Norse rovers thought it a disgrace to die in their beds in peace; and when they found their end approaching, clad in armour, had themselves carried on board their ships which were then set fire to and sent adrift, that the old heroes might die, as they had lived, on the ocean, and thence worthily rise to Valhalla.
[53]. The “Death of the Old Norse King,” translated into Icelandic verse by the Rev. Olaf Pálsson.
[54]. A rix dollar is equal in value to 2/3 English. A skilling is a fraction more than a farthing.
[55]. Extracted from the postscript to Mr. William Longman’s “Suggestions for the Exploration of Iceland”—an address delivered to the members of the Alpine Club, of which he is Vice-President.—Longman & Co., 1861.
[56]. This chapter, written in December 1859, has already appeared in the pages of a periodical.—A.J.S.
[57]. These journals, while admitting, in a general though apologetic way, that great evils exist in connection with slavery, yet, somehow, on every occasion, systematically and persistently uphold pro-slavery measures and interests.
[58]. Fuller information and subsequent events in America have justified and amply confirmed this estimate of Brown, formed at the time. Having had access to documents, published and unpublished, and being in a position to judge, we would confidently refer the reader to a volume of 452 pp. 8vo., since published by Smith, Elder & Co.—“The Life and Letters of Captain John Brown, edited by Richard D. Webbe”—as presenting a fair statement of the facts of the case. From Brown’s deeds and words, therein recorded, it will be clearly seen, how calm, noble and dignified was the bearing of the man whom short-sighted trimmers, on both sides the Atlantic, have attempted to brand as a fanatic.
[59]. See “[Lay of the Vikings],” p. 278.