Spake Axel first: “Now by my sword,
By Northland’s honor, by each star,
Which like a bride-maid standing far
Looks down on us with beams benign,—
By earth and heaven, thou art mine!
Oh! it were blessed, far from strife
In some sweet vale where peace has made
Her home beneath the mountain’s shade,
To live with thee in blended life.
Alas! my oath, my oath prevents.