So saying, be severed at one fell blow
The gold shield of Helge which hung on a bough.
It fell asunder,—
Its clang on the grave-mound was echoed under.
"Well done, Angervadil. lie still and dream
Of high achievements,— meanwhile the gleam
Of rune-fires paling!
And now we'll go home o'er the blue waters sailing."
V.
King Ring.
King Ring moved his gold-stool back. Then uprose
Champion and dreamer;—
For where in the North does such goodness repose?
His word o'erflows
With the wisdom which dwells in god Mimer.
Like the groves of the peaceful gods was his land,—
War's sable pinion
Cast not a shadow where on every hand
Flowers expand
Through the length of his quiet dominion.
Here Justice alone on the judgment-seat
With Right presided;
And Peace every year paid its tribute meet,—
While golden wheat
With plenty the harvest provided.
And swarthy-prowed ships to this favored shore,
With snowy pinions
The products of numberless nations bore,—
A varied store
Of riches for fortune's rich minions.
Here freedom and peace did in concord dwell,
Kindly united;
And all loved their father, the king, full well,
For each might tell
His mind in the thing,* none were slighted.
*See glossary.