The free-born man will never yield,
He owns the world's unconquered field;
Where worth and not descent is leader
The sword is e'er a valiant pleader.
King Bele and Thorsten
The words by an old man spoken should not be slighted
In the great palace stood the old King Bele and his friend, Thorsten the faithful. Both had lived brave lives and longed for Valhalla, the home of heroes.
"The evening of life comes over me," said King Bele, "but as death draws nearer, the glory of heaven seems brighter. I have called our sons to the throne room, dear friend, to speak words of warning and help. To-morrow it may be that I shall sleep in death, and it will be too late."
King Bele and his sons
Into the throne room came the two princes obedient to their father's command. Helge, the elder, was dark and gloomy. Halfdan, the younger, fair and gay, came with untroubled heart, thinking only of games and hunting.