Tegnér, Frithiof Saga (G. Stephens’s tr.).
Then he went on to promise lifelong fealty and the service of his strong right arm in exchange for the boon he craved.
Frithiof cleaves the Shield of Helgé
Knut Ekwall
By Permission of F. Bruckmann, Munich
As Frithiof ceased King Helgé rose, and regarding the young man scornfully, he said: “Our sister is not for a peasant’s son; proud chiefs of the Northland may dispute for her hand, but not thou. As for thy arrogant proffer, know that I can protect my kingdom. Yet if thou wouldst be my man, place in my household mayst thou have.”
Enraged at the insult thus publicly offered, Frithiof drew his invincible sword; but, remembering that he stood on a consecrated spot, he struck only at the royal shield, which fell in two pieces clashing to the ground. Then striding back to his ship in sullen silence, he embarked and sailed away.
“And lo! cloven in twain at a stroke
Fell King Helge’s gold shield from its pillar of oak: