RODERIK. I laid therein my armor and my sword, It seemed to me the grim old savage viking Was buried then and there. Each day my child Sent up a prayer for him beside the mound.
ASGAUT. Farewell!
GANDALF. Where do you go?
ASGAUT. Northward again! I now see clearly that my time is past— So likewise is the viking life. I go To Iceland; there the plague has not yet come.
ASGAUT. [To BLANKA.] You, woman, take my place beside the king! For Thor is gone—and Mjölnir out of gear; Through you now Balder rules.—Farewell!
[He goes.]
GANDALF. Yes, Balder ruleth now, through you, my Blanka! I see the meaning of my viking life! 'Twas not alone desire for fame and wealth That drove me hence from my forefathers' home; No, that which called me was a secret longing, A quiet yearning after Balder. See, Now is the longing stilled, now go we home; There will I live in peace among my people.
GANDALF. [To the VIKINGS.] And will you follow?
ALL. We will follow you!
GANDALF. And you, my Blanka?