[30] Frue is properly a title of nobility, and is of Danish origin. No Norwegian titles date earlier than the Union of Kalmar. These, however, have been all abolished by a Storthing, which, consisting mostly of peasants, set itself strongly against aristocratical distinctions; and, taking advantage of that clause in the constitution which provides, that if a bill be carried three times it overrides the king’s veto, have succeeded in abolishing them. Habit and custom, however, are stronger than parliaments; and the mistress of a wealthy establishment is frequently designated, not by her husband’s name, but as Lady Marie, Lady Brigetta, or, as in the present case, Lady Christina—for that is the meaning of the title Frue.
[31] Not many years ago, the “summer parlour” was the only room in any house that had windows that would open.
[32] All livings in Norway have a dowager-house and farm belonging to them, for the widow of the late incumbent. At her death, it passes back to the present possessor of the living.
[33] Deep water.
Here the Neck strikes his harp in his city of glass,
And the Mermaids comb out their bright hair, green as grass,
And bleach here their glittering clothes.
[35] Those who are drowned at sea, and whose bodies are never recovered, are said to have been enticed away to the mermaids’ caves beneath the deep water.
[36] Those who are lost and starved to death in the forest—a thing which is of perpetual occurrence,—are said to be detained through the love of the Skogsfrue.