But when with bared head Nansen set foot on land, and the grand old hymn—
“VOR GUD HAN ER SAA FAST EN BORG”[2]
was sung in one mighty chorus by the assembled multitude, thousands and thousands of men and women felt that the love of their fatherland had grown in their hearts during those three long years,—from the time when this man had set out to the icy deserts of the north, to the moment when he once more planted his foot on his native soil,—a feeling which the whole country shared with them.
To the youth of Norway Fridtjof Nansen’s character and achievements stand out as a bright model, a glorious pattern for imitation. For he it is that has recalled to life the hero-life of the saga times among us; he it is that has shown our youth the road to manhood.
That is his greatest achievement!
[1] Henrik Wergeland, Norwegian poet and patriot, born 1808, died 1845.
[2] “A mighty fortress is our God.”