Viking Tales of the North
Fridthjof's Saga
Fridthjof At Chess.
I.
Bjorn and Fridthjof,
both contending,
O’er their splendid board were bending;
Now on silver squares
thick gather,
Now on gold, the struggling
foes.
Then came Hilding, gladly greeted, —
“Welcome! — the high-chair waits, be seated!
Drain thy horn, kind foster-father,
Let our doubtful contest
close.”
“Bele’s sons,” quoth Hilding, “send me;
Arm’d with pray’rs, to thee I wend me,
Evil tidings round them hover,
All the land on thee relies.”
Answered Fridthjof: “Bjorn, in danger
Stands thy king! beware the stranger;
Yet a pawn can all recover ---
Pawns were made for sacrifice.”
Strong, remember, eaglets’ wings grow.
Forces Ring full well despises,
Conquer yet, opposed to thine.”
“Bjorn, the foe my castle craveth!
But th’ attack with ease it braveth;
Grim and high the fierce wall rises,
Bright the shield-tow’r shines within.”
“Ing’brog wastes the day in weeping,
Sad, tho’ in Balder’s sacred keeping;
Tempts not war for her release, and
Mourn unheeded her blue een?” (1)
“Bjorn, thou in vain my queen pursuest,
She from childhood dearest, truest!
She’s my game’s most darling piece, and
Come what will, I’ll save my queen!”
Fridthjof, go I thus unheeded?
Till that child’s-play yonder endeth
Must my suit unheard remain?”
Fridthjof rose, and as h’ addresses
The old man, kind his hand he presses:
“Father nought my firm soul bendeth;
Thou has heard, yet hear again:
“Yes! my words take back unvarnished, —
Deeply they’ve my honor trarnished;
No strong ties to them unite me,
Never will I be their man.”
“Well, in thine own path thou goest;
I blame not the rage thou showest.
All for the best guide Odin rightly.”
So old Hilding’s answer ran.
ENDNOTES:
1. Eyes. Back
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