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Viking Tales of the North

Fridthjof's Saga

Canto XVIII.

The Sledge Excursion.

I.

King Ring to the banquet sets out with his queen,
So clear sweeps the mirror-like lake’s frozen sheen.

II.

“Keep back!” said the stranger, “that icy path shun;
“Twill give way; cold and deep for a bath its waves run.”

III.

“Not so soon,” answers Ring, “can a king be drown’d,
Let the coward who fears it the lake go round!”

IV.

Fierce frowns the tall champion, dark threats in his eyes,
And quick on his feet steel skate-shoes he ties.

V.

Then away darts the courser, away in his might;
He, flame snorting, gallops — so wild his delight!

VI.

“On! speed thee!” cries Ring: “on , my swift-of-foot good!
Let us see if thou springest from Sleipner’s high blood!”

VII.

Like the storm in its wrath they dash o’er the lake;
Ring heeds not the cry of his queen, “It will break!”

VIII.

Nor idleth the steel-footed warrior; his speed
Outstrips, when he will sit, you fast-flying steed.

IX.

And many a rune, too, on the ice he engraves;
Fair Ing’borg drives o’er her own name on the waves.

X.

Thus forward they rush on the glassy-smooth path,
But beneath them false Ran her an ambush hath:

XI.

In her silvery roof a deep fissure she reft,
And the royal sledge lies in the opening cleft.

XII.

Then pale, pale as death, waxes Ring’s lovely bride,
But, a whirlwind no swifter, the guest’s at her side!

XIII.

With iron heel boring, he the ice firmly treads;
So, the charger’s mane grasping, his hands deep imbeds;

XIV.

And then without effort he pulls, at one spring,
On the ice, as before, sledge, charger and Ring.

XV.
“Full sooth,” cries Ring quickly, “my praise hast thou won;
Not better could strong-handed Fridthjof have done!”

XVI.

So back they return to the palace once more;
The stranger will there the long winter pass o’er.

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