THE COLLECTED POEMS OF HENRIK IBSEN Translated by John ...

141
Yes, and what’s worst is, — in pedants’ eyes
Most of this passes for sailors’ lies.
Sheering: where the underwater land mass falls steeply away.
THE STUDENTS’ GREETING
TO
HIS MAJESTY
KING CHARLES
5 th October 1859.
Spirit’s troop, the youthful and aspiring,
Greet our Norway’s King!
Burning breasts entice the tongue to choiring,
Dance and revelling!
Hence we flock in force on this occasion,
Visit you with song,
Carve the student memory in strong
Runes, that ne’er shall yield to time’s erasion.
You are Oscar’s heir in double manner,
Heir to debts and rights,
Left by him who hoist the three-toned banner
Over Norway’s heights.
Royal rights you will defend with mettle,
They are rich and rare,
Hoard the northern peoples’ loving care.
Royal debts you will, in due course, settle!
Settle them, recall his exhortations,
Oscar’s message, well:
“There’s no place for strife ‘twix northern nations;
There but brothers dwell!”
Freeman rights alone and freeman powers,
With their freehold lease,
Can unite them in a time of peace
As when mighty Vigrid-contests lower!
On then, King, command the flag’s unfurling,
We shall march behind!
Kin beyond the peaks and billows swirling
Share the self-same mind!
Lo, the cynosure of all the nation,
Now’s your time to act, —
Ours, to hope: that you’ll not break the pact
Promised in your kingly proclamation!
Henr. Ibsen