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

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A grey-beard joined in, smirking,
“I’d risk all, never blench,
Yes, though my life were forfeit,
To get me such a wench!”
Then home the warriors hastened
For Hunding’s court pell-mell. —
Young Helge tries his sword-blade,
“The edge bites keen, ‘tis well!”
2. HELGE AND SIGRUN
`Twas Brunavaag’s encounter
That saw King Hunding slain, —
And Helge, for he slew him,
Was known as Hundingsbane.
The billows glitter redly
Far o’er the briny sea;
But peaceful lies the vessel
In yonder island’s lee.
The clash of shields is over,
The watery field lies calm,
Up in the bow sits Helge
Cooled by the evening’s balm.
Young Helge watches shadows
As o’er the moon they glide:
“They are the fallen warriors
That speed to Odin’s side.
“They are the fallen warriors
That were by breast-wounds slain;
On Idavold tomorrow
They’ll join the fray again!
“They gallop through the darkness —
Each putting forth his best,
Each yearning to be seated
Soon as Valhalla’s guest.”
And then, a breeze-borne thunder
Such as the whirlwinds spread:
“It is for sure no slain man
Who walks with such a tread!”
Down on the strand a shield-maid
Came striding proud and tall
With sword and shield accoutred,
In plated garb withal.