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

71
And Dag sets out for Braalund,
Alone he homeward rides,
Into Queen Sigrun’s presence
Within the hall he strides.
“Why from the woods dear brother,
Return, thus lonely, too?” —
“I bring you news of Helge,
My keen sword ran him through!”
“Assist me, gods, I beg thee,
If it be as you say!
If you have slain my Helge
My joy is lost for aye.”
“I offer as blood-money
Gold rings for him, full nine,
And jewellery most precious
Set with rare gems of mine.”
“Nay, keep your rings I charge you,
Keep every one you own,
Of far more worth was Helge
Than gold or precious stone.”
“I offer as blood-money
Full half my kingdom here!” —
“No, Dag, in your whole kingdom
No warrior is his peer!
“And that same sword you buried
In Helge’s manly breast,
That you shall never brandish
Where noble arms contest.
“From shore to shore go flutter,
A lost bird, without plan;
You’re dastardy consigns you
To hell, vile, perjured man!” —
But nobly tombed was Helge,
Mail-clad, with shield and sword,
Above the warrior’s barrow
A rough-hewn boulder soared.
And thither Sigrun wanders,
Sad in the summer night,
Her eye, it is so tearful,
Her cheek, it is so white.