Classic Poem

Frithiof and Biorn, in silence now,
Are sitting by a chess-board rare,
Each square, alternate in it's row,
Was shining gold or silver fair.

Lo! Hilding enters — " Take that seat,
The chair of state, my honor'd sire:
The mead-cup fill! I but entreat
This game to close, ere we retire. "

Then Hilding spoke — " Ah! now too late
King Bele's sons their error own,
And pray thee to avert their fate
Thou art thy country's hope alone. "

Then Frithiof thus to Biorn — " My friend,
Beware! thy king in danger lies;
One pawn alone can him defend,
And such are form'd for sacrifice. "

" Ah, Frithiof! rouse not thus a king;
Each day those eaglets wax in force:
They may be weak compared to Ring,
And yet o'erwhelm thee in their course. "

" My castle wouldst thou now attack?
But I that project can defeat:
O Biorn! it would be hard to sack
A castle that can thus retreat. "

" Fair Ingeborg in Balder's grove
Laments, and ceases not to sigh:
Say! cannot she thy ardor move —
That weeping maid with azure eye? "

" Ha, Biorn! wouldst thou my queen enthrall?
I ever lov'd her from a boy;
She is the dearest piece of all;
And means to save her I'll employ. "

" Say! wilt thou not, my son, attend
To the request I earnest press?
And must I from thy presence wend
Unheard, because thou play'st at chess? "

Then Frithiof rose; his hand he laid
In Hilding's, and thus calmly spake:
" Father! my answer has been made;
And nought my firm resolve can shake.

" To Bele's sons repeat my vow;
They may alone this torrent stem,
To them no duties bind me now;
I will not draw my sword for them. "

" Well, be it so! perhaps 'tis best;
I would not, youth, thy words recall.
May Odin smile, and thou be blest! "
Thus Hilding spake, and left the hall.