GREENLAND BY THE POLAR SEA 



After all, we humans understand so little of that which is met 

 with in places where one is alone with the silent world. 



This was her explanation and her excuse. And while, 

 possessed like a pagan priestess, she mumbled her songs through 

 her toothless gums, I lay close to her on my rug and listened. 



Here is the song of life, the song for him who wishes to live : 



Day arises 



From its sleep, 



Day wakes up 



With the dawning light. 



Also you must arise, 



Also you must awake 



Together with the day which comes. 



She murmured the words to me, whispering and distant in 

 her ecstasy, until they were as if burnt into my consciousness. 



Then came the song sung by men who, driving heavily and 

 slowly, are in danger of death : 



Forth, forth, 



Sledge, glider, travelling tool ! 

 Your fat cheeks you must smooth, 

 That they may run easily ! 



If the game disappears, so that one must starve, the follow- 

 ing is sung : 



Heigh — from the deep 

 Sea-beasts I caught, 

 Heigh — heigh, 

 Walrus I killed 

 From the deep, 

 Heigh — heigh, 

 Narwhals I harpooned, 

 Black-sides, seals did I take 

 From the deep. . . . 



Thus a good catch is secured. 



She chanted words which disperse the fog ; the bear-song 

 which lures forth the bear ; the drinking song which procures 

 water for the thirsty ; and songs to be sung during the climbing 

 of mountains — all of them useful and indispensable for him who 

 travels to unknown countries. 



The mountain-song was the last one I heard, then the 

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