Oclilciischlacger's Hakon Jarl 85 



When she protects her young. With this strong sword 



I sent to Valhal countless hosts of men. 



But now my strength is spent, my troops are lost, 



My fate deceived me, Norway's ancient sword 



Is dulled by Olaf's southern witchery. 



One army faithlessly deserted me. 



Not one is left in whom I dare confide. 



Too heavily and cold as ice, the hand 



Of Rota weighs upon my temples now. 



This night I 've come, accompanied by my slave, 



Aweary from the day's hard fight, alone, 



Forlorn. A fiery thirst has plagued me long. 



This cup looks fresh, — nay, let me drink, I pray ! 

 Thora. O Hakon, wait ! And let me bring thee — ■ 

 Hakon. [Drinking.] Wait! 



No never! Ha! Already I'm relieved. 



At Gaulaa,"* there my charger fell at last ; 



I killed it, then tore off my cloak and dipped 



It in the blood tO' lead mine enemies. 

 Who hotly follow me, astray. 



Thora. O Hakon ! 



Hakon. By chance I passed thy place, and like a flash 

 It came to mind how oft, how strongly thou 

 Hast vowed that none have loved me such as thou. 

 I am aware that love is often changed 

 To hate. 'T is well, a chance to prove it now. 

 Ah, Thora, here I stand ! From Olaf's hounds. 

 From Olaf's ruthless grasp wilt thou protect me ? 

 Then thanks for such a love which hitherto 

 I could not understand. Shouldst thou refuse, — 

 Ah, Thora, how it costs, yea, dearly costs 

 For Hakon thus to beg ! — Well then I go. 

 A wanderer through the night. I '11 seek the first, 

 The highest mountain top, and there I '11 view 

 The fatherland and bid farewell to Norway. 

 Then calmly, — calm through stern resolve, I '11 fall 

 Upon my sword. The spirits of the wind 



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