ch. v] First Crossing of the Threshold 
33 
the most southerly of the Lofotens, when out at sea in 
stormy weather, fancied that they got a glimpse of a 
green and fertile island which they called Udrost, some- 
times Alfland or the "elf land." But when they sailed 
towards its shore, it always disappeared in the clouds. 
It was said that only the wise and good have ever been 
on Udrost, and then only in thought. So says the 
Lofoten song : — 
" In the westerly sea, off the Halgoland shore, 
An isle floats alluring and bright. 
But as soon, we are told in the fishermen's lore 
As a sail comes completely in sight. 
The clouds sink around it in darkness and mist 
And the ship turns away on her keel; 
For no man can land on those shores of the blest, 
Nor can mortal its secrets reveal. 
Tis only in thought that wisdom can dwell 
On the secrets of ice and of sea; 
'Tis thus that the beautiful Alfland may well 
Yield her wealth to the true devotee. 
Let us stand then on Udrost if only in thought, 
And there find the knowledge we seek: 
The grand northern story as truthfully told 
When we learn it from Andenas peak." 
We hear the first authentic Arctic story from Eng- 
land's own king, Alfred — the most truly great, the 
wisest, and the best monarch that ever ruled over any 
country. Always working for the good of his people, 
he translated the geographical work of Orosius for their 
benefit, inserting his own priceless additions and com- 
ments. Among them is the narrative of an Arctic 
voyage obtained at first hand from a native of that 
Halgoland whence Udrost was sometimes visible on the 
horizon. The explorer, named Ohthere, came to Alfred's 
court to tell his story, and so it was saved from oblivion 
by being inserted in the King's edition of Orosius. King 
Alfred describes Ohthere as a very wealthy man, owning 
600 reindeer, horned cattle, sheep, and swine ; as having 
a small extent of tilled land, but deriving the chief 
part of his revenues from the tribute of the Finns (as the 
Lapps were called) in skins and feathers, whalebone, 
and hides for making ropes. Ohthere gave the length of 
M. I. 
3 
