Between Norwegian hills wide spreads a plain,
By nature form'd for sport;
The Vet'ran warrior here, and hardy swain,
To annual games resort.

High o'er their heads was hung the hoary brow,
Which cast an ample shade;
From thence these words majestic seem'd to flow--
"Fierce foes your sports invade!"

They upward gaze--a warrior struck their sight;
He bore aloft his lance,
All sheath'd in arms, unsufferably bright,
Where beamy splendors dance.

The western sun-beam round his helmit flies,
He more than man appears;
And more than mortal seem'd to sound the voice
That rang upon their ears.

"Ye sons of Norway! harken to my tale,
"Your rural games oh cease;
"Sivard is marching thro' Dulvellon's vale,
"Break off the sports of peace!

"The bloody Sivard leads his conqu'ring Swedes,
"He riots in our shame;
"The man, the matron, and the infant bleeds--
"Norway is but a name!

"The husband sees--curse on the tyrant's lust--
"He sees his beauteous bride--
"Her virtue, worth, and honor in the dust--
"Oh where is Norway's pride!

"Rouse! rouse Norwegians! take your arms amain,
"Let helms o'ershade each brow;
"Let's meet these Swedish daemons in the plain,
"And lay their triumphs low.

"O had you seen what these poor eyes have seen!
"'Twas Sivard done the deed--
"Our hoary monarch, and our helpless queen,
"I--yes, I saw them bleed.

"Their daughter Ella--no, I will not tell!
"Norwegians ne'er enquire--
"Ne'er hear it--what the royal maid befel;
"I see your souls on fire.

"Oh seize your swords, your spears, helms, and shields!
"Oh vindicate your fame!
"Sivard and Sweden glare on Norway's fields;
"Remember Norway's name."

He said--tears flow apace, fierce glow the swains,
Rage fills each honest breast;
In Swedish blood to wipe away their stains,
Was ev'ry thought address'd.

Then red-hair'd Rollo, fierce advancing cri'd,--
"Who'er thou art, come down,
"We live on hills, to ev'ry toil we're tri'd,
"And war is all our own.

"Let Sivard come, we'll meet the tyrant here:
"But stranger come thou down."
He came--Old Athold gaz'd with look severe;--
He gaz'd--but ceas'd to frown.

"Or Athold has forgot his monarch's face,
"Or s