_Ellide_ skimmeth
On joyous wings;
But Frithiof sings:

"Thou front of creation,
Exalted North!
I have no station
On thy green earth.
Thy lineage sharing
My pride doth swell,
Thou home of daring!
Farewell, farewell!"

And that you also may sing Frithiof's song, the last verse is given
with the music.

[Illustration: Frithiof's Song]

The Viking's Code

Over the foaming sea Frithiof sailed, seeking strange lands and
adventures. Like a falcon in search of its prey flew the good boat,
_Ellide_, over the waves.

To the champions on board Frithiof gave this law of the viking:--

Make no tent on thy ship, never sleep in a house, for a foe
within doors you may view;
On his shield sleeps the viking; his sword in his hand, and
his tent is the heavenly blue.

When the storm rageth fierce, hoist the sail to the top--
O how merry the storm-king appears;
Let her drive! let her drive! better founder than strike,
for who strikes is a slave to his fears.

If a merchant sail by, you must shelter his ship, but the
weak will not tribute withhold;
You are king of the waves, he a slave to his gains; and
your steel is as good as his gold.

Let your goods be divided by lot or by dice, how it falls
you may never complain;
But the sea-king himself takes no part in the lots--he
considers the honour his gain.

If a viking-ship come, there is grappling and strife, and
the fight 'neath the shields will rejoice;
If you yield but a pace you are parted from us; 'tis the
law, you may act by your choice.

If you win, be content: he who, praying for peace, yields
his sword, is no longer a foe!
Prayer's a Valhalla-child, hear the suppliant voice; he's
a coward who answereth no.

Wounds are viking's reward, and the pride of the man
on whose breast or whose forehead they stand;
Let them bleed on unbound till the close of the day, if you
wish to be one of our band.

Frithiof's Return

Such was the law of the vikings which Frithiof gave to his men. Day by
day his name became more renowned through foreign lands. No viking was
brave as Frithiof, and none had braver followers. When the conflict
came, his spirit rose like an eagle refreshed for its flight. A smile
was on his face and his voice rang clear above the noise of the battle.

After many conquests he sailed to Greece. In her beautiful seas he