e winds.

Thus it came to pass that when Frithiof and his men had left the land
far behind them there arose a great storm, and a mighty wind, which
lashed the waves to the very stars and drove the ship violently along.

But Frithiof only smiled and sang:

"Run, good ship, before the wind,
Ingeborg thou soon shalt find.
Ingeborg, the maid I love,
Waits for me in Balder's grove."

Then said Bjoern, in fear and wrath: "Well would it be if thou hadst
something better to do than to sing of Balder's grove."

But Frithiof laughed aloud, and showed him how the north wind was
blowing them straight to the Solundar Isles, where they might find
safe harbour. They did not bide there long, however, for the weather
suddenly became calmer, and for awhile they sailed along before a
favourable breeze. Then the wind began to freshen again, and when they
were far out at sea a still mightier tempest arose, with so much sleet
and snow that they could not see the prow of the vessel from the
stern. The waves also beat over the ship, so that they had to bale
incessantly. But Frithiof, though he toiled harder than them all,
continued to laugh and sing, though Bjoern growled: "He who wanders far
meets many a hindrance."

Then a great sea swept over the boat and nearly swamped her; and
Frithiof cried: "See how the Swan Maidens are pledging us!" and set to
work to bale with a good heart.

Still higher rose the storm, till the waves, like snow mountains,
reared themselves above the ship; and Bjoern cried in despair: "Sure
woe is now at hand, my foster-brother. Why didst thou ever enter the
bower of Balder's grove?"

But Frithiof said with a laugh: "Methinks some of our good fellows
will have to journey to the realms of Ran, the Sea-goddess, and we
shall cut but a sorry figure there unless we go with a brave face and
red gold in our hands."

So saying he took the gold ring that Ingeborg had given him and cut it
in pieces and divided it among his men.

At last the storm grew still and the waves calm; but the ship was
water-logged, and Frithiof called loudly on the men to bale her out.

"It is useless to try to do it," said the faint-hearted Bjoern, but
Frithiof cried: "Come, brother, never despair, for it hath ever been a
hero's custom to give what help he can as long as possible, come what
may hereafter."

So they baled _Ellida_ clear, and, seeing his companions were now worn
out with toil, Frithiof bade them lie down