er," speaks the hero, "will no atonement quit me
of my guilt? Blood-fines take we for kinsmen slain, and the high gods
are not wont to nurse their wrath when altar flames consume the
sacrifice. Some offering ask, all that thou wilt is thine."

"Then sudden, o'er the western waters pendent,
An Image comes, with gold and flames resplendent,
O'er Balder's grove it hovers, night's clouds under,
Like gold crown resting on a bed of green.
At last to a temple settling, firm 'tis grounded--
Where Balder stood, another temple's founded."

Frithiof gazed in wonderment, and his heart went out in praise for the
sign vouchsafed. He would raise a shrine more glorious than the one
which had been destroyed by fire, and thus would he be at rest.

Now, while the timbers were being hewn and the carved pillars were
taking shape, King Helge was absent upon a foray amongst the Finnish
mountains. One day his band passed by a crag where stood the lonely
shrine of some forgotten god, and King Helge scaled the rocky summit
with intent to raze the ruined walls. The lock held fast and, as Helge
tugged fiercely at the mouldered gate, suddenly a sculptured image of
the deity, rudely summoned from his ancient sleep, started from his
niche above.

Rudely he fell upon the head of the intruder, and Helge stretched his
length upon the rocky floor, nor stirred again.

And now Balder's temple is finished, and its noble proportions look
over the firth, in whose clear waters it is reflected. Its vast hall
is filled melody, and the Chief Priest of Balder stands ready to
receive a bride. But who stands frowning upon the threshold? King
Halfdan it is, who approaches, sword in hand.

Frithiof with quick hands unbuckled the sword from his thigh and
leaned it, with his golden shield, against the altar. Then with
outstretched hand he advanced saying:

"Most noble in this strife will he be found
Who first is right hand good
Offers in pledge of peaceful brotherhood."

Halfdan, blushing deeply, hastened to doff his iron gauntlet, and the
two men, severed so long, forgot their enmity and pledged abiding
faith with friendly grasp.

"And as the last deep accents
Of reconcilement sounded,
Lo! Ingeborg sudden enters, rich adorn'd,
And to her brother's heart she trembling sinketh.
He with his sister's fears
Deep-moved, her hand all tenderly in Frithiof's linketh,
His burden soft transferring