Queen Berngerd, The Bard and the Dreams, and Other Ballads
“O we will sail o’er cliff and height, The nearest way like a line of light.”

So o’er the hills and dales they career, To them they became like water clear.

They sailed along o’er the mountains blue, Then out came running the Elfin crew.

“Who sails o’er the gold in which we joy? Our ancient father who dares annoy?”

“Elf, turn to stone and a stone remain, Till I by this path return again!”

So they sailed o’er Skaaney’s mountains tall, And stones became the little elves all.

Out came a Carline, with spindle and rok: “Saint Oluf! why sailest thou us to mock?

“Saint Oluf, thou who the red beard hast, Through my chamber wall thy ship hath passed.”

p. 28With a glance of scorn did Saint Oluf say: “Stand there a flint rock for ever and aye!”

p. 28

Unchided, unhindered, they bravely sailed on, Before them yielded both stock and stone.

Still onward they sailed in such gallant guise, That no man upon them could fix his eyes.

Saint Oluf a bow before his knee bent, Behind the sail dropped the shaft he sent.

From the prow Saint Oluf a barb shot free, Behind the Ox fell the shaft in the sea.

Saint Oluf he trusted In Christ alone, And therefore home by three days he won.

That made Harald with fury storm, Of a laidly dragon he took the form.

But the Saint was a man of devotion full, And the Saint gat Norroway’s land to rule.

Into the Church Saint Oluf strode, He thanked the Saviour in fervent mode.

p. 29Saint Oluf walked the Church about, There shone a glory his ringlets out.

p. 29


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