<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1">Chapter XIV</span> <br/><span class="h2line2">Frithiof in Exile</span></h2>
<p>As “Ellida” passed the strand, Frithiof gazed
from the deck with gloomy brow upon
the scene of conflagration, from which the
thick smoke still ascended, and anguish
filled his breast.</p>
<p>“Woe, woe is me!” he cried to himself; “in accusation
rises yonder smoke to Odin’s halls! Banished
was I by Helge but for a brief space; now must I
forever leave my native land. Be thou, O sea, from
hence my country. On thy blue billows will I
make my home. Framnäs no longer is my dwelling;
thou, swift ‘Ellida,’ shalt be now my house.
My bride, too, art thou in thy black garb, since she
in lily robes is lost to me forever. Free dost thou
roll, O mighty ocean! No tyrant’s will can ever do
thee wrong; the only King thou callest master is he
who looks upon thee calmly when thy white breast
heaves in wildest fury, and thunder peals are swallowed
in thy voice. No grave-mound e’er shall rise above
me; thy tossing waves shall cover deep my bones.”</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div>
<p>Here Björn approached and touched his shoulder,
saying, “Look! yonder King Helge makes his way
amid the rocks. Methinks he hath yet a word to
speak with thee.” Ten dragon ships were seen
approaching. Frithiof sprang to his feet and
bade his men prepare for battle. Joyously they
shouted:</p>
<p>“King Helge wearies of the crown. His soul
thirsts for Valhalla’s delights. Now shall he fall;
bold Frithiof leads us unto victory.”</p>
<p>On came the ships in a half-circle, surrounding
“Ellida.” Helge had given orders to slay Frithiof
and all his men, but to capture the ship as their
prize. Suddenly a strange sight met the eyes of
Frithiof and his warriors and filled them with
amazement: nine of the ships sank slowly down
beneath the waves, while Helge himself escaped with
difficulty to the shore. Björn laughed.</p>
<p>“’Twas I that scuttled the ships last night, unseen.
A good trick it was, and all befell as I had
hoped, save that King Helge has escaped!”</p>
<p>Now all the sails were spread and the ship sped
swiftly out to sea. Backward gazing, Frithiof
watched the fast receding shore and chanted a song
that moved all hearts to sadness:</p>
<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div>
<div class="verse">
<p class="t0">Farewell! mounds dreaming</p>
<p class="t">By wavelets blue,</p>
<p class="t0">Where west winds streaming</p>
<p class="t">White blossoms strew!</p>
<p class="t0">Odin revealeth</p>
<p class="t">And doometh well</p>
<p class="t0">What man concealeth;—</p>
<p class="t">Farewell! Farewell!</p>
</div>
<div class="verse">
<p class="t0">Farewell, ye bowers,</p>
<p class="t">Ye limpid streams,</p>
<p class="t0">Where ’mid spring flowers,</p>
<p class="t">Youth wandered in dreams.</p>
<p class="t0">Ye friends of childhood</p>
<p class="t">Who loved me well,—</p>
<p class="t0">Till death remembered,—</p>
<p class="t">Farewell! Farewell!</p>
</div>
<div class="verse">
<p class="t0">My love insulted,</p>
<p class="t">My dwelling brent,</p>
<p class="t0">My honor tarnished,</p>
<p class="t">In exile sent,—</p>
<p class="t0">Heart bideth in sadness</p>
<p class="t">Norns’ fatal spell.</p>
<p class="t0">To Life’s young gladness</p>
<p class="t">Farewell! Farewell!</p>
</div>
<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div>
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