In the great palace stood the old King Bele and his friend, Thorsten
the faithful. Both had lived brave lives and longed for Valhalla, the
home of heroes.
"The evening of life comes over me," said King Bele, "but as death
draws nearer, the glory of heaven seems brighter. I have called our
sons to the throne room, dear friend, to speak words of warning and
help. To-morrow it may be that I shall sleep in death, and it will be
too late."
[Illustration: King Bele and his sons]
Into the throne room came the two princes obedient to their father's
command. Helge, the elder, was dark and gloomy. Halfdan, the younger,
fair and gay, came with untroubled heart, thinking only of games and
hunting.
After these came Frithiof, son of Thorsten, taller and stronger than
the princes. He stood between the brothers, shining in beauty like the
sun.
"Sons of my heart," said the king gently, "my life on earth is ending.
Rule the kingdom together. While you are united no power can destroy
you. Let freedom bloom through all the land, and use your power, O
Helge, as a shield for your people.
"The power the king possesses comes from the people, and foolish is the
ruler who is cruel and hears not their cry. The great and good king is
merciful, and kindness can do more than cruelty. Boast not of the
greatness of your ancestors. Each man uses but one bowstring, and that
is his own. Who cares for the worth that is buried? The good man is
true to his own heart, and thus makes himself great.
"A joyous spirit is yours, O Halfdan, and it is good. But idle talk is
needless and weakens kings. Hold fast to your friend and choose the
best, but do not give your love and faith to all men. Fools win no
praise though they be kings, but the wise are loved and honoured by all
men, no matter how lowly they may be."
Then Thorsten spake: "Not alone, O Bele, shall you go to Odin. Always
have we stood together, and death shall not divide us.
"Hear me, my son, my Frithiof, and slight not the words of the old.
"First, give the gods high honour, for good or ill,
Storms come as well as sunshine, by Heaven's will.
Great strength is Heaven's dower; but, Frithiof, learn
That power devoid of wisdom, can little earn.
"Obey your king. One must be king, and others are happiest when
obeying wise directions. The shields of brave men are the best
protection for a country against the swords of an enemy, and law is the
best defence against treason. Young men should listen to advice and
should test the strength of friendship by use.
"All men will surely perish, with all they prize,
But one thing know I, Frithiof, which never dies,--
And that is reputation! therefore, ever
The noble action strive for, the good endeavour."
It was pleasant to hear Bele and Thorsten talk of their lives together.
Much they told of the wonderful adventures of their youth, when they
travelled to strange lands in their swift-moving boats. They had been
friends through good fortune and ill, with hands clasped together and
hearts united. In battle they had stood back to back, facing their
enemies. If one was threatened by an enemy, the other was on guard and
defended his friend.
The king spoke much of the bravery of Frithiof, and said that his
heroic power was better than all royal birth. Thorsten in return
praised the gifts of Helge and Halfdan. Thus did they give an example
of friendship between a king and his man. With the memory of their
long friendship King Bele urged his sons and Frithiof to be friends too.
"But hold ye fast together, ye children three,
The Northland then your conqueror shall never see;
For royalty and power, when duly ordered,
Are like a bright shield golden, by blue steel bordered."
Then again spoke Bele: "These are my last commands. On you, O Helge,
my eldest son, I place a father's care. Guard and love your sister
Ingeborg. Be gentle and guide her with loving words. Noble spirits
fret under harshness, but loving and gentle manners win all to right
and honour.
"And now, farewell, my children. Together Thorsten and I go to the
All-father gladly. Lay us in mounds close to the waves of the restless
gulf singing the song of the sea."
[Illustration: Burial mounds]