While King Bele's sons were preparing for war with King Ring, Frithiof
sought Ingeborg in the grove of Balder. Most beautiful was this temple
of the sun-god, and here the sunshine seemed lovelier than in other
groves. The flowers glowed in the friendly rays and seemed more
beautiful. At night, when evening drew the rosy curtain, the brooks
and breezes whispered softly to one another and the stars gleamed like
pearls upon the dark blue robe of night.
The wonderful boat, _Ellide_, sped over the waves sparkling in the
moonlight. "Glide on, _Ellide_, over the deep gulf and bear me swiftly
to the grove of Balder. I hail thee, moon, with thy pale light
streaming over grove and dale. Upon the shore I leap with joy and
salute thy brown cheek, smiling earth."
So spake Frithiof as he landed on the shore. The earth seemed
friendly, the red and white flowers smiled upon him, and he was happy
and free from care. With Ingeborg the brave youth knelt at the shrine
of Balder, the mild, radiant god of the sun whom all gods and men love,
and prayed for happiness and peace. They prayed not for princely
honours, but for a home near the dark blue sea. Then, amid flowers and
under the shade of the leafy trees, their lives would be happy and free
from envy and care.
But they feared the king, the cold and cruel Helge. He would never
consent to Frithiof's request for the hand of Ingeborg. If he learned
that Frithiof had dared to visit Ingeborg in Balder's grove, his anger
would be greater than ever. But Ingeborg begged Frithiof to go to her
brother and to offer his hand in friendship. She could not leave the
grove of Balder, where Helge had placed her for protection during the
war with King Ring.
At last Frithiof yielded. He said farewell to Ingeborg with sadness in
his heart.
"Like Balder are you, Ingeborg! Like him your hair is golden, and your
eyes are blue as his skies, while your soul is as pure as the morning
light!"