Balder Dead (an Episode) Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: A B CDEFGFHIJKLMNOPQR STUVWXVYFSZVA2B2MXC2 D2VE2F2G2H2I2J2K2Y L2M2G2EN2L2O2L2XP2CQ 2L2R2C2 S2T2KO2VU2V2W2L2X2Y2 L2L2Z2A2WL2A3L2AL2B3 L2L2L2Q2L2C3Q2C2A2F2 D3E3 L2L2Q2P2F3E2F2G3HIAQ 2S2H3I3 J3Q2L2UFXL2K3Q2S2L3Q 2G2L2RWG2XS E3M3 J3L3Q2L2Q2L2Q2N3Q2M2 J3L2L2O3P3L2G2L3L2A3 PQ3AR3P3A3N2S3KT3XL2 A2F2L2L2Q2L3E3S3L2Q2 L2CQ2L2Q2XL2 E3M3 J3Q2M3G2 SL2C3U3C2L2L2L2T2L2 L2L2L2A2T3L2T2FL2HXQ 2T3Q2 Q2Q2 L2L2Q2T2L2S3A2V3W3L2 IL2L2T2L2AT2 Q2S2 T2T2 T2AL2T2 JL2L2FL2T2T2 L2T2T2Q2BT2JLL2L2T3J T2A2Q2 FQX3L2Y3Q2T2Z3ST2Q2A 4 Q2XB4L2T2T2T2R XL2GA4T2F3T2Q3J2C2L2 C4T2T2D3F3L2UT2T2D4S T2Q2T2C2T2L3T2L2Q3Q2 Q2GA2XQ3G2T2E4T2Q2 Q2T2L2T2F4B4G2Q2F4F3 XT2 A T2 Q2Q2G4XT2XQ2T2L2F4T2 A2T2Q2Q2T2A2Q2H4T2T2 N3JT2T2UQ2A2 A2T2G2Q3Q2Q2T2T2L2Q2 Q2R KFI2L2Q2 I4KXKT2Q2T2JKL2L2Q2T 2J4L2Q2L2L2T2E4KI2L2 Q2H4T2Q2KT2T2B4T2T2T 2Q2XL2L2O3P3T2T2L2T2 FL2T2G2L2T2XQ3G2T2 L2P3T3T2L3Q2L2Q3T2 C2Q2T2L2T2S2 T2L2T2XT2L3T2Q3L2T2L 2XQ2Q2L2T2 ZT2Q2XQ2T2T2T3L2A2T2 L2L2Q2L3T2A2L2Q2Q2BL 2L2RL2L2L2L2L2T2L2K4 T2KL3HQ2FL4A4Q2Q2T2Q 2Q2 FT2L2P3K LL2T2 Q3L2Q2Q2XX3L2M4L3L2M 4 Q2Q2Q2T2T2E2H4L2T2Q2 T2HA2K4N4T2L2A2L2L2A 2L2L2Q2FT2Q2HL2O4T2L 2T2FL2P4A4L2T2 T2L2A2A2 Q4T2 RA2Q2Q2T2L2A2L3GQ2T2 T2 T2T2 UQ2A2T2FR4UT2FUBQ2Q2 T2 BQ2D3KQ2T2Q2T2L2T2T2 P3Q2T2Q2Q2Q2L2UA2L2Q 2Q2Q3HL2L2D3L2T2T2I2 A A2 L2Q2T2T2R S2L2S4Q2Q2L2L2T3L4L2 T2IL2 T2T2T2T4T2L2Q4Q4Q2 RL2T2Q2Q2T2 Q2D3Q2L2Q2T2FL2L2T2 T2T2 G2 L2A4C2A2C2F T2T2T2BT2L2T2T2L2A2 Q2L2Q2 KQ2Q2G2 T2L2Q3T2FQ2KL2G2T2S2 L2T2 T2L2A2FI4L2T2UQ2R T2G2T2T2T2L2T2Q2T2L2 T2L2Q2T2G2L2Q2G4Q2L2 Q2KQ2 T2B4FL2L2HQ2L2T2 Q2M4Q2X3A2RQ2T2UI3BU T3KT2T2A2T2E4M4 T2Q2A2T2 A2I2 T2A2L2T2T2HQ2B4Q2FT2 T2HBL2KQ2HT2Q2T2L2L2 T2C2L2C2L2T2T2T2I2C2 T2Q2Q2U4I2Q2C2Q2L2V3 Q2M4L2C2T2A2C2L2Q2V4 KA2Q2V2T2Q2 T2L2T2N3Q2T2T2L2L2T2 L2T2 T2L2T2FL2A2T2T2L2D3T 2G2L2L2KL2Q2L3T2 T2L2T2 L2Q2UQ2T2T2L2Q2G2UKT 2T2Q2L2L2Q2G2T2Q2L2U A2Q2T2LFA2T2A2T2V3KT 2T2Q2L2L4E2T2G2Q2Q2T 2A4T2 A2L2T2L2 G2A4 I4T2T2UT2V3L2Q2T2Q2L 2Q2L2Q2T2L2S2K I4L2A4Q2T2L2W4P3T2T2 L2Q2JX4T2Y4T2 Q2T2L2UG2T2T2 T2L2G2L2 T2L2KA2 T2Q2T2T3L2KT2L2T2L2Q 2L2A2M4 RA2L2 Q2Q2P3L2T2Q2T2A2T2KT 2T2T2T2 L2FKA2Q2L2 T2T2FZL2Q2T2T2Q2T2Q2 T2KA2L2JL2KL2L2V3Q2K T2T2Q2 ZT2 T2T2Q2L2L2A2T2 RT2JKL3T2U4Q2 T2T2L2Q2KT2 KKM4M4V3L2M4 T2KT2T2Q2T2T2T2KT2T2 T2L2 T2L2A2T2Q2Q2T2T2T2Q2 L2T2KQ2 T2L2Q2T2A2Q2KFKKA2L2 Q2IT2KQ2Q2T2T2Z4FRT2 A2U4ZL2T2T2 T2T2 Q4L2T2L2JL2T2KFM4UL2 T2KM4L2T2A2L2Q2T2KFL 2L2Q2A2KQ2L2 T2T2KQ2ZL2Q2L2Q2T2T2 L2T2Q2T2T2Q2 Q2

I	A
	-
SENDING	B
	-
So on the floor lay Balder dead and round	C
Lay thickly strewn swords axes darts and spears	D
Which all the Gods in sport had idly thrown	E
At Balder whom no weapon pierc'd or clove	F
But in his breast stood fixt the fatal bough	G
Of mistletoe which Lok the Accuser gave	F
To Hoder and unwitting Hoder threw	H
'Gainst that alone had Balder's life no charm	I
And all the Gods and all the Heroes came	J
And stood round Balder on the bloody floor	K
Weeping and wailing and Valhalla rang	L
Up to its golden roof with sobs and cries	M
And on the tables stood the untasted meats	N
And in the horns and gold rimm'd skulls the wine	O
And now would Night have fall'n and found them yet	P
Wailing but otherwise was Odin's will	Q
And thus the Father of the Ages spake	R
	-
'Enough of tears ye Gods enough of wail	S
Not to lament in was Valhalla made	T
If any here might weep for Balder's death	U
I most might weep his Father such a son	V
I lose today so bright so lov'd a God	W
But he has met that doom which long ago	X
The Nornies when his mother bare him spun	V
And Fate set seal that so his end must be	Y
Balder has met his death and ye survive	F
Weep him an hour but what can grief avail	S
For you yourselves ye Gods shall meet your doom	Z
All ye who hear me and inhabit Heaven	V
And I too Odin too the Lord of all	A2
But ours we shall not meet when that day comes	B2
With woman's tears and weak complaining cries	M
Why should we meet another's portion so	X
Rather it fits you having wept your hour	C2
With cold dry eyes and hearts compos'd and stern	D2
To live as erst your daily life in Heaven	V
By me shall vengeance on the murderer Lok	E2
The Foe the Accuser whom though Gods we hate	F2
Be strictly car'd for in the appointed day	G2
Meanwhile to morrow when the morning dawns	H2
Bring wood to the seashore to Balder's ship	I2
And on the deck build high a funeral pile	J2
And on the top lay Balder's corpse and put	K2
Fire to the wood and send him out to sea	Y
To burn for that is what the dead desire '	-
	-
So having spoke the King of Gods arose	L2
And mounted his horse Sleipner whom he rode	M2
And from the hall of Heaven he rode away	G2
To Lidskialf and sate upon his throne	E
The Mount from whence his eye surveys the world	N2
And far from Heaven he turn'd his shining orbs	L2
To look on Midgard and the earth and men	O2
And on the conjuring Lapps he bent his gaze	L2
Whom antler'd reindeer pull over the snow	X
And on the Finns the gentlest of mankind	P2
Fair men who live in holes under the ground	C
Nor did he look once more to Ida's plain	Q2
Nor towards Valhalla and the sorrowing Gods	L2
For well he knew the Gods would heed his word	R2
And cease to mourn and think of Balder's pyre	C2
	-
But in Valhalla all the Gods went back	S2
From around Balder all the Heroes went	T2
And left his body stretch'd upon the floor	K
And on their golden chairs they sate again	O2
Beside the tables in the hall of Heaven	V
And before each the cooks who serv'd them plac'd	U2
New messes of the boar Serimner's flesh	V2
And the Valkyries crown'd their horns with mead	W2
So they with pent up hearts and tearless eyes	L2
Wailing no more in silence ate and drank	X2
While Twilight fell and sacred Night came on	Y2
	-
But the blind Hoder left the feasting Gods	L2
In Odin's hall and went through Asgard streets	L2
And past the haven where the Gods have moor'd	Z2
Their ships and through the gate beyond the wall	A2
Though sightless yet his own mind led the God	W
Down to the margin of the roaring sea	L2
He came and sadly went along the sand	A3
Between the waves and black o'erhanging cliffs	L2
Where in and out the screaming seafowl fly	A
Until he came to where a gully breaks	L2
Through the cliff wall and a fresh stream runs down	B3
From the high moors behind and meets the sea	L2
There in the glen Fensaler stands the house	L2
Of Frea honour'd Mother of the Gods	L2
And shows its lighted windows to the main	Q2
There he went up and pass'd the open doors	L2
And in the hall he found those women old	C3
The Prophetesses who by rite eterne	Q2
On Frea's hearth feed high the sacred fire	C2
Both night and day and by the inner wall	A2
Upon her golden chair the Mother sate	F2
With folded hands revolving things to come	D3
To her drew Hoder near and spake and said	E3
	-
'Mother a child of bale thou bar'st in me	L2
For first thou barest me with blinded eyes	L2
Sightless and helpless wandering weak in Heaven	Q2
And after that of ignorant witless mind	P2
Thou barest me and unforeseeing soul	F3
That I alone must take the branch from Lok	E2
The Foe the Accuser whom though Gods we hate	F2
And cast it at the dear lov'd Balder's breast	G3
At whom the Gods in sport their weapons threw	H
'Gainst that alone had Balder's life no charm	I
Now therefore what to attempt or whither fly	A
For who will bear my hateful sight in Heaven	Q2
Can I O Mother bring them Balder back	S2
Or for thou know'st the Fates and things allow'd	H3
Can I with Hela's power a compact strike	I3
And make exchange and give my life for his '	-
	-
He spoke the Mother of the Gods replied	J3
'Hoder ill fated child of bale my son	Q2
Sightless in soul and eye what words are these	L2
That one long portion'd with his doom of death	U
Should change his lot and fill another's life	F
And Hela yield to this and let him go	X
On Balder Death hath laid her hand not thee	L2
Nor doth she count this life a price for that	K3
For many Gods in Heaven not thou alone	Q2
Would freely die to purchase Balder back	S2
And wend themselves to Hela's gloomy realm	L3
For not so gladsome is that life in Heaven	Q2
Which Gods and Heroes lead in feast and fray	G2
Waiting the darkness of the final times	L2
That one should grudge its loss for Balder's sake	R
Balder their joy so bright so lov'd a God	W
But Fate withstands and laws forbid this way	G2
Yet in my secret mind one way I know	X
Nor do I judge if it shall win or fail	S
But much must still be tried which shall but fail '	-
	-
And the blind Hoder answer'd her and said	E3
'What way is this O Mother that thou show'st	M3
Is it a matter which a God might try '	-
	-
And straight the Mother of the Gods replied	J3
'There is a way which leads to Hela's realm	L3
Untrodden lonely far from light and Heaven	Q2
Who goes that way must take no other horse	L2
To ride but Sleipner Odin's horse alone	Q2
Nor must he choose that common path of Gods	L2
Which every day they come and go in Heaven	Q2
O'er the bridge Bifrost where is Heimdall's watch	N3
Past Midgard Fortress down to Earth and men	Q2
But he must tread a dark untravell'd road	M2
Which branches from the north of Heaven and ride	J3
Nine days nine nights towards the northern ice	L2
Through valleys deep engulph'd with roaring streams	L2
And he will reach on the tenth morn a bridge	O3
Which spans with golden arches Giall's stream	P3
Not Bifrost but that bridge a Damsel keeps	L2
Who tells the passing troops of dead their way	G2
To the low shore of ghosts and Hela's realm	L3
And she will bid him northward steer his course	L2
Then he will journey through no lighted land	A3
Nor see the sun arise nor see it set	P
But he must ever watch the northern Bear	Q3
Who from her frozen height with jealous eye	A
Confronts the Dog and Hunter in the south	R3
And is alone not dipt in Ocean's stream	P3
And straight he will come down to Ocean's strand	A3
Ocean whose watery ring enfolds the world	N2
And on whose marge the ancient Giants dwell	S3
But he will reach its unknown northern shore	K
Far far beyond the outmost Giant's home	T3
At the chink'd fields of ice the waste of snow	X
And he will fare across the dismal ice	L2
Northward until he meets a stretching wall	A2
Barring his way and in the wall a grate	F2
But then he must dismount and on the ice	L2
Tighten the girths of Sleipner Odin's horse	L2
And make him leap the grate and come within	Q2
And he will see stretch round him Hela's realm	L3
The plains of Niflheim where dwell the dead	E3
And hear the roaring of the streams of Hell	S3
And he will see the feeble shadowy tribes	L2
And Balder sitting crown'd and Hela's throne	Q2
Then he must not regard the wailful ghosts	L2
Who all will flit like eddying leaves around	C
But he must straight accost their solemn Queen	Q2
And pay her homage and entreat with prayers	L2
Telling her all that grief they have in Heaven	Q2
For Balder whom she holds by right below	X
If haply he may melt her heart with words	L2
And make her yield and give him Balder back '	-
	-
She spoke but Hoder answer'd her and said	E3
'Mother a dreadful way is this thou show'st	M3
No journey for a sightless God to go '	-
	-
And straight the Mother of the Gods replied	J3
'Therefore thyself thou shalt not go my son	Q2
But he whom first thou meetest when thou com'st	M3
To Asgard and declar'st this hidden way	G2
Shall go and I will be his guide unseen '	-
	-
She spoke and on her face let fall her veil	S
And bow'd her head and sate with folded hands	L2
But at the central hearth those Women old	C3
Who while the Mother spake had ceased their toil	U3
Began again to heap the sacred fire	C2
And Hoder turn'd and left his mother's house	L2
Fensaler whose lit windows look to sea	L2
And came again down to the roaring waves	L2
And back along the beach to Asgard went	T2
Pondering on that which Frea said should be	L2
	-
But Night came down and darken'd Asgard streets	L2
Then from their loathed feast the Gods arose	L2
And lighted torches and took up the corpse	L2
Of Balder from the floor of Odin's hall	A2
And laid it on a bier and bare him home	T3
Through the fast darkening streets to his own house	L2
Breidablik on whose columns Balder grav'd	T2
The enchantments that recall the dead to life	F
For wise he was and many curious arts	L2
Postures of runes and healing herbs he knew	H
Unhappy but that art he did not know	X
To keep his own life safe and see the sun	Q2
There to his hall the Gods brought Balder home	T3
And each bespake him as he laid him down	Q2
	-
'Would that ourselves O Balder we were borne	Q2
Home to our halls with torchlight by our kin	Q2
So thou might'st live and still delight the Gods '	-
	-
They spake and each went home to his own house	L2
But there was one the first of all the Gods	L2
For speed and Hermod was his name in Heaven	Q2
Most fleet he was but now he went the last	T2
Heavy in heart for Balder to his house	L2
Which he in Asgard built him there to dwell	S3
Against the harbour by the city wall	A2
Him the blind Hoder met as he came up	V3
From the sea cityward and knew his step	W3
Nor yet could Hermod see his brother's face	L2
For it grew dark but Hoder touch'd his arm	I
And as a spray of honeysuckle flowers	L2
Brushes across a tired traveller's face	L2
Who shuffles through the deep dew moisten'd dust	T2
On a May evening in the darken'd lanes	L2
And starts him that he thinks a ghost went by	A
So Hoder brush'd by Hermod's side and said	T2
	-
'Take Sleipner Hermod and set forth with dawn	Q2
To Hela's kingdom to ask Balder back	S2
And they shall be thy guides who have the power '	-
	-
He spake and brush'd soft by and disappear'd	T2
And Hermod gaz'd into the night and said	T2
	-
'Who is it utters through the dark his hest	T2
So quickly and will wait for no reply	A
The voice was like the unhappy Hoder's voice	L2
Howbeit I will see and do his hest	T2
For there rang note divine in that command '	-
	-
So speaking the fleet footed Hermod came	J
Home and lay down to sleep in his own house	L2
And all the Gods lay down in their own homes	L2
And Hoder too came home distraught with grief	F
Loathing to meet at dawn the other Gods	L2
And he went in and shut the door and fixt	T2
His sword upright and fell on it and died	T2
	-
But from the hill of Lidskialf Odin rose	L2
The throne from which his eye surveys the world	T2
And mounted Sleipner and in darkness rode	T2
To Asgard And the stars came out in Heaven	Q2
High over Asgard to light home the King	B
But fiercely Odin gallop'd mov'd in heart	T2
And swift to Asgard to the gate he came	J
And terribly the hoofs of Sleipner rang	L
Along the flinty floor of Asgard streets	L2
And the Gods trembled on their golden beds	L2
Hearing the wrathful Father coming home	T3
For dread for like a whirlwind Odin came	J
And to Valhalla's gate he rode and left	T2
Sleipner and Sleipner went to his own stall	A2
And in Valhalla Odin laid him down	Q2
	-
But in Breidablik Nanna Balder's wife	F
Came with the Goddesses who wrought her will	Q
And stood round Balder lying on his bier	X3
And at his head and feet she station'd Scalds	L2
Who in their lives were famous for their song	Y3
These o'er the corpse inton'd a plaintive strain	Q2
A dirge and Nanna and her train replied	T2
And far into the night they wail'd their dirge	Z3
But when their souls were satisfied with wail	S
They went and laid them down and Nanna went	T2
Into an upper chamber and lay down	Q2
And Frea seal'd her tired lids with sleep	A4
	-
And 'twas when Night is bordering hard on Dawn	Q2
When air is chilliest and the stars sunk low	X
Then Balder's spirit through the gloom drew near	B4
In garb in form in feature as he was	L2
Alive and still the rays were round his head	T2
Which were his glorious mark in Heaven he stood	T2
Over against the curtain of the bed	T2
And gaz'd on Nanna as she slept and spake	R
	-
'Poor lamb thou sleepest and forgett'st thy woe	X
Tears stand upon the lashes of thine eyes	L2
Tears wet the pillow by thy cheek but thou	G
Like a young child hast cried thyself to sleep	A4
Sleep on I watch thee and am here to aid	T2
Alive I kept not far from thee dear soul	F3
Neither do I neglect thee now though dead	T2
For with to morrow's dawn the Gods prepare	Q3
To gather wood and build a funeral pile	J2
Upon my ship and burn my corpse with fire	C2
That sad sole honour of the dead and thee	L2
They think to burn and all my choicest wealth	C4
With me for thus ordains the common rite	T2
But it shall not be so but mild but swift	T2
But painless shall a stroke from Frea come	D3
To cut thy thread of life and free thy soul	F3
And they shall burn thy corpse with mine not thee	L2
And well I know that by no stroke of death	U
Tardy or swift wouldst thou be loath to die	T2
So it restor'd thee Nanna to my side	T2
Whom thou so well hast lov'd but I can smooth	D4
Thy way and this at least my prayers avail	S
Yes and I fain would altogether ward	T2
Death from thy head and with the Gods in Heaven	Q2
Prolong thy life though not by thee desir'd	T2
But Right bars this not only thy desire	C2
Yet dreary Nanna is the life they lead	T2
In that dim world in Hela's mouldering realm	L3
And doleful afire the ghosts the troops of dead	T2
Whom Hela with austere control presides	L2
For of the race of Gods is no one there	Q3
Save me alone and Hela solemn Queen	Q2
And all the nobler souls of mortal men	Q2
On battle field have met their death and now	G
Feast in Valhalla in my Father's hall	A2
Only the inglorious sort are there below	X
The old the cowards and the weak are there	Q3
Men spent by sickness or obscure decay	G2
But even there O Nanna we might find	T2
Some solace in each other's look and speech	E4
Wandering together through that gloomy world	T2
And talking of the life we led in Heaven	Q2
While we yet liv'd among the other Gods '	-
	-
He spake and straight his lineaments began	Q2
To fade and Nanna in her sleep stretch'd out	T2
Her arms towards him with a cry but he	L2
Mournfully shook his head and disappear'd	T2
And as the woodman sees a little smoke	F4
Hang in the air afield and disappear	B4
So Balder faded in the night away	G2
And Nanna on her bed sunk back but then	Q2
Frea the Mother of the Gods with stroke	F4
Painless and swift set free her airy soul	F3
Which took on Balder's track the way below	X
And instantly the sacred Morn appear'd	T2
	-
	-
	-
II	A
	-
JOURNEY TO THE DEAD	T2
	-
FORTH from the East up the ascent of Heaven	Q2
Day drove his courser with the Shining Mane	Q2
And in Valhalla from his gable perch	G4
The golden crested Cock began to crow	X
Hereafter in the blackest dead of night	T2
With shrill and dismal cries that Bird shall crow	X
Warning the Gods that foes draw nigh to Heaven	Q2
But now he crew at dawn a cheerful note	T2
To wake the Gods and Heroes to their tasks	L2
And all the Gods and all the Heroes woke	F4
And from their beds the Heroes rose and donn'd	T2
Their arms and led their horses from the stall	A2
And mounted them and in Valhalla's court	T2
Were rang'd and then the daily fray began	Q2
And all day long they there are hack'd and hewn	Q2
'Mid dust and groans and limbs lopp'd off and blood	T2
But all at night return to Odin's hall	A2
Woundless and fresh such lot is theirs in Heaven	Q2
And the Valkyries on their steeds went forth	H4
Toward Earth and fights of men and at their side	T2
Skulda the youngest of the Nornies rode	T2
And over Bifrost where is Heimdall's watch	N3
Past Midgard Fortress down to Earth they came	J
There through some battle field where men fall fast	T2
Their horses fetlock deep in blood they ride	T2
And pick the bravest warriors out for death	U
Whom they bring back with them at night to Heaven	Q2
To glad the Gods and feast in Odin's hall	A2
	-
But the Gods went not now as otherwhile	A2
Into the Tilt Yard where the Heroes fought	T2
To feast their eyes with looking on the fray	G2
Nor did they to their Judgement Place repair	Q3
By the ash Igdrasil in Ida's plain	Q2
Where they hold council and give laws for men	Q2
But they went Odin first the rest behind	T2
To the hall Gladheim which is built of gold	T2
Where are in circle rang'd twelve golden chairs	L2
And in the midst one higher Odin's throne	Q2
There all the Gods in silence sate them down	Q2
And thus the Father of the Ages spake	R
	-
Go quickly Gods bring wood to the seashore	K
With all which it beseems the dead to have	F
And make a funeral pile on Balder's ship	I2
On the twelfth day the Gods shall burn his corpse	L2
But Hermod thou take Sleipner and ride down	Q2
To Hela's kingdom to ask Balder back '	-
	-
So said he and the Gods arose and took	I4
Axes and ropes and at their head came Thor	K
Shouldering his Hammer which the Giants know	X
Forth wended they and drove their steeds before	K
And up the dewy mountain tracks they far'd	T2
To the dark forests in the early dawn	Q2
And up and down and side and slant they roam'd	T2
And from the glens all day an echo came	J
Of crashing falls for with his hammer Thor	K
Smote 'mid the rocks the lichen bearded pines	L2
And burst their roots while to their tops the Gods	L2
Made fast the woven ropes and hal'd them down	Q2
And lopp'd their boughs and clove them on the sward	T2
And bound the logs behind their steeds to draw	J4
And drove them homeward and the snorting steeds	L2
Went straining through the crackling brushwood down	Q2
And by the darkling forest paths the Gods	L2
Follow'd and on their shoulders carried boughs	L2
And they came out upon the plain and pass'd	T2
Asgard and led their horses to the beach	E4
And loos'd them of their loads on the seashore	K
And rang'd the wood in stacks by Balder's ship	I2
And every God went home to his own house	L2
	-
But when the Gods were to the forest gone	Q2
Hermod led Sleipner from Valhalla forth	H4
And saddled him before that Sleipner brook'd	T2
No meaner hand than Odin's on his mane	Q2
On his broad back no lesser rider bore	K
Yet docile now he stood at Hermod's side	T2
Arching his neck and glad to be bestrode	T2
Knowing the God they went to seek how dear	B4
But Hermod mounted him and sadly far'd	T2
In silence up the dark untravell'd road	T2
Which branches from the north of Heaven and went	T2
All day and Daylight wan'd and Night came on	Q2
And all that night he rode and journey'd so	X
Nine days nine nights towards the northern ice	L2
Through valleys deep engulph'd by roaring streams	L2
And on the tenth morn ho beheld the bridge	O3
Which spans with golden arches Giall's stream	P3
And on the bridge a Damsel watching arm'd	T2
In the strait passage at the further end	T2
Where the road issues between walling rocks	L2
Scant space that Warder left for passers by	T2
But as when cowherds in October drive	F
Their kine across a snowy mountain pass	L2
To winter pasture on the southern side	T2
And on the ridge a wagon chokes the way	G2
Wedg'd in the snow then painfully the hinds	L2
With goad and shouting urge their cattle past	T2
Plunging through deep untrodden banks of snow	X
To right and left and warm steam fills the air	Q3
So on the bridge that Damsel block'd the way	G2
And question'd Hermod as he came and said	T2
	-
'Who art thou on thy black and fiery horse	L2
Under whose hoofs the bridge o'er Giall's stream	P3
Rumbles and shakes Tell me thy race and home	T3
But yestermorn five troops of dead pass'd by	T2
Bound on their way below to Hela's realm	L3
Nor shook the bridge so much as thou alone	Q2
And thou hast flesh and colour on thy cheeks	L2
Like men who live and draw the vital air	Q3
Nor look'st thou pale and wan like men deceas'd	T2
Souls bound below my daily passers here '	-
	-
And the fleet footed Hermod answer'd her	C2
'O Damsel Hermod am I call'd the son	Q2
Of Odin and my high roof'd house is built	T2
Far hence in Asgard in the City of Gods	L2
And Sleipner Odin's horse is this I ride	T2
And I come sent this road on Balder's track	S2
Say then if he hath cross'd thy bridge or no '	-
	-
He spake the Warder of the bridge replied	T2
'O Hermod rarely do the feet of Gods	L2
Or of the horses of the Gods resound	T2
Upon my bridge and when they cross I know	X
Balder hath gone this way and ta'en the road	T2
Below there to the north toward Hela's realm	L3
From here the cold white mist can be discern'd	T2
Not lit with sun but through the darksome air	Q3
By the dim vapour blotted light of stars	L2
Which hangs over the ice where lies the road	T2
For in that ice are lost those northern streams	L2
Freezing and ridging in their onward flow	X
Which from the fountain of Vergelmer run	Q2
The spring that bubbles up by Hela's throne	Q2
There are the joyless seats the haunt of ghosts	L2
Hela's pale swarms and there was Balder bound	T2
Ride on pass free but he by this is there '	-
	-
She spake and stepp'd aside and left him room	Z
And Hermod greeted her and gallop'd by	T2
Across the bridge then she took post again	Q2
But northward Hermod rode the way below	X
And o'er a darksome tract which knows no sun	Q2
But by the blotted light of stars he far'd	T2
And he came down to Ocean's northern strand	T2
At the drear ice beyond the Giants' home	T3
Thence on he journey'd o'er the fields of ice	L2
Still north until he met a stretching wall	A2
Barring his way and in the wall a grate	T2
Then he dismounted and drew tight the girths	L2
On the smooth ice of Sleipner Odin's horse	L2
And made him leap the grate and came within	Q2
And he beheld spread round him Hela's realm	L3
The plains of Niflheim where dwell the dead	T2
And heard the thunder of the streams of Hell	A2
For near the wall the river of Roaring flows	L2
Outmost the others near the centre run	Q2
The Storm the Abyss the Howling and the Pain	Q2
Those flow by Hela's throne and near their spring	B
And from the dark flock'd up the shadowy tribes	L2
And as the swallows crowd the bulrush beds	L2
Of some clear river issuing from a lake	R
On autumn days before they cross the sea	L2
And to each bulrush crest a swallow hangs	L2
Swinging and others skim the river streams	L2
And their quick twittering fills the banks and shores	L2
So around Hermod swarm'd the twittering ghosts	L2
Women and infants and young men who died	T2
Too soon for fame with white ungraven shields	L2
And old men known to Glory but their star	K4
Betray'd them and of wasting age they died	T2
Not wounds yet dying they their armour wore	K
And now have chief regard in Hela's realm	L3
Behind flock'd wrangling up a piteous crew	H
Greeted of none disfeatur'd and forlorn	Q2
Cowards who were in sloughs interr'd alive	F
And round them still the wattled hurdles hung	L4
Wherewith they stamp'd them down and trod them deep	A4
To hide their shameful memory from men	Q2
But all he pass'd unhail'd and reach'd the throne	Q2
Of Hela and saw near it Balder crown'd	T2
And Hela sat thereon with countenance stern	Q2
And thus bespake him first the solemn Queen	Q2
	-
'Unhappy how hast thou endur'd to leave	F
The light and journey to the cheerless land	T2
Where idly flit about the feeble shades	L2
How didst thou cross the bridge o'er Giall's stream	P3
Being alive and come to Ocean's shore	K
Or how o'erleap the grate that bars the wall '	-
	-
She spake but down off Sleipner Hermod sprang	L
And fell before her feet and clasp'd her knees	L2
And spake and mild entreated her and said	T2
	-
'O Hela wherefore should the Gods declare	Q3
Their errands to each other or the ways	L2
They go the errand and the way is known	Q2
Thou know'st thou know'st what grief we have in Heaven	Q2
For Balder whom thou hold'st by right below	X
Restore him for what part fulfils he here	X3
Shall he shed cheer over the cheerless seats	L2
And touch the apathetic ghosts with joy	M4
Not for such end O Queen thou hold'st thy realm	L3
For Heaven was Balder born the City of Gods	L2
And Heroes where they live in light and joy	M4
Thither restore him for his place is there '	-
	-
He spoke and grave replied the solemn Queen	Q2
'Hermod for he thou art thou Son of Heaven	Q2
A strange unlikely errand sure is thine	Q2
Do the Gods send to me to make them blest	T2
Small bliss my race hath of the Gods obtain'd	T2
Three mighty children to my Father Lok	E2
Did Angerbode the Giantess bring forth	H4
Fenris the Wolf the Serpent huge and Me	L2
Of these the Serpent in the sea ye cast	T2
Who since in your despite hath wax'd amain	Q2
And now with gleaming ring enfolds the world	T2
Me on this cheerless nether world ye threw	H
And gave me nine unlighted realms to rule	A2
While on his island in the lake afar	K4
Made fast to the bor'd crag by wile not strength	N4
Subdu'd with limber chains lives Fenris bound	T2
Lok still subsists in Heaven our Father wise	L2
Your mate though loath'd and feasts in Odin's hall	A2
But him too foes await and netted snares	L2
And in a cave a bed of needle rocks	L2
And o'er his visage serpents dropping gall	A2
Yet he shall one day rise and burst his bonds	L2
And with himself set us his offspring free	L2
When he guides Muspel's children to their bourne	Q2
Till then in peril or in pain we live	F
Wrought by the Gods and ask the Gods our aid	T2
Howbeit we abide our day till then	Q2
We do not as some feebler haters do	H
Seek to afflict our foes with petty pangs	L2
Helpless to better us or ruin them	O4
Come then if Balder was so dear belov'd	T2
And this is true and such a loss is Heaven's	L2
Hear how to Heaven may Balder be restor'd	T2
Show me through all the world the signs of grief	F
Fails but one thing to grieve here Balder stops	L2
Let all that lives and moves upon the earth	P4
Weep him and all that is without life weep	A4
Let Gods men brutes beweep him plants and stones	L2
So shall I know the lost was dear indeed	T2
And bend my heart and give him back to Heaven '	-
	-
She spake and Hermod answer'd her and said	T2
'Hela such as thou say'st the terms shall be	L2
But come declare me this and truly tell	A2
May I ere I depart bid Balder hail	A2
Or is it here withheld to greet the dead '	-
	-
He spake and straightway Hela answer'd him	Q4
'Hermod greet Balder if thou wilt and hold	T2
Converse his speech remains though he he dead '	-
	-
And straight to Balder Hermod turn'd and spake	R
'Even in the abode of Death O Balder hail	A2
Thou hear'st if hearing like as speech is thine	Q2
The terms of thy releasement hence to Heaven	Q2
Fear nothing but that all shall be fulfill'd	T2
For not unmindful of thee are the Gods	L2
Who see the light and blest in Asgard dwell	A2
Even here they seek thee out in Hela's realm	L3
And sure of all the happiest far art thou	G
Who ever have been known in Earth or Heaven	Q2
Alive thou wert of Gods the most belov'd	T2
And now thou sittest crown'd by Hela's side	T2
Here and hast honour among all the dead '	-
	-
He spake and Balder utter'd him reply	T2
But feebly as a voice far off he said	T2
	-
'Hermod the nimble gild me not my death	U
Better to live a slave a captur'd man	Q2
Who scatters rushes in a master's ball	A2
Than be a crown'd king here and rule the dead	T2
And now I count not of these terms as safe	F
To be fulfill'd nor my return as sure	R4
Though I be lov'd and many mourn my death	U
For double minded ever was the seed	T2
Of Lok and double are the gifts they give	F
Howbeit report thy message and therewith	U
To Odin to my Father take this ring	B
Memorial of me whether sav'd or no	Q2
And tell the Heaven born Gods how thou hast seen	Q2
Me sitting here below by Hela s side	T2
Crown'd having honour among all the dead '	-
	-
He spake and rais'd his hand and gave the ring	B
And with inscrutable regard the Queen	Q2
Of Hell beheld them and the ghosts stood dumb	D3
But Hermod took the ring and yet once more	K
Kneel'd and did homage to the solemn Queen	Q2
Then mounted Sleipner and set forth to ride	T2
Back through the astonish'd tribes of dead to Heaven	Q2
And to the wall he came and found the grate	T2
Lifted and issued on the fields of ice	L2
And o'er the ice he far'd to Ocean's strand	T2
And up from thence a wet and misty road	T2
To the arm'd Damsel's bridge and Giall's stream	P3
Worse was that way to go than to return	Q2
For him for others all return is barr'd	T2
Nine days he took to go two to return	Q2
And on the twelfth morn saw the light of Heaven	Q2
And as a traveller in the early dawn	Q2
To the steep edge of some great valley comes	L2
Through which a river flows and sees beneath	U
Clouds of white rolling vapours fill the vale	A2
But o'er them on the farther slope descries	L2
Vineyards and crofts and pastures bright with sun	Q2
So Hermod o'er the fog between saw Heaven	Q2
And Sleipner snorted for he smelt the air	Q3
Of Heaven and mightily as wing'd he flew	H
And Hermod saw the towers of Asgard rise	L2
And he drew near and heard no living voice	L2
In Asgard and the golden halls were dumb	D3
Then Hermod knew what labour held the Gods	L2
And through the empty streets he rode and pass'd	T2
Under the gate house to the sands and found	T2
The Gods on the seashore by Balder's ship	I2
	-
	-
	-
III	A
	-
FUNERAL	A2
	-
THE GODS held talk together group'd in knots	L2
Round Balder's corpse which they had thither borne	Q2
And Hermod came down towards them from the gate	T2
And Lok the Father of the Serpent first	T2
Beheld him come and to his neighbour spake	R
	-
'See here is Hermod who comes single back	S2
From Hell and shall I tell thee how he seems	L2
Like as a farmer who hath lost his dog	S4
Some morn at market in a crowded town	Q2
Through many streets the poor beast runs in vain	Q2
And follows this man after that for hours	L2
And late at evening spent and panting falls	L2
Before a stranger's threshold not his home	T3
With flanks a tremble and his slender tongue	L4
Hangs quivering out between his dust smear'd jaws	L2
And piteously he eyes the passers by	T2
But home his master comes to his own farm	I
Far in the country wondering where he is	L2
So Hermod comes to day unfollow'd home '	-
	-
And straight his neighbour mov'd with wrath replied	T2
'Deceiver fair in form but false in heart	T2
Enemy Mocker whom though Gods we hate	T2
Peace lest our Father Odin hear thee gibe	T4
Would I might see him snatch thee in his hand	T2
And bind thy carcase like a bale with cords	L2
And hurl thee in a lake to sink or swim	Q4
If clear from plotting Balder's death to swim	Q4
But deep if thou devisedst it to drown	Q2
And perish against fate before thy day '	-
	-
So they two soft to one another spake	R
But Odin look'd toward the land and saw	L2
His messenger and he stood forth and cried	T2
And Hermod came and leapt from Sleipner down	Q2
And in his Father's hand put Sleipner's rein	Q2
And greeted Odin and the Gods and said	T2
	-
'Odin my Father and ye Gods of Heaven	Q2
Lo home having perform'd your will I come	D3
Into the joyless kingdom have I been	Q2
Below and look'd upon the shadowy tribes	L2
Of ghosts and commun'd with their solemn Queen	Q2
And to your prayer she sends you this reply	T2
Show her through all the world the signs of grief	F
Fails but one thing to grieve there Balder stops	L2
Let Gods men brutes beweep hint plants and stones	L2
So shall she know your loss was dear indeed	T2
And bend her heart and give you Balder back '	-
	-
He spoke and all the Gods to Odin look'd	T2
And straight the Father of the Ages said	T2
	-
'Ye Gods these terms may keep another day	G2
	-
But now put on your arms and mount your steeds	L2
And in procession all come near and weep	A4
Balder for that is what the dead desire	C2
When ye enough have wept then build a pile	A2
Of the heap'd wood and burn his corpse with fire	C2
Out of our sight that we may turn from grief	F
And lead as erst our daily life in Heaven '	-
	-
He spoke and the Gods arm'd and Odin donn'd	T2
His dazzling corslet and his helm of gold	T2
And led the way on Sleipner and the rest	T2
Follow'd in tears their Father and their King	B
And thrice in arms around the dead they rode	T2
Weeping the sands were wetted and their arms	L2
With their thick falling tears so good a friend	T2
They mourn'd that day so bright so lov'd a God	T2
And Odin came and laid his kingly hands	L2
On Balder's breast and thus began the wail	A2
	-
'Farewell O Balder bright and lov'd my Son	Q2
In that great day the Twilight of the Gods	L2
When Muspel's children shall beleaguer Heaven	Q2
Then we shall miss thy counsel and thy arm '	-
	-
Thou camest near the next O Warrior Thor	K
Shouldering thy Hammer in thy chariot drawn	Q2
Swaying the long hair'd Goats with silver'd rein	Q2
And over Balder's corpse these words didst say	G2
	-
'Brother thou dwellest in the darksome land	T2
And talkest with the feeble tribes of ghosts	L2
Now and I know not how they prize thee there	Q3
But here I know thou wilt be miss'd and mourn'd	T2
For haughty spirits and high wraths are rife	F
Among the Gods and Heroes here in Heaven	Q2
As among those whose joy and work is war	K
And daily strifes arise and angry words	L2
But from thy lips O Balder night or day	G2
Heard no one ever an injurious word	T2
To God or Hero but thou keptest back	S2
The others labouring to compose their brawls	L2
Be ye then kind as Balder too was kind	T2
For we lose him who smooth'd all strife in Heaven '	-
	-
He spake and all the Gods assenting wail'd	T2
And Freya next came nigh with golden tears	L2
The loveliest Goddess she in Heaven by all	A2
Most honour'd after Frea Odin's wife	F
Her long ago the wandering Oder took	I4
To mate but left her to roam distant lands	L2
Since then she seeks him and weeps tears of gold	T2
Names hath she many Vanadis on earth	U
They call her Freya is her name in Heaven	Q2
She in her hands took Balder's head and spake	R
	-
'Balder my brother thou art gone a road	T2
Unknown and long and haply on that way	G2
My long lost wandering Oder thou hast met	T2
For in the paths of Heaven he is not found	T2
Oh if it be so tell him what thou wert	T2
To his neglected wife and what he is	L2
And wring his heart with shame to hear thy word	T2
For he my husband left me here to pine	Q2
Not long a wife when his unquiet heart	T2
First drove him from me into distant lands	L2
Since then I vainly seek him through the world	T2
And weep from shore to shore my golden tears	L2
But neither god nor mortal heeds my pain	Q2
Thou only Balder wert for ever kind	T2
To take my hand and wipe my tears and say	G2
Weep not O Freya weep no golden tears	L2
One day the wandering Oder will return	Q2
Or thou wilt find him in thy faithful search	G4
On some great road or resting in an inn	Q2
Or at a ford or sleeping by a tree	L2
So Balder said but Oder well I know	Q2
My truant Oder I shall see no more	K
To the world's end and Balder now is gone	Q2
And I am left uncomforted in Heaven '	-
	-
She spake and all the Goddesses bewail'd	T2
Last from among the Heroes one came near	B4
No God but of the Hero troop the chief	F
Regner who swept the northern sea with fleets	L2
And rul'd o'er Denmark and the heathy isles	L2
Living but Ella captur'd him and slew	H
A king whose fame then fill'd the vast of Heaven	Q2
Now time obscures it and men's later deeds	L2
He last approach'd the corpse and spake and said	T2
	-
'Balder there yet are many Scalds in Heaven	Q2
Still left and that chief Scald thy brother Brage	M4
Whom we may bid to sing though thou art gone	Q2
And all these gladly while we drink we hear	X3
After the feast is done in Odin's hall	A2
But they harp ever on one string and wake	R
Remembrance in our soul of wars alone	Q2
Such as on earth we valiantly have wag'd	T2
And blood and ringing blows and violent death	U
But when thou sangest Balder thou didst strike	I3
Another note and like a bird in spring	B
Thy voice of joyance minded us and youth	U
And wife and children and our ancient home	T3
Yes and I too remember'd then no more	K
My dungeon where the serpents stung me dead	T2
Nor Ella's victory on the English coast	T2
But I heard Thora laugh in Gothland Isle	A2
And saw my shepherdess Aslauga tend	T2
Her flock along the white Norwegian beach	E4
Tears started to mine eyes with yearning joy	M4
Therefore with grateful heart I mourn thee dead '	-
	-
So Regner spake and all the Heroes groan'd	T2
But now the sun had pass'd the height of Heaven	Q2
And soon had all that day been spent in wail	A2
But then the Father of the Ages said	T2
	-
'Ye Gods there well may be too much of wail	A2
Bring now the gather'd wood to Balder's ship	I2
Heap on the deck the logs and build the pyre '	-
	-
But when the Gods and Heroes heard they brought	T2
The wood to Balder's ship and built a pile	A2
Full the deck's breadth and lofty then the corpse	L2
Of Balder on the highest top they laid	T2
With Nanna on his right and on his left	T2
Hoder his brother whom his own hand slew	H
And they set jars of wine and oil to lean	Q2
Against the bodies and stuck torches near	B4
Splinters of pine wood soak'd with turpentine	Q2
And brought his arms and gold and all his stuff	F
And slew the dogs which at his table fed	T2
And his horse Balder's horse whom most he lov'd	T2
And threw them on the pyre and Odin threw	H
A last choice gift thereon his golden ring	B
They fixt the mast and hoisted up the sails	L2
Then they put fire to the wood and Thor	K
Set his stout shoulder hard against the stern	Q2
To push the ship through the thick sand sparks flew	H
From the deep trench she plough'd so strong a God	T2
Furrow'd it and the water gurgled in	Q2
And the Ship floated on the waves and rock'd	T2
But in the hills a strong East Wind arose	L2
And came down moaning to the sea first squalls	L2
Ran black o'er the sea's face then steady rush'd	T2
The breeze and fill'd the sails and blew the fire	C2
And wreath'd in smoke the Ship stood out to sea	L2
Soon with a roaring rose the mighty fire	C2
And the pile crackled and between the logs	L2
Sharp quivering tongues of flame shot out and leapt	T2
Curling and darting higher until they lick'd	T2
The summit of the pile the dead the mast	T2
And ate the shrivelling sails but still the Ship	I2
Drove on ablaze above her hull with fire	C2
And the Gods stood upon the beach and gaz'd	T2
And while they gaz'd the Sun went lurid down	Q2
Into the smoke wrapt sea and Night came on	Q2
Then the wind fell with night and there was calm	U4
But through the dark they watch'd the burning Ship	I2
Still carried o'er the distant waters on	Q2
Farther and farther like an Eye of Fire	C2
And as in the dark night a travelling man	Q2
Who bivouacs in a forest 'mid the hills	L2
Sees suddenly a spire of flame shoot up	V3
Out of the black waste forest far below	Q2
Which woodcutters have lighted near their lodge	M4
Against the wolves and all night long it flares	L2
So flar'd in the far darkness Balder's pyre	C2
But fainter as the stars rose high it burn'd	T2
The bodies were consum'd ash chok'd the pile	A2
And as in a decaying winter fire	C2
A charr'd log falling makes a shower of sparks	L2
So with a shower of sparks the pile fell in	Q2
Reddening the sea around and all was dark	V4
	-
But the Gods went by starlight up the shore	K
To Asgard and sate down in Odin's hall	A2
At table and the funeral feast began	Q2
All night they ate the boar Serimner's flesh	V2
And from their horns with silver rimm'd drank mead	T2
Silent and waited for the sacred Morn	Q2
	-
And Morning over all the world was spread	T2
Then from their loath d feast the Gods arose	L2
And took their horses and set forth to ride	T2
O'er the bridge Bifrost where is Heimdall's watch	N3
To the ash Igdrasil and Ida's plain	Q2
Thor came on foot the rest on horseback rode	T2
And they found Mimir sitting by his Fount	T2
Of Wisdom which beneath the ashtree springs	L2
And saw the Nornies watering the roots	L2
Of that world shadowing tree with Honey dew	T2
There came the Gods and sate them down on stones	L2
And thus the Father of the Ages said	T2
	-
'Ye Gods the terms ye know which Hermod brought	T2
Accept them or reject them both have grounds	L2
Accept them and they bind us unfulfill'd	T2
To leave for ever Balder in the grave	F
An unrecover'd prisoner shade with shades	L2
But how ye say should the fulfilment fail	A2
Smooth sound the terms and light to be fulfill'd	T2
For dear belov'd was Balder while he liv'd	T2
In Heaven and Earth and who would grudge him tears	L2
But from the traitorous seed of Lok they come	D3
These terms and I suspect some hidden fraud	T2
Bethink ye Gods is there no other way	G2
Speak were not this a way the way for Gods	L2
If I if Odin clad in radiant arms	L2
Mounted on Sleipner with the Warrior Thor	K
Drawn in his car beside me and my sons	L2
All the strong brood of Heaven to swell my train	Q2
Should make irruption into Hela's realm	L3
And set the fields of gloom ablaze with light	T2
And bring in triumph Balder back to Heaven '	-
	-
He spake and his fierce sons applauded loud	T2
But Frea Mother of the Gods arose	L2
Daughter and wife of Odin thus she said	T2
	-
'Odin thou Whirlwind what a threat is this	L2
Thou threatenest what transcends thy might even thine	Q2
For of all powers the mightiest far art thou	U
Lord over men on Earth and Gods in Heaven	Q2
Yet even from thee thyself hath been withheld	T2
One thing to undo what thou thyself hast rul'd	T2
For all which hath been fixt was fixt by thee	L2
In the beginning ere the Gods were born	Q2
Before the Heavens were builded thou didst slay	G2
The Giant Ymir whom the Abyss brought forth	U
Thou and thy brethren fierce the Sons of Bor	K
And threw his trunk to choke the abysmal void	T2
But of his flesh and members thou didst build	T2
The Earth and Ocean and above them Heaven	Q2
And from the flaming world where Muspel reigns	L2
Thou sent'st and fetched'st fire and madest lights	L2
Sun Moon and Stars which thou hast hung in Heaven	Q2
Dividing clear the paths of night and day	G2
And Asgard thou didst build and Midgard Fort	T2
Then me thou mad'st of us the Gods were born	Q2
Then walking by the sea thou foundest spars	L2
Of wood and framed'st men who till the earth	U
Or on the sea the field of pirates sail	A2
And all the race of Ymir thou didst drown	Q2
Save one Bergelmer he on shipboard fled	T2
Thy deluge and from him the Giants sprang	L
But all that brood thou hast remov'd far off	F
And set by Ocean's utmost marge to dwell	A2
But Hela into Niflheim thou threw'st	T2
And gav'st her nine unlighted worlds to rule	A2
A Queen and empire over all the dead	T2
That empire wilt thou now invade light up	V3
Her darkness from her grasp a subject tear	K
Try it but I for one will not applaud	T2
Nor do I merit Odin thou should'st slight	T2
Me and my words though thou be first in Heaven	Q2
For I too am a Goddess born of thee	L2
Thine eldest and of me the Gods are sprung	L4
And all that is to come I know but lock	E2
In my own breast and have to none reveal'd	T2
Come then since Hela holds by right her prey	G2
But offers terms for his release to heaven	Q2
Accept the chance thou canst no more obtain	Q2
Send through the world thy messengers entreat	T2
All living and unliving things to weep	A4
For Balder if thou haply thus may'st melt	T2
Hela and win the lov'd one back to Heaven '	-
	-
She spake and on her face let fall her veil	A2
And bow'd her head and sate with folded hands	L2
Nor did the all ruling Odin slight her word	T2
Straightway he spake and thus address'd the Gods	L2
	-
'Go quickly forth through all the world and pray	G2
All living and unliving things to weep	A4
Balder if haply he may thus be won '	-
	-
When the Gods heard they straight arose and took	I4
Their horses and rode forth through all the world	T2
North south east west they struck and roam'd the world	T2
Entreating all things to weep Balder's death	U
And all that liv'd and all without life wept	T2
And as in winter when the frost breaks up	V3
At winter's end before the spring begins	L2
And a warm west wind blows and thaw sets in	Q2
After an hour a dripping sound is heard	T2
In all the forests and the soft strewn snow	Q2
Under the trees is dibbled thick with holes	L2
And from the boughs the snowloads shuffle down	Q2
And in fields sloping to the south dark plots	L2
Of grass peep out amid surrounding snow	Q2
And widen and the peasant's heart is glad	T2
So through the world was heard a dripping noise	L2
Of all things weeping to bring Balder back	S2
And there fell joy upon the Gods to hear	K
	-
But Hermod rode with Niord whom he took	I4
To show him spits and beaches of the sea	L2
Far off where some unwarn'd might fail to weep	A4
Niord the God of storms whom fishers know	Q2
Not born in Heaven he was in Vanheim rear'd	T2
With men but lives a hostage with the Gods	L2
He knows each frith and every rocky creek	W4
Fring'd with dark pines and sands where seafowl scream	P3
They two scour'd every coast and all things wept	T2
And they rode home together through the wood	T2
Of Jarnvid which to east of Midgard lies	L2
Bordering the Giants where the trees are iron	Q2
There in the wood before a cave they came	J
Where sate in the cave's mouth a skinny Hag	X4
Toothless and old she gibes the passers by	T2
Thok is she call'd but now Lok wore her shape	Y4
She greeted them the first and laugh'd and said	T2
	-
'Ye Gods good lack is it so dull in Heaven	Q2
That ye come pleasuring to Thok's Iron Wood	T2
Lovers of change ye are fastidious sprites	L2
Look as in some boor's yard a sweet breath'd cow	U
Whose manger is stuff'd full of good fresh hay	G2
Snuffs at it daintily and stoops her head	T2
To chew the straw her litter at her feet	T2
So ye grow squeamish Gods and sniff at Heaven '	-
	-
She spake but Hermod answer'd her and said	T2
'Thok not for gibes we come we come for tears	L2
Balder is dead and Hela holds her prey	G2
But will restore if all things give him tears	L2
Begrudge not thine to all was Balder dear '	-
	-
But with a louder laugh the Hag replied	T2
'Is Balder dead and do ye come for tears	L2
Thok with dry eyes will weep o'er Balder's pyre	K
Weep him all other things if weep they will	A2
I weep him not let Hela keep her prey '	-
	-
She spake and to the cavern's depth she fled	T2
Mocking and Hermod knew their toil was vain	Q2
And as seafaring men who long have wrought	T2
In the great deep for gain at last come home	T3
And towards evening see the headlands rise	L2
Of their own country and can clear descry	K
A fire of wither'd furze which boys have lit	T2
Upon the cliffs or smoke of burning weeds	L2
Out of a till'd field inland then the wind	T2
Catches them and drives out again to sea	L2
And they go long days tossing up and down	Q2
Over the grey sea ridges and the glimpse	L2
Of port they had makes bitterer far their toil	A2
So the Gods' cross was bitterer for their joy	M4
	-
Then sad at heart to Niord Hermod spake	R
'It is the Accuser Lok who flouts us all	A2
Ride back and tell in Heaven this heavy news	L2
I must again below to Hela's realm '	-
	-
He spoke and Niord set forth back to Heaven	Q2
But northward Hermod rode the way below	Q2
Tho way he knew and travers'd Giall's stream	P3
And down to Ocean grop'd and cross'd the ice	L2
And came beneath the wall and found the grate	T2
Still lifted well was his return foreknown	Q2
And once more Hermod saw around him spread	T2
The joyless plains and heard the streams of Hell	A2
But as he enter'd on the extremest hound	T2
Of Niflheim he saw one Ghost come near	K
Hovering and stopping oft as if afraid	T2
Hoder the unhappy whom his own hand slew	T2
And Hermod look'd and knew his brother's ghost	T2
And call'd him by his name and sternly said	T2
	-
'Hoder ill fated blind in heart and eyes	L2
Why tarriest thou to plunge thee in the gulph	F
Of the deep inner gloom but flittest here	K
In twilight on the lonely verge of Hell	A2
Far from the other ghosts and Hela's throne	Q2
Doubtless thou fearest to meet Balder's voice	L2
Thy brother whom through folly thou didst slay '	-
	-
He spoke but Hoder answer'd him and said	T2
'Hermod the nimble dost thou still pursue	T2
The unhappy with reproach even in the grave	F
For this I died and fled beneath the gloom	Z
Not daily to endure abhorring Gods	L2
Nor with a hateful presence cumber Heaven	Q2
And canst thou not even here pass pitying by	T2
No less than Balder have I lost the light	T2
Of Heaven and communion with my kin	Q2
I too had once a wife and once a child	T2
And substance and a golden house in Heaven	Q2
But all I left of my own act and fled	T2
Below and dost thou hate me even here	K
Balder upbraids me not nor hates at all	A2
Though he has cause have any cause but he	L2
When that with downcast looks I hither came	J
Stretch'd forth his hand and with benignant voice	L2
Welcome he said if there be welcome here	K
Brother and fellow sport of Lok with me	L2
And not to offend thee Hermod nor to force	L2
My hated converse on thee came I up	V3
From the deep gloom where I will now return	Q2
But earnestly I long'd to hover near	K
Not too far off when that thou camest by	T2
To feel the presence of a brother God	T2
And hear the passage of a horse of Heaven	Q2
For the last time for here thou com'st no more '	-
	-
He spake and turn'd to go to the inner gloom	Z
But Hermod stay'd him with mild words and said	T2
	-
'Thou doest well to chide me Hoder blind	T2
Truly thou say'st the planning guilty mind	T2
Was Lok's the unwitting hand alone was thine	Q2
But Gods are like the sons of men in this	L2
When they have woe they blame the nearest cause	L2
Howbeit stay and be appeas'd and tell	A2
Sits Balder still in pomp by Hela's side	T2
Or is he mingled with the unnumber'd dead '	-
	-
And the blind Hoder answer'd him and spake	R
'His place of state remains by Hela's side	T2
But empty for his wife for Nanna came	J
Lately below and join'd him and the Pair	K
Frequent the still recesses of the realm	L3
Of Hela and hold converse undisturb'd	T2
But they too doubtless will have breath'd the balm	U4
Which floats before a visitant from Heaven	Q2
And have drawn upwards to this verge of Hell '	-
	-
He spake and as he ceas'd a puff of wind	T2
Roll'd heavily the leaden mist aside	T2
Round where they stood and they beheld Two Forms	L2
Make towards them o'er the stretching cloudy plain	Q2
And Hermod straight perceiv'd them who they were	K
Balder and Nanna and to Balder said	T2
	-
'Balder too truly thou foresaw'st a snare	K
Lok triumphs still and Hela keeps her prey	K
No more to Asgard shalt thou come nor lodge	M4
In thy own house Breidablik nor enjoy	M4
The love all bear towards thee nor train up	V3
Forset thy son to be belov'd like thee	L2
Here must thou lie and wait an endless age	M4
Therefore for the last time O Balder hail '	-
	-
He spake and Balder answer'd him and said	T2
'Hail and farewell for here thou com'st no more	K
Yet mourn not for me Hermod when thou sitt'st	T2
In Heaven nor let the other Gods lament	T2
As wholly to be pitied quite forlorn	Q2
For Nanna hath rejoin'd me who of old	T2
In Heaven was seldom parted from my side	T2
And still the acceptance follows me which crowned	T2
My former life and cheers me even here	K
The iron frown of Hela is relax'd	T2
When I draw nigh and the wan tribes of dead	T2
Trust me and gladly bring for my award	T2
Their ineffectual feuds and feeble hates	L2
Shadows of hates but they distress them still '	-
	-
And the fleet footed Hermod made reply	T2
'Thou hast then all the solace death allows	L2
Esteem and function and so far is well	A2
Yet here thou liest Balder underground	T2
Rusting for ever and the years roll on	Q2
The generations pass the ages grow	Q2
And bring us nearer to the final day	T2
When from the south shall march the Fiery Band	T2
And cross the Bridge of Heaven with Lok for guide	T2
And Fenris at his heel with broken chain	Q2
While from the east the Giant Rymer steers	L2
His ship and the great Serpent makes to land	T2
And all are marshall'd in one flaming square	K
Against the Gods upon the plains of Heaven	Q2
I mourn thee that thou canst not help us then '	-
	-
He spake but Balder answer'd him and said	T2
'Mourn not for me Mourn Hermod for the Gods	L2
Mourn for the men on Earth the Gods in Heaven	Q2
Who live and with their eyes shall see that day	T2
The day will come when Asgard's towers shall fall	A2
And Odin and his Sons the seed of Heaven	Q2
But what were I to save them in that hour	K
If strength could save them could not Odin save	F
My Father and his pride the Warrior Thor	K
Vidar the Silent the Impetuous Tyr	K
I what were I when these can naught avail	A2
Yet doubtless when the day of battle comes	L2
And the two Hosts are marshall'd and in Heaven	Q2
The golden crested Cock shall sound alarm	I
And his black Brother Bird from hence reply	T2
And bucklers clash and spears begin to pour	K
Longing will stir within my breast though vain	Q2
But not to me so grievous as I know	Q2
To other Gods it were is my enforc'd	T2
Absence from fields where I could nothing aid	T2
For I am long since weary of your storm	Z4
Of carnage and find Hermod in your life	F
Something too much of war and broils which make	R
Life one perpetual fight a bath of blood	T2
Mine eyes are dizzy with the arrowy hail	A2
Mine ears are stunn'd with blows and sick for calm	U4
Inactive therefore let me lie in gloom	Z
Unarm'd inglorious I attend the course	L2
Of ages and my late return to light	T2
In times less alien to a spirit mild	T2
In new recover'd seats the happier day '	-
	-
He spake and the fleet Hermod thus replied	T2
'Brother what seats are these what happier day	T2
Tell me that I may ponder it when gone '	-
	-
And the ray crowned Balder answer'd him	Q4
'Far to the south beyond The Blue there spreads	L2
Another Heaven The Boundless no one yet	T2
Hath reach'd it there hereafter shall arise	L2
The second Asgard with another name	J
Thither when o'er this present Earth and Heavens	L2
The tempest of the latter days hath swept	T2
And they from sight have disappear'd and sunk
Shall a small remnant of the Gods repair	K
Hoder and I shall join them from the grave	F
There re assembling we shall see emerge	M4
From the bright Ocean at our feet an Earth	U
More fresh more verdant than the last with fruits	L2
Self springing and a seed of man preserv'd	T2
Who then shall live in peace as now in war	K
But we in Heaven shall find again with joy	M4
The ruin'd palaces of Odin seats	L2
Familiar halls where we have supp'd of old	T2
Re enter them with wonder never fill	A2
Our eyes with gazing and rebuild with tears	L2
And we shall tread once more the well known plain	Q2
Of Ida and among the grass shall find	T2
The golden dice with which we play'd of yore	K
And that will bring to mind the former life	F
And pastime of the Gods the wise discourse	L2
Of Odin the delights of other days	L2
O Hermod pray that thou mayst join us then	Q2
Such for the future is my hope meanwhile	A2
I rest the thrall of Hela and endure	K
Death and the gloom which round me even now	Q2
Thickens and to its inner gulph recalls	L2
Farewell for longer speech is not allow'd '	-
	-
He spoke and wav'd farewell and gave his hand	T2
To Nanna and she gave their brother blind	T2
Her hand in turn for guidance and The Three	K
Departed o'er the cloudy plain and soon	Q2
Faded from sight into the interior gloom	Z
But Hermod stood beside his drooping horse	L2
Mute gazing after them in tears and fain	Q2
Fain had he follow'd their receding steps	L2
Though they to Death were bound and he to Heaven	Q2
Then but a Power he could not break withheld	T2
And as a stork which idle boys have trapp'd	T2
And tied him in a yard at autumn sees	L2
Flocks of his kind pass flying o'er his head	T2
To warmer lands and coasts that keep the sun	Q2
He strains to join their flight and from his shed	T2
Follows them with a long complaining cry	T2
So Hermod gaz'd and yearn'd to join his kin	Q2
	-
At last he sigh'd and set forth back to Heaven	Q2

Matthew Arnold

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