The Norrna-Race

(NOVEMBER 4, 1864)     Norrna-race's longing,      It was the sea's free wave,     And fight of heroes thronging,      And honor that it gave;     Their thoughts and deeds upspringing      From roots in Surtr's fire,     With branches topward swinging      To Yggdrasil aspire.     His course alone each guided,      Oft brother-harm was done;     Our vict'ries were divided,      The honor gained was one.     Each heard his call time-fated,      First Norway, Denmark, came,     The Swede the longest waited,      But greatest grew his fame.     In eastern, western regions      The Danish dragons shone,     To Norway's roving legions      Jerusalem was known.     From sparks the Swedish spirit      Struck forth in Poland's night,     Through Ltzen must inherit      Full half the world its light.     First Norseman, Dane, agreeing      In trying times were found,     But Saga's will far-seeing      By little men was bound;     Then Norseman, Swede, agreeing,      Time in its fullness found,     And Saga's will far-seeing      Shall nevermore be bound.     There is prophetic power      In longing hearts of men,     Foretells our union's hour '      For great deeds once again.     Each festival so glorious      To solemn vows us draws:     Forever be victorious      Our blood's, our race's cause!