  When the sun had sunk low in the west, Frithiof said to BjÖrn: “Let us away, for this night I must speak with Ingeborg.” “How!” cried his friend, “wouldst thou violate Balder’s Grove?” “Surely ’twill be no violation of Balder’s sanctuary if I do but seek in all honor and propriety to hold converse with the King’s daughter, my play-fellow and companion from our infancy!” BjÖrn said no more, and “Ellida” soon brought them to the holy grove, one side of which was bounded by the sea. By that way it was forbidden to enter, under penalty of death, while from the land none but the priests might grant entrance through the door in the high wall to those wishing to visit the grove and temple. Paying no heed to this prohibition, Frithiof boldly entered the grove from the shore and suddenly appeared before Ingeborg, to her mingled joy and terror. “Fear not, dear Ingeborg,” he cried, clasping her hand, “that my presence here will profane Balder’s sanctuary. Nay, rather let us go into the temple and implore his aid and guidance.” In silence the lovers entered the temple, and not till the dawn began to break did they emerge and seek the shore once more. “Now have we plighted our troth before the gentle god,” said Frithiof, “and our love for each other shall therefore be publicly made known.” Thereupon the maiden besought Frithiof to forget what had passed and be reconciled to her brother. “Thy words accord with that which Balder hath implanted in my breast, fair maid,” replied Frithiof, “wherefore I will appear at the Ting and before all men offer to thy brother Helge the hand of peace. Soon shalt thou hear thereof.” And with these words they parted. |
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