"'I Vaidelots a lengthy life have had, In Romove's sacred grove of oak; A thousand joyful messages, or sad, I brought to chieftains or to lesser folk. This is the worst, this news I bring, Make known to you, oh Lielvarde's Lord, More difficult for me no other thing, That is a part within my life's rich hoard.'" "'Yet do not grieve, oh countryman, but know: Remembering the deeds of men of yore, As ages pass the people's strength will grow, And battles won will free our race once more. Though Destiny now not even lets me see, How long the yoke that on our people falls.- Behold, the fading sunlight summons me, The golden Baltic sun my farewell calls!'" "Wise Vaidelots now ceased, his message brought, And in his boat he hastened to depart. Upon the bank I stood in deepest thought, The herald's passage marked with heavy heart. The Daugava now, in Kegums rapids' spray, Tossed hard the little boat upon the stream. A fading light came from the sun's last ray, The herald's boat fast faded in its gleam."- "The years since then are gone in time's long span, While Destiny's will I solemnly bore through. The gift of Vaidelots is grown to man, You are that sturdy boy; the child was you! From this day forth, in honour of your deed, 'Bearslayer' is your name, most surely meet. You saved your father in the hour of need; The world has seen your first heroic feat." Scene 2: Bearslayer is sent out into the world He is given the task of learning "I give you now a colt with saddle fine, Trim steed and sword of heavy metal true, A spear, a shield and silver spurs once mine, And headdress trimmed with fur of martens too. Upon the morrow you will haste away To Burtnieks's famous castle gate, Where dwells my friend of happy boyhood day- In Burtnieks's Castle lies your fate." "Both greet and hail, and tell him you aspire To learn in famous Burtnieks's school, Sent by your father knowledge to acquire, Where virtue true and cunning wisdom rule. Old Burtnieks will take you as a friend, And in his ancient castle clear will show The chests where sacred tomes the ages spend, That secrets deep of Destiny's purpose know." "These sacred books our lofty morals teach, And tell about the history of our land, Explain the gods, and faith and duty preach, And sing about the Latvian hero band. Of all this sacred knowledge, and much more, There learn as seven seasons passing go; How heroes bold acquit themselves in war, When they in battle strive against the foe." He departs from Lielvarde Next morning, fitted richly as a lord, Bearslayer stood at Lielvarde's gate. He buckled on his massive trusty sword, Took up his spear and shield and felt their weight. He placed his fur-trimmed cap upon his head And, standing there before his father dear, Made sad farewell, although no tear was shed.- Though brief and stern, the parting was sincere.