Some poor man in need To bless and to feed, I bring at its worth, This day of my birth, A book,--from my youth I must own. But Who in His power Gave bud and gave flower, To bread can transform In want's winter-storm Each leaf that my Springtime has grown. FORWARD (See Note 37) "Forward! forward!" Rang our fathers' battle-cry. "Forward! forward!" Norsemen, be our watchword high! All that fires the spirit and makes the heart's faith bright, For that we forward go with might And faithful fight. "Forward! forward!" Whoso loves a home that's free. "Forward! forward!" Freedom's course must ever be. Though it shall be tested by doubt and by defeat, Who will the losses' count repeat When vict'ries greet? "Forward! forward!" Whoso trusts in Norway's day. "Forward! forward!" Whoso goes our fathers' way. Hid in Northern mountains are spirit-treasures true They shall, when dawns the morning's blue, Come forth anew. THE MEETING (AT THE STUDENT MEETING OF 1869) (See Note 38) Thoughts toward one another coursing To their pole must run, Hearts that meet, all bonds are forcing, Like the springtime sun. Though to-day too heavy sorrow Dull the mind of youth, Higher on the meeting's morrow Roll the tides of truth. Though each man with courage fired Hundreds forward bore, Though a thousand died inspired, There is need of more. May a Northern Spring come blowing Over wood and field, Wake the hundred thousands, knowing Meeting-hour revealed! Hail! A Northern day is written In the brightening sky; Darksome dread, that erst had smitten, Flees, now dawn is nigh. After Gjallar-horn blasts hollow, Tears and shame and blood, As so often, now shall follow Full the spirit's flood. In our people's life deep-seated This is felt each day: Who grows stronger when defeated, Victor stands for aye. Our Spring-meeting's fullness swells now, Bearing prophecy Of the Spring whose hope upwells now: Hail, the Northern three! NORSE NATURE (IN RINGERIKE DURING THE STUDENT MEETING OF 1869) (See Note 39) We wander and sing with glee Of glorious Norway, fair to see. Let sweetly the tones go twining In colors so softly shining On mountain, forest, fjord, and shore, 'Neath heaven's azure arching o'er. The warmth of the nation's heart, The depth, the strength, its songs impart, Here opens its eyes to greet you, Rejoicing just now to meet you, And giving, grateful for the chance, In love a self-revealing glance. Here wakened our history first, Here Halfdan dreamed of greatness erst, In vision of hope beholding The kingdom's future unfolding, And _Nore_ stood and summons gave, While forth to conquest called the wave.