Toward God in heaven spacious With artless faith a boy looks free, As toward his mother gracious, And top of Christmas-tree. But early in the storm of youth There wounds him deep the serpent's tooth; His childhood's faith is doubted And flouted. Soon stands in radiant splendor With bridal wreath his boyhood's dream; Her loving eyes and tender The light of heaven's faith stream. As by his mother's knee of yore God's name he stammers yet once more, The rue of tears now paying And praying. When now life's conflict stirring Leads him along through doubtings wild, Then upward points unerring Close by his side his child. With children he a child is still And whatsoe'er his heart may chill, Prayer for his son is warming, Transforming. The greatest man in wonder Must ward the child within his breast, And list 'mid loudest thunder Its whisperings unrepressed. Where oft a hero fell with shame, The child it was restored his name, His better self revealing, And healing. All great things thought created In child-like joy sprang forth and grew; All strength with goodness mated, Obeyed the child's voice true. When beauty in the soul held sway, The child gave it in artless play;-- All wisdom worldly-minded Is blinded. Hail him, who forward presses So far that he a home is worth For there alone possesses The child-life peace on earth. Though worn we grieve and hardened grow, What solace 't is our home to know With children's laughter ringing And singing. + OLE GABRIEL UELAND (See Note 46) Of long toil 't is a matter Through many a silent age, Before such power can shatter Time-hallowed custom's cage. The soul-fruit of the peasant, Though seldom seed was sown, It is our honor present,-- Our future sure foreknown. The fjords that earnest waited 'Mid mountain-snows around His childhood's thoughts created And depth of life profound. The highlands' sun that played there On fjord and mountain snow So wide a vision made there As one could wish to know. When _he_ to Ting repairing Would plead the peasant's right, Each word a beam was bearing. To make our young day bright. It came like ancient story Or long-lost song's refrain; What crowned our past with glory It made our present gain. Though in his boat a seaman, A farmer in his field, Ne'er finer thoughts did freeman In royal council wield. His years bear witness ready That we shall yet achieve Our people's self-rule steady, He taught us to believe. When weary, worn, and aged, His faith was ever strong; The people's war he wagèd For victory erelong. Beneath the banner dying, He would not yet give o'er, And him Valkyries flying Home to Valhalla bore. From wintry night and bitter He was with stately tread In Saga's hall a-glitter Before the high-sear led. Old heroes proud or merry Rising to greet him went, But first of all King Sverre, From whom was his descent.